Identifying key performance indicators for use in control of pre-project stage process in construction

Purpose - The need for measuring construction project performance has led to development and implementation of various key performance indicators (KPIs). This paper aims to present and discuss the results of a pilot study and interviews to identify process-based KPIs for use in control of the pre-project stage. Design/methodology/approach - Initially, the process of the pre-project stage was mapped to define its main generic sub-processes and outputs based on the literature review. The process map was then verified through a pilot study. Based on the verified sub-processes, a number of process-based KPIs were identified and later validated by experts during the interviews. Findings - As a consequence of the refinement process due to the results of the pilot study and the interviews, the process-based KPIs for the pre-project stage were identified and the main issues they have to encompass were discussed. Originality/value - The identified KPIs offer a significant step towards process control within the pre-project stage. They provide a basis for further development to improve process transparency and to explain the relationships between the various sub-processes.