Abstract

High-rise building (HRB) production in Lagos State, Nigeria, continues to experience persistent delays, cost overruns, and risk-related inefficiencies despite the increasing adoption of project management tools. This study develops an integrated framework for optimizing the application of project management tools to enhance performance outcomes in HRB construction. This research is grounded in Social Cognitive Theory and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), providing a behavioral and technological adoption lens for evaluating tool effectiveness.

A mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and case studies. Data were collected from 224 building professionals operating in Victoria Island and Ikoyi, with 208 valid responses analyzed. Using a five-point Likert scale, data were examined through Relative Importance Index (RII), correlation analysis, and multiple regression modelling.

The findings indicate significant positive relationships between key project management variables—cost, time, and scope—and project performance in HRB production. Cost demonstrated a strong positive correlation with performance (r = 0.52), accounting for 27% of performance variance. Time (r = 0.441) and scope (r = 0.717) also exhibited statistically significant correlations. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that these variables collectively explained 57.1% of the variance in project performance (r = 0.756, p < 0.05).

The study further establishes statistically significant differences in the effectiveness, deficiencies, and operational characteristics of project management tools applied in HRB construction. These differences influence production outcomes in distinct ways, underscoring the strategic importance of tool selection and contextual adaptation in high-rise construction environments.

Based on empirical findings, the study proposes a conceptual framework integrating Lean Construction, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and Earned Value Management (EVM) to strengthen stakeholder engagement, risk management, decision-making processes, and performance monitoring. The framework provides a structured pathway for improving cost efficiency, schedule adherence, and risk mitigation in HRB projects within emerging urban economies.

This research contributes to construction management theory and practice by linking technology adoption behavior with project performance optimization and recommends institutional and policy support to enhance the implementation of structured project management frameworks in Lagos State.