An Evaluation of South African Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMES’) Construction Business and Project Success: A Literature Review

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the factors that contribute to SMME contractors’ project success and the sustainability of their firms. Design / Methodology / Approach: The study relied predominantly on secondary data by interrogating existing germane construction management frameworks within the circle of SMME contractors and proposing a process model for improving the competitiveness of SMME contractors. The data synthesis and analysis was carried out systematically using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. Findings: The secondary data revealed that capability and skills, record keeping, education and training, networking, and communication (face-to-face interaction), and cost estimating skills play a vital role in terms of enhancing the competitiveness of SMME contractors. Research limitations / Implications: This study focused on the review of existing literature pertaining to SMME contractors business sustainability and project success factors. Practical Implications: To perform an appropriate construction management assessment, it is necessary to select effective construction management practices and to consider not just the area of application, but also the business functionality of SMME contractors which enables and promotes sustainable businesses. Originality / Value: To this end, a proposed process model has been developed for improving the competitiveness of SMME contractors. Hence this paper addresses management practices that could be adopted by SMME contractors and contributors to realise successful project delivery and sustainable construction businesses in South Africa.