Critical Drivers of Successful Operations Management in Construction Subcontracting: A Sequential SLR- AHP Approach

Abstract

Subcontracting (SC) constitutes a significant portion of construction project activities, yet ineffective management can lead to project failures. This study identifies and prioritizes the critical drivers of successful operations management in construction subcontracting. Using a sequential SLR-AHP approach, the study first conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) to extract key drivers from existing research. The findings were then validated through an expert survey using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The results highlight ‘Timely Payment by the Contractor’ as the most critical driver, underscoring the importance of financial reliability in sustaining workflow efficiency and subcontractor performance. ‘Execution Capability of Subcontractors’ and ‘Mutual Trust and Fairness’ ranked second and third, emphasizing the need for capacity-building initiatives and a collaborative project environment. These findings provide valuable insights for improving operations in construction subcontracting works.