Framework for Determining Performance of Construction Projects in Northern Nigeria
CHAPTER ONE
OBJECTIVES
- To identify the set of criteria used for determining performance of construction projects.
- To assess the level of importance of the set criteria for determining Performance of construction projects.
- To develop a Framework for determining performance of construction projects.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
PERFORMANCE
Kwaku (2007) defined ‘performance’ as the behavioral action that is relevant in achieving goals of project-based organisations. Similarly, Idrus and Sodangi (2010) asserted that the ‘performance’ can take on different meanings depending on the context in which it is being used. They further defined ‘performance’ in their view as basically the measures of effectiveness and efficiency. Performance is considered as the calculation of achievement used to measure and manages project quality (source: project management book of knowledge: Glossary of terms PMI 1987).
Performance is the degree to which individuals or firms/organisations operate according to specific criteria/standards/guidelines or achieve results in accordance with state goals or plans. (Source: A guide for project M & E: Glossary of M & E concepts and terms). Olusola and Iyagba (2012) stated that issue of ‘performance’ has been challenging occurrence in the construction process for quite some time.
Base on the literature reviewed, it can be seen that ‘performance’ encompass the action performed which is on quantifiable basis. Or ‘performance’ entails the quantification of action based on some criteria or yardsticks.
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT
Neeley, Gregory and Platts (1994) defined ‘performance measurement’ as the set of metric used to quantify both efficiency and effectiveness of actions. Similarly, Idrus and Sodangi (2010) defined ‘performance measurement’ as the measure of effectiveness and efficiency in a quantifiable basis.
Kingsley (2010) also stated that performance measurement as the regular measurement of the results and efficiency of services of program. Similarly, Barkley and Saylor (1994) also stated that project performance measurement is based on cost, time and quality.
Kingsley (2010) further stated that, the review of ‘performance measurement’ in construction industry generally reaffirmed the need to have an objective technique rather than subjective technique of measuring construction project performance.
Takim et al. (2003) also defined performance measurement as the regular collection and reporting of information about inputs, efficiency and effectiveness of construction projects. From this definition, it can be seen that day to day decision that are usually taken concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of inputs applied is vital components of any effort for results.
Costa et al. (2005) asserted that performance measurement provide necessary information for process control which makes it possible to establish challenging and feasible goals.
In view of the literature reviewed in this section on performance measurement, it can be deduced that, the development of a set measurable criteria is key to any performance measurement system. That will enable the ascertainment of whether a particular goal is or not achieved.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODS
RESEARCH APPROACH
A quantitative research approach was employed by the use of questionnaire survey for this study. Quantitative research deals with the collection and analysis of data in numeric form or nature (Hughes, 2006). The questionnaire survey helped in getting the needed data for the purpose of actualizing the research objectives by evaluating the data using different statistical analytical tools.
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULT, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSIONS
DATA PRESENTATION
A total of two hundred and eighty-five (285) questionnaires were distributed to some key stakeholders involved in the tertiary institutions projects in Northern Nigeria.
Survey on Respondents’ Status in the Construction Industry
The distribution of data collection by respondents’ status in the construction industry shows that out of the two hundred and eighty-five (285) questionnaires administered, a total of one hundred and forty-seven (147) valid questionnaires were retrieved from the survey which represents 51.58% effective response rate. The following are how the responses stand; thirty-two (32) formed the responses from contractors’, twenty-seven (27) formed the responses from consultants, twenty-one (21) forms response from clients, fifty-five (55) forms response from end-users and twelve (12) forms the response from others (i.e. other campus community). The response on the respondents’ status in the construction industry is represented in the following percentages; contractors’ formed 21.77%, consultants formed 18.37%, clients formed 14.29%, end-users formed 37.41% and others (other campus community) formed 8.16%.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
- The first objective of this study was achieved through the review of literature where by a lists of thirty-seven (37) criteria were generated from different authors. Researchers have suggested that, the level of importance of the set of criteria use for determining performance of construction projects should be found.
- Base on the evaluation of findings of this research work, it can be deduced that, the thirty-seven (37) criteria base on level of importance as ranked by respondents’ and subsequently evaluated in descending order of priority in terms of mean and standard deviation values helped in achieving the second research objective. The result shows that the important criteria for determining construction project performance as ranked by the overall respondents are; client satisfaction on outcome (i.e. in terms of product andservice), environment management, client satisfaction on cost, client satisfaction on time, effectiveness of communication (i.e. managing information flow between contracting parties), health and safety, effective risk management, cost certainty (i.e. probability of completing project within budget), profitability, client satisfaction on quality, construction cost (i.e. cost incurred while executing project), partnership and investment in research and development and training.
CONCLUSIONS
The framework developed in this study is based on emerging construction project performance criteria. In developing the framework, the perspective of End-users was also considered which makes the approach used in this study more holistic than the ones developed in previous studies.
RECOMMENDATIONS
In view of the findings of this research work, the following recommendations shall be considered;
- Using the set criteria for determining performance of construction projects as ranked by respondents in descending order of priority will help the parties of the construction industry to understand how important those criteria are, and which of the criteria to consider first and more important while determining performance of construction projects performance. That will help to improve project performance in today’s construction industry.
- Considering the most important criteria for determining construction project performance as ranked by respondents in descending order of priority, will help the key parties of the industry to understand which of the criteria will lead to project failure if not considered while determining construction project performance. Lastly, using the framework for determining construction project performance can help the contractors’ and other key stakeholders of the construction industry particularly the clients and consultants to achieve the desired project objectives.
RECOMMENDED AREA FOR FURTHER STUDIES
Subsequent research work in this area shall determine the Nigerian construction organisations/firms current proficiency in using the framework developed in this research work for determining their performance.
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