scholarly journals IMPROVING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT PERFORMANCE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: CONTRACTOR APPROACH

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel A. Adekunle ◽  
Clinton Aigbavboa ◽  
Obuks A. Ejohwomu
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Project Success ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Project Planning ◽  
Incomplete Designs ◽  
Private Sector Organizations ◽  
Heavy Financial Burden

Achieving project success remains the aim of every project sponsor. The sponsor engages different professionals in the built environment to this end. However, unforeseen factors modify agreed terms, causing delay and leading to loss of time and money. Delay causes an overrun of cost and time having a heavy financial burden on the client and other stakeholders involved in the project. Most times, the contractor is always the focus when this happens. At many other times, other stakeholders, who failed in their obligations, only surface after a study of the contract conditions is carried out. Thus, this study examines project performance in the construction industry in Nigeria, but from a contractor’s perspective. The study adopts a survey research design. A total number of 75 questionnaires were administered to contractors, who were members of the Federation of Construction Industry and other private sector organizations, but 37 were successfully retrieved and analyzed. The result shows that to improve construction project performance in developing countries, the following issues need to be tackled: design and installation issues, payment issues and construction difficulties arising from incomplete designs by consultants. The study recommends, among other solutions, the incorporation of contractors from the project planning phase and adoption of BIM, which is presently not prevalent in the industry.

scholarly journals Assigning Weights for Modified Project Quarter Back Rating Based Construction Project Performance Model

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 895-904
Author(s):  
Prachi Vinod Ingle ◽  
Gangadhar Mahesh
Keyword(s):  
Performance Assessment ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Project Success ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Performance Model ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Stakeholder Satisfaction

The Indian construction industry is facing challenges due to performance shortfalls. The construction projects are highly complex, distinctive, fragmented and do not have of well-established performance assessment models to evaluate their project success. Assessing overall project success is not possible to measure by single factor. To address this limitation, the Modified Project Quarter Back Rating (PQR) model was developed for the Indian construction industry. Modified PQR model’s output is a project score based on performance areas affecting project success and outcome. The model integrates ten performance areas that have identified through literature review. Performance areas included in the model are; (i) Cost (ii) Schedule (iii) Stakeholder satisfaction (iv) Safety (v) Quality (vi) Finance (vii) Environment (viii) Communication and collaboration (ix) Customer relation and (x) Productivity. These performance areas are measured through different performance metrics; i.e. performance metrics scores are aggregated to compute performance area scores. The model gives a single score that will help in comparing overall performance for different projects. This paper attempted to highlight the importance of performance metrics in modified Project Quarter Back Rating (PQR) based construction project performance assessment model for the Indian construction industry. The validity of the model needs assigning appropriate weights to the performance metrics as the weightage determines the relevance. Appropriate weights were determined using two round Delphi survey with 12 experts. Findings reveal that two performance metrics; return business from customer relation and OSHA recordable from safety have high weights. This modified PQR model will help key participants of the industry to compare the performance of various projects and to monitor performance areas that impact project performance rating.

Knowledge management for construction organisations: a research agenda

Kybernetes ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (9) ◽  
pp. 1778-1800 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vipula Sisirakumara Gunasekera ◽  
Siong-Choy Chong
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Political Influence ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Project Planning ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Conversion ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper aims to review the knowledge management (KM) processes, knowledge conversion modes and critical success factors (CSFs) and contextualise them to the construction setting to guide effective KM implementation.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is conceptual in nature. It begins with a review of issues faced by construction organisations, which led them to consider implementing KM. This is followed by a comprehensive review of KM processes, knowledge conversion modes, KM CSFs and their application to the construction industry.FindingsBased on the socialisation, externalisation, combination and internalisation (SECI) model, the knowledge conversion modes are discussed, linking them to the KM processes of knowledge creation, sharing, storage and application. The KM CSFs identified from construction literature suggest that they can be categorised into two groups, namely, factors within organisational control (managerial influence, technological influence and resource influence) and factors beyond organisational control (social influence, political influence, environmental influence, economic influence, industry influence and construction technology influence). The resulting review is discussed in terms of how construction organisations can implement KM effectively to achieve the desired project performance outcomes in terms of time, cost and quality.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this paper has made some theoretical contributions, a quantitative analysis will further reinforce its value both in theory and practice, particularly in terms of applying the KM processes and CSFs to different organisational, industry and country settings. A quantitative research is being carried out in the major construction sector in Sri Lanka to establish the relationships between the KM processes, knowledge conversion modes and KM CSFs with project performance outcomes, which will be reported in a subsequent publication.Practical implicationsAs the construction industry uses a considerable number of knowledge workers, implementing KM for project planning and execution is the key to sustaining the growth of construction organisations and industry, particularly when KM implementation is linked to project performance outcomes. Practical implications are provided in terms of what successful KM implementation entails.Social implicationsEffective KM implementation can serve as a conduit for construction organisations to build capacity and develop the ability to react quickly to social challenges brought about by different stakeholders, even before the project commences, so that the project performance outcomes will not be affected. Another social implication is the role played by project team members, in which efforts have to be put in place to facilitate the use of KM processes, so that teams can align project activities to the general good of their organisations.Originality/valueA comprehensive KM framework that guides the construction industry on KM implementation is long overdue. This research represents the first of such attempts to view KM from a wider perspective, both in terms of internal and external influences affecting construction organisations. Once the conceptual framework developed is validated, it is expected to bring enormous benefits to different stakeholders.

