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By: Amadi Alolote Ibim
Lecturer, Department of Quantity Surveying, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
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
Citation:
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