Investigation of Cost-Influencing Factors Potentially ‎Controllable by Main Contractors in Construction Projects in ‎Iraq

Cost overrun in construction projects is a common phenomenon in Iraq. This might occur due to diversity of factors. This study aims to identify the factors influencing construction projects cost that are potentially controllable by main contractors. A field study through a questionnaire survey was directed to a sample of related Iraqi professional engineers from general contracting companies at both public and private sectors. Their opinions on the impact and frequency of each factor were investigated. The questionnaire offered (59) factors classified in (8) categories namely; legislations, financial and economic, design, contractual, site management, material, labor and equipment. The factors were ranked according to the highest Relative Importance Index (RII). The study revealed (10) major factors that are potentially controllable by main contractors namely; labor productivity, sub-contractors and suppliers performance, equipment productivity, site organization and distribution of equipment, experience and training of project managers, scheduling and control techniques, planning for materials supply, planning for equipment supply, materials delivery and planning for skilled labor recruitment. Recommendations to aid contractors and owners in early identification of these factors are also included in this study.

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FACTORS AFFECTING THE PRODUCTIVITY OF BUILDING CRAFTSMEN ‐ STUDIES OF UGANDA

Journal of Civil Engineering and Management ◽

10.3846/13923730.2007.9636434 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 169-176 ◽

Cited By ~ 68

Author(s):

Henry Mwanaki Alinaitwe ◽

Jackson A. Mwakali ◽

Bengt Hansson

Keyword(s):

Construction Projects ◽

Labour Productivity ◽

Weather Conditions ◽

Project Managers ◽

Time Cost ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Construction Methods ◽

Importance Index ◽

Building Craftsmen ◽

Major Factors

Poor productivity of construction workers is one of the causes of cost and time overruns in construction projects. The productivity of labour is particularly important especially in developing countries, where most of the building construction work is still on manual basis. This paper reports on a survey made on project managers of building projects in Uganda, where an increase in productivity is being sought. Respondents were required to rate using their experience how 36 factors affect productivity with respect to time, cost and quality. The survey was carried out by a questionnaire and responses received over a period of 3 months. The ten most significant problems affecting labour productivity were identified as incompetent supervisors; lack of skills from the workers; rework; lack of tools/equipment; poor construction methods; poor communication; inaccurate drawings; stoppages because of work being rejected by consultants; political insecurity; tools/equipment breakdown; and harsh weather conditions. Although lack of materials is ranked highest with regard to average rating on loss of time, it was not ranked among the top ten using the importance index that takes into account time, cost as well as work quality. The policy makers and researchers should focus on the identified major factors in order to improve productivity.

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Factors Militating Against Prompt Delivery of Construction Projects in Lagos Megacity, Nigeria: Contractors’ Perspective

Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences ◽

10.5901/mjss.2017.v8n3p233 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 233-242 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ayodeji Olubunmi Ogunde ◽

Odje Emmanuel Dafe ◽

Gbemisola Ajoke Akinola ◽

Kunle Elizah Ogundipe ◽

Olayinka Clement Oloke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Key Management ◽

Construction Projects ◽

Construction Project ◽

Project Managers ◽

Cost Overrun ◽

Flow Problems ◽

Management Personnel ◽

Importance Index ◽

Lagos State ◽

Causes Of Delays

Abstract Delay is a common issue faced in the construction industry all over the world especially in developing countries. The aim of this study is to evaluate factors causing delays and their effects on construction projects in Lagos Mega City, Nigeria from the contractors’ perspective. It is predicated on the incessant delay experienced by contractors on construction projects. Purposive sampling method was adopted for the study;. Quantitative data was obtained by administration of One hundred (100) structured questionnaires distributed to contractors of construction project sites in Lagos State and Qualitative data was obtained from interview of key management personnel of the companies and journals. Ranking analysis of the 33 major causes of delays identified through literature review using Relative Importance Index (RII) showed that cash flow problems during construction (RII=4.81), clients’ financial difficulties (RII=4.47) and poor procurement (RII=4.40) were the most importantt causes of delays in construction project sites in Lagos State, Cost overrun (RII=4.92), late payment (RII=4.59) and project extension (RII=4.45) were predominant effects of delay in construction project. Hypotheses testing on relationship between shortage of skilled labour, improper equipment during construction and delay in construction project using One-Way ANOVA showed positive correlation. For improved efficiency and effective project delivery in the industry, proper payment from client (RII=4.78), competent project managers (RII=4.64), the use of experienced subcontractors and suppliers (RII=4.48) should be encouraged to mitigate against delay in construction projects.

