Abstract

Planning is useful for establishing performance metrics during the execution of construction projects and for streamlining cost and schedule outcomes. A well-developed contract plan thus helps to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards and quality. Various planning techniques are available for use in enhancing cost and schedule performance on construction projects, each with its applicability, cons, and pros. This study assesses the usage of planning techniques by contractors in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and the challenges experienced in their deployment. A sample size of 100 participants with a 75% response rate was purposively selected, which comprised construction workers and construction firms carrying out construction work in Port Harcourt LGA, Rivers State. The findings show that the deployment of contract planning techniques, such as critical path analysis, line of balance, PERT, and bar chart is not always used in practice, due to their associated challenges. While these planning techniques are effective, they are considered time-consuming and difficult to use and interpret. Nonetheless, the most used contract planning technique in the construction of projects in Port Harcourt is the Critical Path Method because it is suitable for large-scale projects. Despite the deployment of the critical path Analysis method on these projects, failures were still experienced due to inadequate risk management, Poor tracking and unrealistic project deadlines. To ensure the effectiveness of planning techniques in enhancing cost and schedule performance, it is recommended that early identification of risks and development of strategies for mitigating them should be carried out. In addition, it is necessary to have a clear and detailed scope of work, allocate resources appropriately, and ensure proper documentation and record-keeping.

Keywords: Cost performance, construction projects, contract, planning techniques, schedule

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1. Abubakar AE, Greenwood D, Osborne A. A study of project planning on Libyan construction projects. In: Dainty A, editor. Proceedings of the 24th Annual ARCOM Conference; 2008:1–3; Cardiff, UK. ARCOM; 2008. 789–798.
2. Aniekwu AN, Audu HO. The effects of management on productivity: a comparative study of indigenous and foreign firms in the Nigerian construction industry. In: Proceedings of the West Africa Built Environment (WABER) Conference; 2010:27–28; Accra, Ghana. WABER; 2010. 567–578.
3. Adewale BA. Assessment of the causes and effect of abandoned residential project in Nigeria: a case study of Ogun State. J Constr Proj Manag Innov. 2015;5(1):1099–1114.
4. Ashworth A, Hogg K, Higgs C. Construction industry and the economy. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited; 2013.
5. Aigbavboa C, Thwala WD. Determinants of foreign direct investment in Nigeria’s construction industry. J Constr Dev Ctries. 2018;23(1):39–56.
6. Akingbesote AA, Adetogun AA, Alogbe OA. Analysis of causes effect of delay on project performance in Nigeria. Int J Eng Res Afr. 2018;35:82–95.
7. Bhavikatti SS. Building construction. New Delhi: Vikas Publishing House Pvt Ltd; 2012.
8. Bailley P, Farmer D, Crocker B, Jessop D, Jones D. Procurement principles and management. England: Pearson Education Limited; 2008.
9. Chikara KK. Construction project management: planning, scheduling & controlling. New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill; 2012.
10. Kerzner H. Project management: a system for planning, scheduling and controlling. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold; 1983.
11. Mbamali I, Okotie AJ. An assessment of the threats and opportunities of globalization on building practice in Nigeria. Am Int J Contemp Res. 2012;4:143–150.
12. Ogunsemi DR, Jagboro GO. Construction delays and causative factors in Nigeria. J Constr Eng Manag. 2006;132(7):667–677.
13. Ogunlana SO, Ogunsanmi OE. Analysis of causes of cost overrun in Nigeria construction project. J Constr Dev Ctries. 2016;21(2):69–88.
14. Krishnamurthy KG, Ravindra SV. Construction and project management: for engineers, planners and builders. New Delhi: Satish Kumar J; 2010.
15. Kraemer K, Henrich G, Koskela L, Kagiogluo M. How construction flows have been understood in lean construction [Online]. Available from: http://www.laurikokela.com.
16. Harris F, McCaffer R. Modern construction management. Accra: EPP Books Services; 2005.
17. Sayegh M, Laryea T, Hughes W. Project planning and management techniques; construction project delivery [Online]. Available from: https://www.wikipedia.com.

