Exploring designers’ perceptions of documentation quality management and its effect on construction project success

Introduction Recent studies emphasize the critical role of documentation quality management within the entire life cycle of a construction project. While prior studies addressed how quality of the documentation and change management affects the project delivery, a stakeholder-specific view on the effect of documentation quality on the project success has not been adequately explained. To address this gap, this paper aims to examine how technical specification of the tender documentation, specifically the quality of drawings and list of work, supplies, and services, affects the success of the project from the iron triangle perspective and designers’ viewpoint. Methods Quantitative data was collected via a questionnaire survey administered to construction professionals in the Czech Republic. The data was analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling approach. The analysed model consisted of four reflective constructs. Both direct relationships and indirect relationships through mediation were examined. Results The findings prove that experience of design documentation suppliers and knowledge in drawing documentation as well as the list works, supplies and services have statistically significant positive effect on the production of high-quality documentation. Furthermore, these factors are positively associated with project success in terms of costs, timely completion, and quality outcomes. The analysed model confirms both direct and indirect effects on the project success, with documentation quality serving as a significant mediating variable. Discussion The findings underscore the importance of documentation quality management at the early stages of the construction project and the need to consider a stakeholder-specific perspective on its provision. Several managerial implications for project-based organizations are discussed with emphasis on careful selection of design supplier by clients.