Causes of Variation in Construction Projects

Causes of regeneration in Construction controlsLiterature brushups that of Variations and Variation Orders requires a comprehensive downstairsstanding of the root generates of Variations (Hester et al., 1991).Variations near of which atomic number 18 financial, programme aesthetics, changes in drawings, weather, geological and geotechnical reasons. From the literature review, there were 53 shits of Variations identified and these Variations are mainly executed by the Employer, advisors and avowers.As shown in Figure 1, these conditions of Variations were grouped under four categories Employer related Variations, Consultants related Variations, Contractor related Variations and some other Variations. These Causes of Variations pack been identified by m any researchers (CII, 1990a Thomas and Napolitan, 1994 Clough and Sears, 1994 Fisk, 1997 Ibbs et al., 1998 OBrien, 1998 Mokhtar et al., 2000 Gray and Hughes, 2001 Arain et al., 2004). The brings of Variations sewer be ca tegorized according to the originators (CII, 1990a Thomas and Napolitan, 1994). The 53 causes identified from the literature review are also discussed below.A. Employer Related spaysThis section discusses the causes of variations that were initiated by the Employer. In some cases, the Employer directly initiates Variations or the Variations are required because the Employer fails to fulfil certain requirements for carrying come forward the ejection. commute of plans or electron orbit by Employer Change of plan or scope of discover is one of the most signifi digestt causes of Variations in saying roves (CII, 1990b) and is usually the firmness of leave outing(p) intend at the run across planning stage, or also i smoke because of wish of involvement of the Employer in the figure phase (Arain et al., 2004). This cause the Variations contacts the externalise severely during the subsequent phases.Change of schedule by Employer A change of schedule or maestro programme d uring the cat facial expression phase whitethorn result in study resource reallocation (Fisk, 1997 OBrien, 1998). This is because time has an equivalent money honour. A change in schedule means that the Contractor will every provide additional resources, or keep some resources idle in the formula settle. In both cases additional cost is incurred.Employers financial problems The Employer of the hold whitethorn run into uncorrectable financial situations that force him to assimilate changes in an attempt to reduce cost of the stray. Employers financial problems be active realize attainment and spirit (Clough and Sears, 1994 OBrien, 1998). victorian financial planning and review of scheme capital flow would be effective in avoid this problem to from happening. poor go out objectives short confuse objectives are one of the causes of Variations in aspect regurgitates (Ibbs and Allen, 1995). Due to inadequate jut objectives, the tropeers would non be able to dev ise a comprehensive throw which leads to many of Variations during the couch saying phase. successor of materials or procedures Replacement of materials or procedures whitethorn cause study Variations during the mental synthesis phase. The substitution of procedures includes Variations in application methods (Chappell and Willis, 1996). Therefore, an adjustment to the original contract value is required if there is a change in procedures.Impediment in prompt decision fashioning process Prompt decision making is an weighty broker for regorge success (Sanvido et al., 1992 Gray and Hughes, 2001). A remain in decision making whitethorn obstruct the progress of succeeding edifice activities and that may even proscribedtually decelerate the unblemished leap out progress. reprobate genius of Employer A create project is the result of the combined efforts of the nonrecreationals. They befool to work at the various interfaces of a project (Wang, 2000 Arain et al., 2004 ). If the Employer is obstinate, he may not accommodate other creative and unspoiled ideas. Eventually, this may cause study Variations in the later stages and print the project negatively.Change in specifications by owner Changes in specifications are frequent in bodily structure projects with inadequate project objectives (OBrien, 1998). In a multi-player environment the likes of any wrench project, change in specifications by the Employer during the aspect phase may require major Variations and adjustments in project planning and procurement activities.B. Consultant Related VariationsThis section discusses the causes of Variations that were initiated by the advisor. In some cases, the consultant directly initiates Variations or the Variations are required because the consultant fails to fulfil certain requirements for carrying extinct the project.Change in human body by Consultants Change in normal for improvement by the Consultant is a norm in present-day(a) profession al practice (Arain et al., 2004). The changes in chassis are frequent in projects where twist starts before the purpose is finalized (Fisk, 1997). excogitation changes contribute collide with a project adversely depending on the timing of the go alongrence of the changes.Errors and omissions in mark Errors and omissions in design are an important cause of project to stick ups (Arain et al., 2004). Design errors and omissions may lead to loss of productivity and delay in project schedule (Assaf et al., 1995). Hence, errors and omissions in design can profess a project adversely depending on the timing of the occurrence of the errors. strifes between contract documents Conflict between contract documents can result in misinterpretation of the positive requirement of a project (CII, 1986a). To convey round out project scope for participants, the contract documents essential be clear and straight to the point. Insufficient expound in contract documents may adversely affect the project, leading to delay in project completion. wanting(predicate) scope of work for declarer In a multi-player environment like construction, the scope of work for all the players moldiness be clear and with break through uncertainty for palmy project completion (Fisk, 1997 Arain et al., 2004). Inadequate scope of work for the contractor can cause major Variations that may negatively affect the project, and leads to changes in construction planning. engineering change Technology change is a potential cause of Variations in a project. Project planning should be flexible for accommodating newfound beneficial Variations (CII, 1994b). This is because the new technology can be beneficial in the project bread and barelyter cycles/second, for instance, reducing maintenance cost of the project. Or new methods of constructions that reduce construction cost.Value engineering Value engineering should ideally be carried out during the design phase (DellIsola, 1982). During the cons truction phase, value engineering can be a costly exercise, as Variation in any design element would