This thesis investigates the integration of human-centric factors (HCFs) of communication, trust, and flexibility into project management frameworks to enhance performance in civil and offshore constructions. As a reaction against the usual 20-45% cost overrun and 30% schedule delay problems, where 70-80% of failure is caused by human factors, this research presents a new framework to increase schedule compliance, cost-effectiveness, quality, and responsiveness under high-uncertainty situations. Traditional methods like PRINCE2 and PMBOK overlook behavioral team dynamics, but a people-centric approach is needed to mitigate inefficiencies created by disruptions like supply chain disruptions or regulatory changes.

Employing a mixed-methods design, the study integrates systematic literature review, semi-structured interviews with eight field experts, Gioia methodology, A12 highway project case study, and Graphical Evaluation and Review Technique (GERT) modeling. Literature review also identified gaps in empirical data and systematic synthesis of HCFs, whereas thematic synthesis of 50 studies established their impact, e.g., communication of a 10% delay reduction. Gioia analysis and interviews yielded three aggregate dimensions: Integration of Human Factors, Human-Centric Performance Optimization, and Adaptive Team Dynamics. GERT simulations quantified performance improvement with 8% reduced schedule delays using empathetic communication and 10-12% cost and rework avoidance with cooperative workshops. The A12 case study verified the results, wherein stakeholder briefings and trust minimization reduced conflicts by 15%.

The proposed framework offers practical recommendations, including active listening training, joint monthly workshops, and anticipatory planning based on GERT, which supplement mainstream methodologies. It achieves 10-15% reduction in delays and 15-20% increase in team satisfaction. It also advances project management theoretically by creating a qualitative foundation for the merging of HCF and widening the application of GERT in behavior modeling. Despite having a constraint like a small interview sample size, this thesis presents a sound foundation for enhancing construction project performance and resilience through human-centered methods.

Keywords: Human-Centric Factors, Project Management, Project Performance, Communication, Trust, Flexibility, Gioia Analysis, GERT