Abstract : The Indian construction industry is known to be inefficient and highly resistant to change. Even with a changing market and increasing competition, there are no obvious signs of commensurate changes in methods and approach. Project management, on the other hand, seems to offer what is needed in terms of tools and techniques to raise industry standards. Little is known of the extent to which project management as a discipline exists in India. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to investigate the current level of application of project management and the obstacles that have prevented its introduction in the Indian construction industry. A small questionnaire survey is reported that was conducted in early 2007. Following a pilot study, the main survey instrument was emailed to more than 150 participants and organisations. This produced a sample of 51 respondents from four different construction industry disciplines i.e. architect, engineer, project personnel and building surveyor. The responses and suggestions provided by the returns are studied and reviewed. These indicate that the Indian construction industry is growing and most of its consultants know of the existence project management. Barriers for the application of project management knowledge do exist, with 45% of the respondents indicating a high level of obstacles. A particular issue is the lack of encouragement from the construction organisations. A major difference was also observed between the public and private sectors, with many of the respondents claiming that project management is possible on a large scale in the private sector but not in the public sector. The reasons for this difference are government policies such as excessive bureaucracy, poor execution of projects, compromises on quality and standards, personal interests, low transparency and corruption. In addition, a large majority of respondents agreed that the construction industry lacks a structure or pattern; that tools such as project management can provide the structure needed; and with the help of this structure the industry should be able to overcome the problems involved in increased modernisation and transparency and be better prepared for future challenges.
? These indicate that the Indian construction industry is growing and most of its consultants know of the existence project management.
? With competition growing both domestically and internationally and additions to existing demands, these issues need to be addressed to withstand increasing competition and to increase profits and efficiency.
? Existence of bureaucracy, finance, politics, variations in government strategies, corruption, political influences, traditional government policies .
? With more knowledge, encouragement from organisations and if the industry professionals work on the principle of continuous improvement, more parameters can be added to the existing list and this may eventually raise standards in the industry
? A particular issue is the lack of encouragement from the construction organisations.
? With competition growing both domestically and internationally and additions to existing demands, these issues need to be addressed to withstand increasing competition and to increase profits and efficiency.
? From the data analysis it can be concluded that there is a realisation in the industry of these issues and a motivation to change the way things have been viewed in the past.
? Opinions of project management, its impacts, benefits and possible adverse effects.
• The importance of gaining as much information as possible about the proposed contract and site cannot be over emphasized.
• The contract documentation and tender drawings will provide a useful starting point but most Estimators will need to visit the proposed site to get a ‘feel’ for the contract and the environment in which the work will take place.
• The purpose of controlling is to ensure that everything occurs in conformities with the standards.
• It is that part of managerial function which actuates the organizational methods to work efficiently for achievement of organizational purposes.
? There is a very high need to make changes in current practice and make it more efficient by the use of tools and methods such as project management.
? With competition growing both domestically and internationally and additions to existing demands, these issues need to be addressed to withstand increasing competition and to increase profits and efficiency.
? Any improvements, developments or recent changes in the approach towards increasing productivity and efficiency in the industry .
? These include profit, efficiency, cost, time, quality, safety, satisfaction of users and clients, satisfaction of team members, and structure or pattern while executing projects.
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