Abstract

Planning is useful for establishing performance metrics during the execution of construction projects and for streamlining cost and schedule outcomes. A well-developed contract plan thus helps to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards and quality. Various planning techniques are available for use in enhancing cost and schedule performance on construction projects, each with its applicability, cons, and pros. This study assesses the usage of planning techniques by contractors in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and the challenges experienced in their deployment. A sample size of 100 participants with a 75% response rate was purposively selected, which comprised construction workers and construction firms carrying out construction work in Port Harcourt LGA, Rivers State. The findings show that the deployment of contract planning techniques, such as critical path analysis, line of balance, PERT, and bar chart is not always used in practice, due to their associated challenges. While these planning techniques are effective, they are considered time-consuming and difficult to use and interpret. Nonetheless, the most used contract planning technique in the construction of projects in Port Harcourt is the Critical Path Method because it is suitable for large-scale projects. Despite the deployment of the critical path Analysis method on these projects, failures were still experienced due to inadequate risk management, Poor tracking and unrealistic project deadlines. To ensure the effectiveness of planning techniques in enhancing cost and schedule performance, it is recommended that early identification of risks and development of strategies for mitigating them should be carried out. In addition, it is necessary to have a clear and detailed scope of work, allocate resources appropriately, and ensure proper documentation and record-keeping.

Keywords: Cost performance, construction projects, contract, planning techniques, schedule

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1. Abubakar AE, Greenwood D, Osborne A. A study of project planning on Libyan construction projects. In: Dainty A, editor. Proceedings of the 24th Annual ARCOM Conference; 2008:1–3; Cardiff, UK. ARCOM; 2008. 789–798.
2. Aniekwu AN, Audu HO. The effects of management on productivity: a comparative study of indigenous and foreign firms in the Nigerian construction industry. In: Proceedings of the West Africa Built Environment (WABER) Conference; 2010:27–28; Accra, Ghana. WABER; 2010. 567–578.
3. Adewale BA. Assessment of the causes and effect of abandoned residential project in Nigeria: a case study of Ogun State. J Constr Proj Manag Innov. 2015;5(1):1099–1114.
4. Ashworth A, Hogg K, Higgs C. Construction industry and the economy. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited; 2013.
5. Aigbavboa C, Thwala WD. Determinants of foreign direct investment in Nigeria’s construction industry. J Constr Dev Ctries. 2018;23(1):39–56.
6. Akingbesote AA, Adetogun AA, Alogbe OA. Analysis of causes effect of delay on project performance in Nigeria. Int J Eng Res Afr. 2018;35:82–95.
7. Bhavikatti SS. Building construction. New Delhi: Vikas Publishing House Pvt Ltd; 2012.
8. Bailley P, Farmer D, Crocker B, Jessop D, Jones D. Procurement principles and management. England: Pearson Education Limited; 2008.
9. Chikara KK. Construction project management: planning, scheduling & controlling. New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill; 2012.
10. Kerzner H. Project management: a system for planning, scheduling and controlling. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold; 1983.
11. Mbamali I, Okotie AJ. An assessment of the threats and opportunities of globalization on building practice in Nigeria. Am Int J Contemp Res. 2012;4:143–150.
12. Ogunsemi DR, Jagboro GO. Construction delays and causative factors in Nigeria. J Constr Eng Manag. 2006;132(7):667–677.
13. Ogunlana SO, Ogunsanmi OE. Analysis of causes of cost overrun in Nigeria construction project. J Constr Dev Ctries. 2016;21(2):69–88.
14. Krishnamurthy KG, Ravindra SV. Construction and project management: for engineers, planners and builders. New Delhi: Satish Kumar J; 2010.
15. Kraemer K, Henrich G, Koskela L, Kagiogluo M. How construction flows have been understood in lean construction [Online]. Available from: http://www.laurikokela.com.
16. Harris F, McCaffer R. Modern construction management. Accra: EPP Books Services; 2005.
17. Sayegh M, Laryea T, Hughes W. Project planning and management techniques; construction project delivery [Online]. Available from: https://www.wikipedia.com.