CBPM 2025 · Vol. 2025, Issue 1

Unveiling the Key Drivers of Successful Operations Management in Construction Subcontracting

Henok Asfaw Hailu and Makgopa Tshehla

Keywords: Construction industry; drivers; operations; systematic literature review; subcontracting

Abstract

A significant portion of construction work is executed through subcontracting (SC). If not managed properly, SC can contribute to poor project performance. Failures in subcontracting can arise in various phases, including subcontractor selection, operations, and monitoring. This study aimed to identify and prioritize the key drivers of successful operations management in construction subcontracting. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to examine the available scholarly literature from Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases on the focus area of the study. From the databases, 31 studies were screened for further detailed review. A thematic content analysis, done with ATLAS.ti25, was done to identify eleven drivers of successful operations management in construction subcontracting. The findings ranked mutual trust and fairness; long-term partnership; adherence to quality standards and specifications; coordination of subcontractors; and timely payment as the top five critical drivers.