“Unveiling Success: Critical Success Factors in Public–Private Partnership Projects Performance in Palestine: The Moderating Role of Risk Management Practice” رسالة دكتوراة

Abstract

Introduction: Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) are vital for infrastructure development in resource-constrained regions like Palestine, yet face challenges from political instability, weak regulations, and poor risk management. This study identifies Critical Success Factors (CSFs) using the PESTEL framework and examines Risk Management Practices (RMPs) as a moderator influencing PPP project performance. It addresses gaps in context-specific research for fragile environments, aiming to enhance project outcomes in sectors like transport, water, and energy. Methodology: A quantitative and cross-sectional design was employed, surveying the Public–Private partnerships projects stakeholders (government officials, private partners, project managers) in Palestine using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed via Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test hypotheses on critical success factors' impact on Public–Private partnerships projects and performance, and the moderating role of risk management practices. Result: The CSFs had a strong positive effect on the PPP project and performance, indicating that factors like political stability, clear legal frameworks, and stakeholder engagement are pivotal for achieving cost-effectiveness, timeliness, quality, and sustainability. CSFs significantly influenced RMPs, suggesting that a supportive political and legal environment enhances risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring. RMPs directly improved PPP performance, underscoring their importance in navigating Palestine’s volatile context, where political instability and economic uncertainties are prevalent. The moderating effect of RMPs on the CSFs and PPPs projects and performance relationship revealed that robust risk management strengthens the impact of CSFs on project outcomes. V Practical Implications: Policymakers should integrate RMPs into PPP frameworks, prioritize political stability and legal reforms, and foster stakeholder training. This could reduce failures, attract investments, and promote sustainable infrastructure, benefiting donors and communities in conflict zones.