Establishing influence of design process performance on end-project goals in construction using process-based model

Purpose: Design process is a focal point in any construction process. It is within this process that the product to be built is defined, shaped and specified. To be able to control the design process, it is necessary to control the performance of its main sub‐processes in order to make sure that end‐project goals have a better chance of being achieved. This paper aims to propose a model for identifying process performance of the design stage through the performance of its key sub‐processes and linking them to the end‐project goals.

Design/methodology/approach: The research method used consisted of the following steps: identifying the key performance indicators (KPIs) to control the performance of the key design sub‐processes based on the literature review and a number of the interviews; and establishing the relationship between the design process performance represented by the identified KPIs and end‐project goals. This was done using experts during interviews.

Findings: The paper has resulted in a number of process‐based KPIs assessed to be critical for control of the design stage. Analysis of the interviews highlighted some similarities and differences in perceptions of clients and contractors on the priorities in controlling the design process. Analysis also showed that the identified KPIs have different degrees of influence on the end‐project goals.

Originality/value: The proposed model offers a systemic way of controlling the design process performance towards the desired goals using the identified KPIs. It also helps to understand the relationship between the design process performance and the end‐project goals.