PESTLE Factors Affecting Project Management Efficiency in India’s Steel Industry: A QUEST-Based Urgency–Impact Analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify and prioritise important external drivers that influence project results by examining the impact of macro environmental factors on project management efficiency in India's steel sector. The study, which is based on the QUEST (PESTLE-based) framework, uses a structured questionnaire to gather information from experts in the field with a range of positions and degrees of experience. The correlations between variables are examined and components are categorised according to their relative importance using sophisticated analytical tools such as factor analysis (Principal Component Analysis with Varimax rotation), multiple regression, ANOVA, and an Urgency–Impact matrix.

The results show a clear six-factor structure that includes political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental aspects, all of which have a major impact on the effectiveness of project management. All macro environmental aspects have a considerable impact on project management efficiency, with legal and environmental factors having the biggest effects, according to regression and ANOVA data. The Urgency-Impact approach also emphasises that while certain elements require strategic or operational focus, others, like land acquisition, environmental restrictions, political stability, and price swings, require immediate managerial attention. Prioritisation is also greatly influenced by urgency, and even while perceived impact is modest, it has a considerable impact on improving project outcomes.