A Structural Equation Modelling Approach to Developing a Project Delivery Performance Framework for the Indian Steel Sector

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the key organizational and managerial factors influencing Project Delivery Performance (PDP) in the Indian steel sector and to develop an empirically validated framework using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was adopted and primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 330 project professionals drawn from public and private sector steel companies. Partial Least Squares–SEM was employed to test direct and indirect relationships among governance, leadership, risk management, resource planning, technology adoption, stakeholder engagement and PDP, with Project Management Capability and Organizational Agility as mediating variables. The findings reveal that the proposed model explains a substantial proportion of variance in PDP, highlighting the critical mediating role of organizational agility and selective direct effects of leadership and risk management practices. The study offers important theoretical contributions by extending multidimensional PDP frameworks and provides practical implications for managers by emphasizing capability development, agile practices and robust governance mechanisms to enhance project delivery effectiveness in the steel industry.