Exploring influential factors leading to the poor performance of public construction project in Ethiopia using structural equation modelling

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benti Gadisa ◽  
Hong Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Project Design ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Public Construction

PurposeIt is well recognized that the construction industry is characterised by inefficient and ineffective service delivery due to various causative factors. Thus this study aims to examine the influential factors affecting public construction project performance in Ethiopia to improve the industry's service delivery.Design/methodology/approachFrom the extensive literature reviewed, 58 potential factors affecting construction project performance have been compiled. Based on the evidence accumulated, the conceptual model of this paper has been developed. By using survey questionnaires, valuable data were collected from the construction industry professionals in Ethiopia; analysed and interpreted with the use of both SPSS and AMOS software.FindingsIt is concluded that failure factors related to the “performance” of the contractor, the “capability” of the owner, the “project design-procurement process,” and project contract management can significantly contribute to the poor performance of public construction projects in Ethiopia. Ten key factors include inadequate contractor capacity, weak project site management and supervision, weak project management skills and capabilities of the owner, additional work orders, delayed payment, lack of comprehensive project plans between parties and incomplete project design, rising material prices, ineffective project schedules, and cost management, rising market prices and devaluation of the currency.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of this study confined to public projects in Ethiopia. It suggests that further research needs to consider public and private construction from a comprehensive perspective in the developing countries.Practical implicationsIt provides practitioners with information and guidance on the factors that affect the performance of construction projects.Originality/valueIt provides inclusive evidence related to many factors that affect the performance of public construction projects.

scholarly journals Assessment of Causes and Effects of Variation on Construction Project Performance in South West Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 629-641
Author(s):  
Esan Martins Taiwo ◽  
Folaranmi Kazeem Adekunle ◽  
Hassan H ◽  
Buari T. A
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Cost Overruns ◽  
South West ◽  
Training Professionals ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Proactive Measures

The construction industry in Nigeria faces many problems, including the delay due to variations in project execution. This delay has been studied as a major setback in the Nigerian construction industry. In Nigeria, the construction industry's performance in terms of time has been observed to be poor. The objective of this study is to examine the variation of the construction project in order to determine the effect on the delivery of the project. The maximum performance of the project would be reached if the work always goes efficiently on time with the budget. The result of the variation is delay, cost overruns, quality defects and other negative impacts. The causes of variation were identified by a questionnaire survey for two higher education institutions. The results of the study identified the five main factors, including change of plan or scope, defective labour, customers' financial problems, unavailability of skills and desired profitability of the entrepreneur. In general, the study shows agreement among clients, consultants and contractors regarding the classification of the 20 factors that cause the variation. The results also reveal that factors related to clients are the main causes of variation, followed by factors related to contractors. An understanding of the causes and effects of the variation would be helpful in training professionals to assess the variation. In addition, the study would also help professionals take proactive measures to reduce the gaps on construction projects.

Service quality of insurance in complex project deals in the construction industry in Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
De-Graft Owusu-Manu ◽  
Frank Ato Ghansah ◽  
Amos Darko ◽  
Richard Ohene Asiedu
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Insurance Firms ◽  
Complex Construction ◽  
Complex Project ◽  
Project Insurance

PurposeThe insurance sector provides insurance protection for complex project deals in Ghana. The study assesses the service quality of insurance of complex project deals in the construction industry of developing countries, specifically Ghana. The objectives are to identify the insurance typologies in complex project deals in the construction industry, to assess the level of construction insurance quality, and to assess the challenges faced in complex project insurance.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze the previously related works on insurance in the construction industry. The study then adopted quantitative research strategy where a structured questionnaire survey was used to collect information from construction industry professionals. The data analysis was organized in accordance with the specific objectives of the study with the aid of mean score analysis and independent sample t-test. The study again measured the reliability of the adopted scale using Cronbach's alpha, which indicated that all the items reliably measured what they were intended to measure, and thereby, statistical tools can be applied to give in-depth meanings.FindingsThe insurance typologies for complex projects were discovered by the study, as well as the available service qualities of insurance. The study again made it clear that the major challenges capable of affecting complex construction project are low quality of insurance companies' services and the gap in statutory and legal systems.Research limitation/implicationsThe major constraint in this study was the issue of taking only Ghana as a developing country to generalize the result. This is then to provide lessons for other developing countries.Practical implicationThe findings from this study will be useful to construction firms, insurance firms, and regulatory bodies by identifying the effectiveness of insurance as a risk mitigation measure in construction. The study will help the insurance firms to better position themselves to meet the demands of the construction industry. As the findings of this study are Ghana-specific, it is also to provide lessons for other developing countries.Originality/valueThis study delves deep into the complex construction project insurance service quality in developing countries, specifically Ghana.