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Impact of Communication Management on the Delivery of Construction Projects in Abuja, Nigeria

Nigerian Journal of Technological Research ◽

10.4314/njtr.v16i1.11 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 77-88

Author(s):

Abdullateef Adewale Shittu ◽

Mercy Oiseruimen Evborokhai ◽

Abel John Tsado

Keyword(s):

Construction Projects ◽

Quantitative Research ◽

Study Data ◽

Project Managers ◽

Survey Analysis ◽

Item Score ◽

Communication Management ◽

Importance Index ◽

Project Failures ◽

The Impact

Studies have attributed project failure to poor communication management. This research assessed the impact of communication management on the delivery of construction projects in Abuja, with a view to proposing strategies for improving communication management. The quantitative research method was adopted for the study. Data collection was done through questionnaire survey. Analysis of data was carried out using Mean Item Score (MIS) and Relation Importance Index (RII). Results of the study revealed that the most important causes of poor communication management on construction projects range from Poor feedback (RII = 0.89) to Lack of training (RII = 0.82). The influence of communication management on the cost (MIS = 3.80-4.55), time (MIS = 3.83-4.50) and quality (MIS = 3.53-4.25) delivery of construction projects is significant. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the impact of communication management on the delivery of construction projects in Abuja is significant. It was recommended that project managers should avoid the major causes of poor communication management which range from “Ineffective communication channel used” to “Lack of training” in order to minimise potential dispute, misunderstanding and project failures as a result of poor management of communication on project sites. Keywords: Communication, Communication Management, Construction Projects, Cost. Quality, Time.

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Factors contributing to project time and hence cost overrun in the Malaysian construction industry

Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction ◽

10.1108/jfmpc-04-2013-0009 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 55-75 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

Zayyana Shehu ◽

Intan R. Endut ◽

Akintola Akintoye

Keyword(s):

Construction Industry ◽

Construction Projects ◽

Cost Overrun ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Public And Private ◽

Content Type ◽

Flow Problems ◽

Additional Costs ◽

Major Factors ◽

Project Delays

Purpose – The delivery of construction projects in Malaysia is plagued by time overruns, which turns what should have been successful projects into those incurring additional costs, or money-losing ventures; as well as leading to various other unexpected negative effects and faute de mieux situations. The purpose of this research is to assess those factors leading to time overrun in Malaysian construction projects. The perceptions of public and private sectors, contractors, clients, and consultants are compared relative to a list of factors derived from the review of extant literature in project delay. Design/methodology/approach – The research data were collected through an industry-wide questionnaire survey circulated across the Malaysian construction industry. The research develops a list of 84 time overrun factors. Responses were collected from 49 clients, 51 contractors, and 105 consultants, to explore and analyse the major factors that are responsible for causing time overrun based on sectors (public and private), organisations (clients, contractors and consultants) and professional roles. Findings – Project delays beyond contract dates are predominantly caused by contractors and are usually associated with financial factors. “Cash flow problems faced by the contractors” was found the major factor, which contributed to project delays, whereas “storage on site” was seen as the least significant factor. Practical implications – It is noteworthy that the findings in this research have a regional focus; it is, therefore, suggested that readers from other sections of the world exercise caution in applying the findings. As it is believed that every construction industry has its nature, culture and regulations, these factors can change as a result of such differences. Originality/value – This research provides stakeholders with information on factors, which, if properly understood, can make project delays less likely.

