The cost of construction projects right from the commencement to the completion has greater importance in the construction industry. Changes, in many different forms, are a major part of the construction. The need to make changes in a construction project is a matter of practical reality. The purpose of this paper seeks to investigate the impact of variation orders on project performance to propose measures to reduce them. For this study, data were collected from relevant literature reviews of scholars and through administering questionnaires.
The findings from the research revealed that changing of plans or scope by architects and clients before and during the construction process causes for the instruction of variation orders; error and omissions in designs presented by the architect contribute to a reduction in the quality of the project. Recommendations suggested, regarding the reduction of variation orders include; clients should provide a specific brief to design teams to enable designers to produce suitable designs. Specifications should be comprehensive enough to assist contractors to deliver the quality that is expected of them by clients.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. PROBLEM STATEMENT
3. LITERATURE REVIEW
3.1 NATURE OF VARIATION ORDERS
3.1.1 Beneficial Variation Orders
3.1.2 Detrimental Variation Orders
4. METHODOLOGY
5. DATA ANALYSIS
5.1 Calculations
5.2 Calculation of Percentages
6. CONCLUSION
7. RECOMMENDATION
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper investigates the impact of variation orders on construction project performance in the Accra Metropolis, aiming to identify causes and propose effective mitigation measures for project stakeholders.
- Analysis of the frequency and sources of variation orders in construction.
- Evaluation of different project variation classifications (beneficial vs. detrimental).
- Quantitative assessment of factors contributing to construction changes.
- Development of management strategies to improve project outcomes and quality.
Excerpt from the Book
NATURE OF VARIATION ORDERS
A building construction contract is a corporate agreement that is subject to variability. Contractual clauses relating to changes allow parties involved in the contract to freely initiate variation orders within the scope of the works without alteration of the original contract. Without contractual clauses, the building contractor would have to agree to erect the building shown on the drawings and represented in the bills for a contract sum (Akomah et al, 2018).
Sun et al, (2014) reported that project variations can be classified as “anticipated variations” and “emergent variations”. Anticipated variations are planned and occur as intended. Emergent variations arise spontaneously and are not originally intended. Another way to view project variations is through their necessity. In this way, project variations can be classified as “elective variations” and “required variations”. According to Sun et al, (2014), an elective variation is where one may choose whether or not to implement; and a required variation is where there is no option but to make the variation. According to Arain and Pheng, (2006) can be distinguished two types of variation orders, namely: beneficial variation orders and detrimental variation orders.
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: Discusses the complexity of construction contracts and the critical role of managing variation orders for project success.
PROBLEM STATEMENT: Defines variation orders as scope alterations affecting cost or time and highlights common causes like poor planning and bad design.
LITERATURE REVIEW: Examines the significance of variations in construction and differentiates between various types such as beneficial and detrimental orders.
METHODOLOGY: Explains the quantitative approach utilizing questionnaires distributed to industry professionals in the Accra Metropolis.
DATA ANALYSIS: Details the computation of average index values and percentage rankings for the identified causes of variation orders.
CONCLUSION: Summarizes findings that point to change in plans by clients and architects, as well as design errors, as primary drivers for variations.
RECOMMENDATION: Provides practical suggestions for clients to improve briefing and calls for more comprehensive specifications to manage construction quality.
Keywords
Construction, project performance, variation orders, Accra Metropolis, scope changes, design errors, management, client briefs, specifications, cost control, construction quality, quantitative research, industry professionals, project planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on assessing the impact of variation orders on construction projects specifically located within the Accra Metropolis in Ghana.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
Central themes include the nature of construction contracts, the classification of project variations, the identification of underlying causes, and practical management strategies.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to investigate how variation orders affect project performance and to develop actionable measures to reduce their unnecessary occurrence.
Which scientific methodology was utilized?
The study employed a quantitative methodology involving the distribution of questionnaires to construction professionals, analyzed using the Average Index Formula.
What does the main content cover?
The main content bridges theoretical literature on variations with a practical field survey, analyzing factors like design defects and communication gaps.
How is the research characterized by its keywords?
The work is characterized by terms such as construction quality, project performance, variation orders, and management strategies.
How do architects and clients influence variation orders?
According to the findings, changes in plans or scope initiated by these parties before or during construction are significant drivers for variation orders.
How can the design process be improved to mitigate variations?
The study suggests that clients should provide clear, specific briefs to design teams and that designers must produce comprehensive documentation to minimize errors.
What distinction is made between beneficial and detrimental variations?
Beneficial variations aim to improve quality or reduce cost, whereas detrimental variations compromise the client's value system and increase project running costs.
- Quote paper
- Isaac Yeboah (Author), Dr. Bernard Martins Arthur-Aidoo (Author), Kofi Kumi (Author), 2021, Assessing the Impact of Variation Orders on Construction Projects in Accra Metropolis, Ghana, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1253446