CONSTRUCTION STAKEHOLDERS’ PERSPECTIVE ON EXTERNAL RELATED RISK FACTORS INFLUENCING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT PERFORMANCE

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-85
Author(s):  
Abdarahim Salem ◽  
Eric Simpeh ◽  
Julius Fapohunda
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
South African ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Organisational Performance ◽  
The South ◽  
Related Risk ◽  
The Impact

The construction industry is extremely complex, with dynamic project environments creating an atmosphere of high uncertainty and risk. For that reason, risks in construction project have become an inevitable feature and the industry is susceptible to numerous business, socio-political and technical risks that negatively influence project delivery. This study therefore investigates the causes of external risks factors in construction project delivery and the effect on project and organisational performance so that efficient control measures can be designed to minimise its occurrence. A quantitative research design was adopted, and the sample comprised of randomly selected construction professionals in the Western Cape Province. The data was statistically analysed using descriptive and inferential analyses. The salient findings revealed that socio-political-related risk factors were the major causes of risks during construction project delivery, these factors include labour strikes and disputes due to union issues, excessive influence by government on court proceedings regarding construction project disputes, and constraints on the availability and employment of expatriate staff. In addition, the study revealed the impact of external related risks on projects and organisational performance, and it was found that cost overrun was ranked the most significant on project performance and disputes between parties to the contract was ranked the most significant on organisational performance. In the context of the South African construction industry, previous studies tended to focus more on internal risks as opposed to external risks. Therefore, this study makes a contribution to the body of knowledge on the subject within a previously unexplored context. The study provides insights with regard to the sources of external related risks associated with construction project within the context of the South African construction industry.

scholarly journals The impact of Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Phases on Project Performance: A Case of Large-scale Residential Construction Project

Buildings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamyar Kabirifar ◽  
Mohammad Mojtahedi
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Project Planning ◽  
Residential Construction ◽  
High Rise ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Significant Factors

The Construction Industry is a complex and fragmented industry worldwide with regards to its supply chain, products, and processes, and is faced with a similar dilemma as faced by manufacturers during its time in past decades. Scope, time, and cost are the triple constraints of project management and leading factors in defining the project performance. Productivity and efficiency of each construction project is measured through its triple constraints, therefore the factors that affect project success are significantly important. Despite the importance of understanding project performance indicators, few empirical studies have been conducted over the last decade in terms of analyzing the factors that determine the performance of high-rise buildings in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) projects. Hence, the aim of this paper is to analyze and rank EPC critical activities across large-scale residential construction projects in Iran, by using the TOPSIS method as a multi-attribute group decision-making technique. Results indicate that engineering design, project planning and controls are significant factors contributing to the project performance. In addition, engineering has a pivotal role in project performance and this significance is followed by the construction phase. On the contrary, all believe procurement is more important than Construction phase.

scholarly journals An Empirical Analysis of the relationship between Project Success Criteria and Project Planning Techniques used in Construction Industry of Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 475-483
Author(s):  
Shahid Iqbal ◽  
Waheed Asghar ◽  
Anum Munir ◽  
M. Nayab Khalid
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Project Success ◽  
Project Planning ◽  
Planning Techniques ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Success Criteria ◽  
Project Success Criteria

The purpose of this research study is to look at, how the utilization of planning techniques / strategies having the most important impacts on any project /organization’s success and imaginative problem?solving. In particular Project Planning Techniques, three most important arranging basic strategies including, Gantt graphs, case?based arranging and basic way investigation, were studied &analyzed. As this study is an empirical in nature which purposes to highlight the project standards used to examine the accomplishment of projects and the project planning techniques being practically applicable. It is quantitative research study and questionnaires were asked to access the variables and associate with the existing literature. Project Success criteria were graded which were found to be dissimilar in this field as compare to others. It also presented the knowledge and usage of project planning techniques for categorizing the room of improvement as for as the Project Success is concerned, where some professional trainings are required for the project team members. The role of Effective Project Governance is also very vital for project success as well. The main focus and targeted area is the construction industry of Pakistan.

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