Arain, F M and Pheng, L S (2005) How design consultants perceive potential causes of variation orders for institutional buildings in Singapore. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 1(3), pp. 181-196. ISSN 1745-2007
Abstract
Variations are common in all types of construction projects. The construction process is influenced by highly changing variables and unpredictable factors that can arise from different sources. The study identifies the causes of variations in institutional building projects in Singapore. To achieve the study objectives, a questionnaire survey was carried out to collect information on potential causes of variations. Through the literature review, the 53 causes of variation orders were identified. These provided the basis for the formulation of the questionnaire. Responses from 33 design consultants, who were involved in the institutional projects in Singapore, were analysed. The survey results suggest that a change in plans or scope by the owner, unforeseen problems, defective workmanship, change in specifications by the owner and safety considerations were the most important causes of variation orders for institutional buildings in Singapore. Recommendations were suggested based on the findings of the research and literature review. The involvement of professionals during the design and construction phases, clear and thorough project briefs, frequent communication among professionals, involvement of a project manager from an independent firm to manage the project and involvement of the owner during the design phase were suggested for controlling the most important causes of variation orders for institutional buildings in Singapore.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | causes; consultants; institutional buildings; Singapore; variation orders |
| Index terms: | construction project, variation, construction process, questionnaire, design and construction, design phase, institutional building, workmanship, Singapore, specification, project manager, literature review, owner, survey |
| Subjects: | contractual condition, Geography, production management, sociology, building construction, construction type, profession, data collection methods, contractual arrangements, data analysis and analytics, professional practice |
| Topics: | Stakeholder Management, Roles and Professions, Procurement, Construction Technology, Project Management, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Site Management, Contract Administration, Design Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PEA |
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