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Cost overrun in construction projects in Oman: Case study

Journal of Student Research ◽

10.47611/jsr.v10i3.1382 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Haitham Nasser Al Siyabi ◽

Omar Khaleel

Keyword(s):

Construction Industry ◽

Construction Projects ◽

Poor Quality ◽

Building Construction ◽

Cost Overrun ◽

Survey Interviews ◽

Original Contract ◽

Major Factors ◽

The Cost ◽

The Impact

There are many challenges in construction industry sector, and one of the most important and critical is completion of the project within the original contract value. As the issue of cost overrun in construction projects is spread worldwide generally and commonly encountered in the Sultanate of Oman.The main objectives of this study are to identify and determine vital factors leading to cost overrun in Building Projects in Oman, evaluate the impact of cost overrun in building construction projects and develop the best protocol strategy for project management teams that can be adopted in order to control the cost overrun in future projects. These objectives have been obtained through several methods, questionnaire survey,interviews with experts in construction industry. Twenty nine major factors lead to cost overrun were identified through literature review and studied in Sultanate of Oman.The study concluded that there are three major impacts of cost overrun in construction projects and industry which are time of completion, delivery of poor quality projects and delay of payment approval. Additional to that, Hire good Supervision Team, a good Cost Controller, Project Manager, a good project design team, well planning for pre-contract stage and proper procurement strategy. Consider the Risk assessment and Risk Control are crucial to minimize the cost overrun in building construction project in Oman. The study have recommended procedure to cost control in future project such as the Employer should have a proper tender analysis of the Contractor’s bid, Detailed design should be finalized before award of work and others.

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Labour productivity motivation framework for Iskandar Malaysia

Built Environment Project and Asset Management ◽

10.1108/bepam-09-2017-0070 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 293-304 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Chukwuka Christian Ohueri ◽

Wallace Imoudu Enegbuma ◽

Ngie Hing Wong ◽

Kuok King Kuok ◽

Russell Kenley

Keyword(s):

Financial Incentives ◽

Construction Projects ◽

Quantitative Research ◽

Labour Productivity ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Working Environment ◽

Continuous Training ◽

Content Type ◽

Importance Index ◽

Major Factors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a motivation framework that will enhance labour productivity for Iskandar Malaysia (IM) construction projects. The vision of IM development corridor is to become Southern Peninsular Malaysia’s most developed region by the year 2025. IM cannot realise this foresight without effective labour productivity. Previous studies have reported that the labour productivity of IM construction projects was six times lower than the labour productivity of Singapore construction projects, due to lack of motivation among IM labourers, and a shortage of local skilled labour. Therefore, there is a need to study how to motivate IM construction labourers, so as to increase their productivity. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research method was used to collect data from IM construction skilled labourers and construction professionals, using two sets of questionnaire. The respondents were selected using a purposive sampling technique. In total, 40 skilled labourers and 50 construction professionals responded to the questionnaire survey, and the data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science software (version 22). Findings The analysis revealed the major factors that motivate labourers participating in IM construction projects. The factors were ranked hierarchically using Relative Importance Index (RII) and the outcome of the ranking indicated that effective management, viable construction practices, financial incentives, continuous training and development, and safe working environment were the most significant motivation strategies that positively influence IM construction labourers. Originality/value The study developed and validated a framework that can be used to boost the morale of IM construction labourers, so that their productivity can be increased. Implementation of the established motivation framework will also lead to career progression of IM construction labourers, based on the training elements in the framework. This career prospect will attract local skilled labourers to participate in IM construction projects.

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Identification and Assessment of Uncertainty Factors that Influence the Transaction Cost in Public Sector Construction Projects in Pakistan

Buildings ◽

10.3390/buildings8110157 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (11) ◽

pp. 157 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zaigham Ali ◽

Fangwei Zhu ◽

Shahid Hussain

Keyword(s):

Transaction Cost ◽

Construction Projects ◽

Critical Role ◽

Environmental Groups ◽

Uncertainty Factors ◽

Competitive Tendering ◽

Importance Index ◽

Force Majeure ◽

Internal Sources ◽

The Impact

Like other kinds of projects, construction projects are exposed to uncertainty, which plays a critical role in determining the transaction cost (TC). This study explores the uncertainty factors that are associated with construction projects that substantially influence the TC. To obtain the opinions of construction professionals, a survey questionnaire was developed after identifying 30 relevant causes of uncertainty from the literature. A survey of 216 professionals was conducted in Pakistan, and the relative importance index (RII) was used to prioritize the significant uncertainty factors that escalate the TC. Based on the responses from various construction professionals, this study determined that the most significant uncertainty factors that influence TC are: competitive tendering, incomplete design and specifications, late payments, conflict management, delayed possession of sites, force majeure, and work acceleration. This study also compared and analyzed the views of project managers and consultants and found that uncertainty from internal sources has a more significant influence on TC than that from external sources. The political and environmental groups do not contribute much escalating the TC. However, uncertainties that arise from the commercial, project site, and technical groups are more of an influence on TC. This research helps practitioners and professionals to adopt integrative systems in most uncertain situations proactively to find opportunities in volatile markets to reduce the impact of uncertainty on the total project cost.

