Frank C. Harris

Factors influencing construction time and cost overruns on high-rise projects in Indonesia

Many variables have an impact upon construction time and cost overruns in Indonesia. A questionnaire survey was undertaken of project managers working on high-rise construction projects in two Indonesian cities: Jakarta and Yogyakarta. The variables identified were ranked according to their perceived importance and frequencies of occurrence. Inflationary increases in material cost, inaccurate material estimating and project complexity are the main causes of cost overruns. The predominant causes of delay are design changes, poor labour productivity and inadequate planning. Using factor analysis techniques, delay and cost overrun variables were grouped into factors, and their relationships analysed. Although Indonesia specific, the results reflect construction management problems common to developing countries.

Construction delay analysis techniques

Construction projects continue to suffer delays. Things go wrong and the projects completion date gets pushed back, with someone to be blamed for it. In practice, attempts are made to identify the causes of delays and schedules are modified to incorporate revised duration and new project time. The analysis itself is usually complex and can be aided by a computerized approach. This paper discusses different delay analysis techniques that are currently used by practitioners in the construction industry. It also discusses a proposed new delay analysis technique called the Isolated Delay Type (IDT). These techniques were tested against a case example and their strengths and weaknesses highlighted. The new technique can be used as a standalone module for delay analysis or could be incorporated within a computer system for construction delay analysis and claims preparation called Computerized Delay Claims Analysis (CDCA) that integrates different software including an expert system and management software such...

Evaluating prequalification criteria in contractor selection

Abstract A quantitative model for selecting construction contractors which utilizes the multi-attribute analysis technique is being developed. Prequalification criteria for inclusion in the model have been identified and weightings to mirror their respective importance in the selection process determined. A series of independent evaluations which facilitate the consolidation of these criteria into a standard prequalification form is presented. The paper may help selection practitioners in reviewing both the areas of investigation and the evaluation methods they employ when selecting construction contractors.

Factors influencing craftsmen's productivity in Indonesia

Abstract Poor productivity of construction craftsmen is one of the most daunting human resource problems in developing countries. This paper reports an investigation of the problems influencing craftsmens productivity on 27 medium and high-rise building sites surveyed in Indonesia. Three main groups of craftsmen (93 bricklayers, 81 carpenters and 69 steel fixers) some 243 workers in total, participated in a comprehensive structured survey of production problems conducted over a 4-month period. The study instruments included craftsmen questionnaires and an activity sampling survey. Findings show that craftsmen in Indonesia spend on average 75% of their time working productively. Five specific productivity problems are identified, i.e. lack of materials, rework, absenteeism, lack of equipment and tools and gang interference. These Indonesian construction productivity problems are also compared with those identified from Nigeria, the UK and the USA.

A survey of constraints on Iranian construction operatives' productivity

Construction productivity is rarely analysed in Iran. If productivity is to improve, current weaknesses must be identified. To this end data were collected through a structured questionnaire survey. By utilizing the relative index ranking technique, the identified problems were prioritized for detailed analysis and discussion. Results indicate that the five highest-ranking problems are: Materials shortage, weather and site conditions, equipment breakdown, drawing deficiencies/change orders, and lack of proper tools and equipment. Devastating war with neighbouring Iraq has led to a boom in construction activities leading to shortages of construction materials. The casual employment of the majority of construction operatives and poor managerial skills are the significant contributors to low productivity on Iranian construction sites.

Factors affecting clients' project dispute resolution satisfaction in Hong Kong

The use of project dispute resolution satisfaction (DRS) as a project success measurement responds to the increasing concern over the spread of the dispute epidemic within the construction industry in Hong Kong. The DRS of a project is considered as favourable where disputes are resolved within the site level. With the use of 48 project data sets and the technique of multivariate discriminant analysis, a discriminant model function was derived to classify projects into favourable DRS and adverse DRS. The multivariate discriminant analysis model function identified eight discriminating variables, among which the degree of design changes offered the highest separation power. The reliability of the discrminating variables was reinforced by a separate relative importance index study. Through the use of principal component factor analysis, these variables were grouped into three factors generically described as substantive influence, facilitation and indirect influence.

Applying multi-attribute analysis to contractor selection decisions

Abstract Contractor selection is made onerous by the existence of many decision parameters and several outcome options. Notwithstanding these difficulties, the multi-attribute analysis (MAA) technique facilitates this decision task in being able to evaluate alternatives and indicate optimum choice. Several variations of MAA are presented and the fundamental advantages and disadvantages associated with each are highlighted. An overview of a three-tier MAA procedure designed to encompass the entire selection process culminates in a worked example of contractor evaluation utilizing a computer spreadsheet approach. While the procedure is presented in a construction contracting context, the methodologies cited are of potential benefit in a wide selection of purchasing scenarios.

Identification and evaluation of factors influencing variations on building projects

Abstract This paper identifies and quantitatively examines factors influencing the magnitude and frequency of variations on building projects. The evaluation was based on the analysis of 46 completed building projects in the UK. The identified factors were classified into four main categories: client characteristics, project characteristics, project organization and environmental factors. The findings of the study suggest that there is a relationship between these factors and the magnitude and frequency of variations. Adequate attention given to these significant factors at pre- and post-tender stages of the project should reduce the effect of variations.

Computer aided construction delay analysis and claims preparation

Delays are the most common and costly problem encountered on construction projects. Analysing construction delays has become an integral part of the projects construction life. To prepare for litigation, schedule documentation proving responsibility must be prepared. With present methods of tracking projects, the preparation of such schedules can be time consuming and costly. The analysis itself is usually complex and can be aided by a computerized approach. This paper describes the introduction of a computer system for delays claim analysis called computerized delay claims analysis (CDCA). The system utilizes the isolated delay type (IDT) technique. Part of this system can use existing software such as project management, cost control, database management and spreadsheets. In addition to these, an expert system tailored to the specific expertise of construction claims has been used to facilitate the decision making process. CDCA is tested against a real case study of a building project to demonstrate it...

A conceptual alternative to current tendering practice

The research to date has borne a fundamental decision aid model to assist the construction owner in choosing a contractor. The model is currently being stabilized and validated. A comprehensive survey has been carried out to verify the variables and their weighting indices. Liaison with construction owners suggests that such a selection process developed into an expert system would be welcomed by the UK construction industry.