Improving Project Outcomes in Construction SMEs: Practical Drivers of Adaptive Success

Johannesburg, South Africa. mpimwusu@atu.edu.gh In construction, small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) working in dynamic, resource-constrained contexts are increasingly recognised as critical to project performance. The multidimensional Adaptive Success (ADS) framework, which combines outcome-based performance metrics with implementation skills, was developed and validated in this study. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used to analyse quantitative survey data from 400 construction professionals. The findings validate a two-dimensional framework consisting of Financial/Outcome Requirements (FUR) and Successful Implementation (SUI). While FUR records performance outcomes such as cost-effectiveness, client satisfaction, social capital, environmental quality, and job satisfaction, SUI incorporates innovation-oriented learning, skill development, access to resources and technology, and continual improvement. Effective implementation capabilities greatly improve project outcomes, as demonstrated by the high positive correlation between SUI and FUR. The results emphasise the importance of innovation, ongoing education, and access to resources in fostering adaptive success. This study provides a verified, practitioner-focused approach that goes beyond conventional performance indicators to support better project delivery and long-term competitiveness for construction SMEs. Implementing Circular