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Method of Assessing the Risk of Implementing Railway Investments in Terms of the Cost of Their Implementation

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su132313085 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (23) ◽

pp. 13085

Author(s):

Jan Kowalski ◽

Mieczysław Połoński ◽

Marzena Lendo-Siwicka ◽

Roman Trach ◽

Grzegorz Wrzesiński

Keyword(s):

Construction Projects ◽

Original Method ◽

Project Managers ◽

Simple Method ◽

Construction Companies ◽

Risk Forecasting ◽

Specific Object ◽

Effective Cost ◽

The Cost ◽

The Impact

Exceeding the approved budget is often an integral part of the implementation of construction projects, especially those where unforeseen threats may occur. Therefore, each construction investment should contain elements of risk forecasting, mainly in terms of the cost of its implementation. Only a small number of institutions apply effective cost control methods, taking into account the specifics of a given industry. Especially small construction companies that participate in the structure of the implementation of large construction projects as subcontractors. The article presents a method by which it is possible to determine, with certain probability, the final cost of railway construction investments carried out in Poland. The method was based on a reliable database of risk factors published in sources. In this article, the main presumptions of the original method are presented, which take into account the impact of potential, previously recognized, risks specific to railway investments, and enable project managers to relate them to the conditions where the implementation of a specific object is planned. The authors assumed that such a relatively simple method, supported by a suitable computational program, would encourage teams that plan to implement railway projects to use it and increase the credibility of their schedules.

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FACTORS CAUSING PROBLEMS IN MANAGING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN A COUNTRY UNDER MILITARY OCCUPATION: Contractors’ Perspective

Australian Journal of Business and Management Research ◽

10.52283/nswrca.ajbmr.20160507a01 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 05 (07) ◽

pp. 01-07

Author(s):

Akram Subhe Suleiman ◽

Jafar Subhi Hardan Abahre

Keyword(s):

Construction Industry ◽

Construction Projects ◽

Project Managers ◽

Project Manager ◽

Military Occupation ◽

The Political ◽

Clear Understanding ◽

Team Members ◽

Political Situation ◽

The Impact

An exhaustive literature search revealed that not much research has been done on factors causing problems in managing a construction project in a country under military occupation like Palestine. So, it is the main goal of this research is to identify these factors which could be used by the decision makers to select the appropriate project manager who bosses the suitable skills and competencies to deal with these problems. The study is a step toward determining means to improve the effectiveness of projects through identifying project manager competencies. It is important for Palestinian construction industry to progress in terms of project success; the problems that face the project managers must be determined and identified, in order to achieve the best results with less risk. A clear understanding of such problems helps the Palestinian construction industry of finding the suitable solutions to overcome these problems. A questionnaire survey was carried out to achieve the main aim of this research. The respondents were engineers have more than 3 years in the position of project manager in the Palestinian construction industry. The survey was based on factors drawn from findings of another researches in different countries, together with special factors identified as potentially affecting Palestine. The results identified many factors created problems; they were clustered in eight groups. These groups were arranged according to respondents in descending order as follows: the political situation of Palestine, lack of consultants` technical competencies, lack of resources, insufficient planning, team members uncommitted, conflicts between departments, breakdowns in communications, and changes in goals. As a result of this study one could conclude that managing a project in Palestine is as difficult as the complication of the political situation of the country. The project manager should have a complicated mixture of skills and competencies from dealing with Israeli occupation to dealing with stakeholders to lack of resources and unclear goals. The study has recommended to the Palestinian government to improve the regulations and laws to meet the impact of closure and segmentation of the Palestine.

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