Appraisal of Delays in Project Delivery on Construction Sites (Case Study Jos Metropolis Plateau State)
Chapter One
Aim and Objectives
The aim of the study is an Appraisal of effect of delays in project delivery on construction sites (Case study Jos metropolis) Plateau state.The objectives are therefore:
- To assess the major factor that causes delay in construction projects delivery in Nigeria.
- To evaluate the resultant effects of delay on construction project delivery.
- To investigate the methods by which these effects of delay on construction project delivery could be minimized.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
Delay in Construction projects all around the world is a common phenomenon. It has been observed by various researchers that construction projects come with various types, causes and effects on both time and cost overruns on project delivery. This observation however relates to the peculiarities of each of the various projects in terms of magnitude, location, period of execution, type of procurement and type of client. A construction project is therefore termed successful when it is completed on time, within budget, in accordance with the specifications and to client’s satisfaction.
It’s therefore imperative that general management keep track of the progress of the project to minimize any occurrence of delay or to identify it at an earlier stage.
Types of delay
Delay in projects is almost inevitable. Some delay will take place at a particular period in the completion of an activity and some other ones may be capable of leeway in when they have their effects. According to Scott (2018), he identified three major types of delay namely: Employer’s responsible delay; Contractor’s responsible delay and “Neither” party responsible delay.
He described Employer’s responsible delay as those that results into variation and failure to provide site information. Ekeokonkwo (2017) further elaborated that the delays emanated from the Employer are found in the areas of extension to time and escalation of costs due to inflation, delay in the payment of interim certificates; inability of the client or his representatives in taking quick decision, late handing over of site, delay in the supply of materials and inadequate planning.
The Contractor’s responsible delays are caused by inability of the contractor to proceed with the project diligently and efficiently. Others are in the areas of insufficient labour/ plant provisions and insolvency of the contractor will definitely cause delay and disruptions. The onus is that the contractor is once awarded the contract to take all possible steps to ensure that necessary resources and details are required of the contract be provided for and by him so as to avoid delays.
“Neither” party responsible delay (Extraneous conditions) exist in situations that are beyond the capacity of either the contractor or the client. Such extraneous circumstances are resultants from strikes, riot, exceptional adverse weather, force majeure and acts of God, loss and damage due to fire and storm, Inability of the contractor to reason beyond his control and which he could not reasonably have foreseen at the date of the contract to secure such resources and delays caused by nominated subcontractors or suppliers which the contractor has taken all possible steps to avoid or reduce (Ekeokonkwo 2017).
Ahmed et al. (2016) is of the opinion that delay could be Non-excusable; Excusable (with or without compensation) and Concurrent Delays. He further explained that Non-excusable delays are either caused by the contractor, sub contractor or other party but are within the control of the contractor. These non- excusable delays are as a result of equipment breakdown; inadequate scheduling or mismanagement; underestimation of productivity; construction mistakes; improper project planning; poor site management and supervision; unreliable subcontractors or suppliers and general staffing problems.
Consequently, this type of delay presents no entitlement to a time extension or delay damages for the contractor if the delay can be proved to have affected the whole project but thus entitled the client to claim for a liquidated damages. A typical example is when the contractor fails to provide sufficient manpower to complete his task on time.
Excusable delays on the other hand are caused by unforeseen factors beyond the contractor or any other party and are not attributed to their negligence or faults. It is however within the terms of contract that when excusable delays occur, both parties will have to share the risks involved. The contractor will not receive compensation for the cost of delays, but will be entitled to an additional time to complete his work and is relieved from any contractually imposed liquidated damages for the period of delays.
This type of delay can also have an impact on non-critical activities which need a more detailed analysis to determine whether an extension of time is warranted, or if the reduction of float time can be justified. Excusable delays can therefore be further classified into excusable with compensation and excusable without compensation.
