Adebisi, E O; Alao, O O and Ojo, S O (2020) Assessment of early warning signs predisposing building projects to failure in Nigeria. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 18(6), pp. 1403-1423. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose: The continuous failure of construction projects notwithstanding appreciable increase in project management knowledge has necessitated a proactive approach of assessing early warning signs (EWS) of building projects failure. Building projects are expected to show warning signs before experiencing crises, comparable to a patient displaying symptoms of a disease. Thus, this study aims to examine the EWS that predisposed building projects to failure in Nigeria to provide empirical data for enhancing projects delivery. Design/methodology/approach: Primary data were used for the study. Structured questionnaire was administered to consultants and contractors’ personnel within Lagos State, Nigeria. A total of 180 copies of questionnaire were administered and 134 copies (combined response rate of 74.44 per cent) were retrieved. Frequency distribution, percentages, mean item score and Mann–Whitney test were used to analyse the data. Findings: Most construction professionals applied the EWS approach from project planning and early construction phase. The most significant EWS predisposing building projects to failure were “Management inability and incompetence to proactively detect and manage problems at early project stages”, “Actual expenditure is constantly shooting beyond cost estimates” and “Incurred costs already getting higher than the anticipated benefits”. Project/construction management-related symptoms are most significant to predisposing building projects to failure. Practical implications: The study provided implications for effective project management of building projects through proactive approach which is very paramount to improving the delivery of building projects in Nigeria. Originality/value: The study provides implications for proactive management of building projects, thereby enhancing the delivery of building projects.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building project; early warning sign; project management; project failure |
| Index terms: | project planning, questionnaire, construction project, methodology, early warning, personnel, project management, construction phase, cost estimate, Lagos State, construction professional, Nigeria, project failure, frequency distribution |
| Subjects: | statistical analysis, professional development, project management theory and practice, financial risk, production management, Geography, research methods, management, project delivery, financial and cost management, control systems, project completion, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Cost Management, Information Management, Research Practice, Project Management, Geographical Context, Human Resources |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here