Modeling of planning function management in Vietnam’s public construction works

PurposeThe planning function is a central component of management principles, enabling the success of construction project management. Many works have been highlighting the topic of critical success factors within construction organizations, yet the results have rarely covered planning behaviors within public construction work management; these less investigated areas were the aims of this study.Design/methodology/approachTo fulfill this research aim, seven attributes of planning function were first derived through focus group studies, a focused literature review and focal interviews with industry practitioners. Then, a regression analysis design was employed with data collected from 139 professionals who are involved in public construction works management in Vietnam. The structural equation modeling technique with partial least-squares estimation was utilized to analyze the data.FindingsThe results revealed seven behavioral dimensions (i.e. Goals planning (PL1), Planning guidance (PL2), Strategic planning (PL3), Financial mobilization (PL4), Action plan (PL5), Expenditure planning (PL6) and Responsibility assignment (PL7)) to measure planning function management in terms of public construction works. The study also reveals that Goals planning (PL1), Financial mobilization (PL4), Expenditure planning (PL6) and Responsibility assignment (PL7) have significant effects on management effectiveness. At the same time, Goals planning (PL1) acts as the mediator of Planning guidance (PL2) and Strategic planning (PL3); while Action plan (PL5) specifies an indirect influence through the mediator of PL4, PL6 and PL7.Originality/valueThe success of this approach is expected to reinforce the contribution of the planning function and suggest a useful tool for supporting the professionals in managing public construction works.