Excusable with compensation are caused by the client’s actions or inactions. When contractors encounter this type of delay, they are entitled to an extension of time as well as monetary compensation due to the delays. An example of an excusable delay with compensation would be when an owner denies access to the site once the notice to proceed is given.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2019), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitute of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried out to examine the effect of delays in project delivery on construction sites. Selected professionals in the construction industry in Jos metropolis Plateau state form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of Ninty-three (93) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which 90 were returned. The analysis of this study is based on the number returned.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Introduction
This chapter summarizes the findings on Appraisal of effect of delays in project delivery on construction sites (Case study Jos metropolis) Plateau state.. The chapter consists of summary of the study, conclusions, and recommendations.
Summary of the Study
In this study, our focus was on Appraisal of effect of delays in project delivery on construction sites (Case study Jos metropolis) Plateau state. The study is was specifically focused on examining the major factor that causes delay in construction projects delivery in Nigeria; evaluating the resultant effects of delay on construction project delivery and investigating the methods by which these effects of delay on construction project delivery could be minimized.
The study adopted the survey research design and randomly enrolled participants in the study. A total of 90 responses were validated from the enrolled participants where all respondent are professionals in the construction industry in Jos metropolis Plateau state.
Conclusions
With respect to the analysis and the findings of this study, the following conclusions emerged;
The outcome of analysis from this study can be said to be of great relevance to the construction industry. Majority of the respondents are fully involved in the construction industry with at least 10 years of construction experience, meaning that the respondents have wealth of knowledge and could supply the necessary information on the question sent out in the questionnaires. The professionals represented were the client having the highest percentage of 51.1% of causes of delay in construction project followed by the contractors having 35.5% then the consultants having the least percentage of 13.3%.
There are many factors that induce delay on construction projects, however in this study the factors are limited to 15 factors causing delay and they were ranked according to the mean index score. The factors includes: lack of funds to finance the project to completion, changes in drawings, lack of effective communication among the parties involved , lack of adequate information from consultants, slow decision making and contractor’s insolvency, variations. Also, project management problem, mistake and discrepancies in contract document, equipment availability and failure, mistakes during construction, bad weather, fluctuation in prices of building materials, inappropriate overall organizational structure linking to the project and labour strike.
Analysis was also carried out on the effect of delay on the project work. Time overrun, increase in final cost of project, wastage and under-utilization of man-power and resources, tying down of client capital due to non-completion of the project, dispute among parties involved were ranked highest. Time is factor that is very essential in all activities that has to be carried out, in the contract document a specific time phase is given for delivery of project and if the time is being exceeded more money is often spent which could lead to increase in final cost of project and also wastage and under-utilization of man-power and resources. The client’s capital has to be withheld due to non- completion of the project which could result into dispute, litigation and arbitration among the workers and management. Also delay can lead to reduced profit for builder and abandonment of building project by the client.
Recommendation
Based on the findings the researcher recommends that;
(a) Adequate funding should be guaranteed by any client before commencement of any project. This does not mean that the client must have all the funds ready from the onset, but proper budgetary planning must be put in place to ensure adequate funding of the project otherwise alternative sources of finance should be employed such as BOOT and BOT which allows contractors to participate in financing new projects. This will ensure that the contractors are paid in accordance with the contract agreement once a comprehensive economic analysis and workable financial plans are been fully put in place. The contractors on the other hand must ensure a proper management of his resources and plan his cash flow by utilizing the progress payments and ensure regular progress on site.
(b) Sufficient planning and the establishment of sufficient quality control mechanisms should be put in place to avoid design changes. Appropriate time should be allocated to careful production of designs and complete tender documents, so as to improve the quality of contract documents with minimum errors and discrepancies and reduce delay during the construction stages.
(c) Design related issues such as changes in drawings; incomplete and faulty specification; clients initiated changes and general change order have very damaging effect on project delivery which invariably leads to delay and cost overruns. These are issues that can be controlled by proper design process management and timely decision making.
Areas For Further Studies
Delays thus have significant effect on cost overruns. The model relating delay and cost overrun provide a benchmark for future research work in the study of project management in Nigeria and also facilitate comparison with other countries.
References
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