initiate and leads to Variations to other relevant design components (Mokhtar et al., 2000). need of coordination A neglect of coordination between parties may cause major variations that could eventually jar the project adversely (Arain et al., 2004). Unfavourable Variations, which affect the projects negatively, can usually be managed at an early stage by paying extra concentrate on in coordination.Design complexity Complex designs require unique skills and construction methods (Arain et al., 2004). Complexity affects the flow of construction activities, whereas simple and linear construction whole kit and caboodle are relatively easy to handle (Fisk, 1997). Hence, complexity may cause major Variations in construction projects.Inadequate working drawing inside information To convey a complete concept of the project design, the working drawings must be clear and concise (Geok, 2002). Insufficient working drawing elaborate can result in misinterpretation of the actual requirement of a project (Arain et al., 2004). Thorough reviewing of design details would assist in minimizing Variations.Inadequate shop drawing details Shop drawings are usually veritable for construction work details for site professionals (Cox and Hamilton, 1995). As mentioned earlier with regard to working drawing details, likewise, inadequacy of shop drawing details can be a potential cause of Variations in the construction projects.Consultants privation of judgment and experience Professional experience and judgment is an important figure for a successful completion of a building project (Clough and Sears, 1994 OBrien, 1998). The lack of professional experience increases the risk of errors in design as hygienic as during construction. Eventually, this may affect the project fiber and delay the project completion.Lack of consultants knowledge of available materials and equipment Knowledge of available materials and equipment is an important ingredient for developing a comprehensive design (Geok, 2002). In the construction intentness where material standardization is not super acid, the consultants lack of knowledge of available materials and equipment can cause numerous major Variations during various project phases.Honest damage beliefs of consultant Honest wrong beliefs may cause construction professionals to bring in poor value add in projects (Arain, 2002 Arain et al., 2004). Consultants, without having first-class honours degreehand knowledge, may make decisions based on their wrong beliefs which would adversely affect the pace of the project.Consultants lack of required data A lack of data can result in misinterpretation of the actual requirements of a project (Assaf et al., 1995 Arain, 2002). When there is insufficient data, consultants are prone to develop designs based on their own perceptions, which may not be what the Employer wants. Even tually, this may cause major Variations and affect the project negatively.Obstinate nature of consultant In a multi-player environment like construction, the professionals subscribe to work as team at the various interfaces of a project (Wang, 2000 Arain et al., 2004). If the consultant is obstinate, he may not accommodate other creative and beneficial ideas. Eventually, this may cause major Variations in the later stages and affect the project Negatively.Ambiguous design details A clearer design tends to be comprehended more readily (OBrien, 1998). Ambiguity or uncertainty or uncertainty in design is a potential cause of Variations in a project. This is because ambiguity in design can be misinterpreted by project participants, leading to work on and delay in the project completion. Eventually, this may affect the project progress negatively.Design discrepancies (inadequate design) Inadequate design can be a frequent cause of Variations in construction projects (CII, 1990a Fisk, 1997). Design discrepancies affect the project functionality and character reference. Eventually, this can affect a project adversely depending on the timing of the occurrence of the Variations. noncompliance of design with presidency regulations Noncompliance of design with government regulations or policies would cost the project difficult to execute (Clough and Sears, 1994). Noncompliance with government regulations may affect the project sentry duty and progress negatively, leading to serious accidents and delays in the project completion.Noncompliance of design with owners requirements A comprehensive design is one that accommodates the owners requirements (Cox and Hamilton, 1995). A noncompliance design with the owners requirements is considered an inadequate design (Fisk, 1997). Eventually, this may cause Variations for accommodating the Employers requirements. This may affect the project adversely during the construction phase.Change in specifications by consultant Change s in specifications are frequent in construction projects with inadequate project objectives (OBrien, 1998). As mentioned earlier with respect to changes in specifications by the Employer, this is also a potential cause of Variations in a project, leading to re whole shebang and delays in the project completion.C. Contractor Related VariationsThis section discusses the causes of Variations that were related to the Contractor. In some cases, the contractor may suggest Variations to the project, or the Variations may be required because the contractor fails to fulfil certain requirements for carrying out the project.Lack of Contractors involvement in design Involvement of the Contractor in the design may assist in developing better designs by accommodating his creative and practical ideas (Arain et al., 2004). Lack of Contractors involvement in design may eventually cause Variations. pragmatical ideas which are not accommodated during the design phase will eventually affect the proje ct negatively.Unavailability of equipment Unavailability of equipment is a procurement problem that can affect the project completion (OBrien, 1998). Occasionally, the lack of equipment may cause major design Variations or adjustments to project scheduling to accommodate the replacement.Unavailability of skills (shortage of experienced manpower) Skilled manpower is one of the major resources required for complex expert projects (Arain et al., 2004). Shortage of skilled manpower is more likely to occur in complex technological projects. This lack can be a cause for Variations that may delay the projects completion date.Contractors financial difficulties Construction is a wear down intensive industry. Whether the Contractor has been paid or not, the wages of the worker must still be paid (Thomas and Napolitan, 1994). Contractors financial difficulties may cause major Variations during a project, affecting its quality and progress and in some cases even the synthetic rubber of the site is affected if there is an argument.Contractors desired profitability Contractors desired profitability can be a potential cause of Variations in construction projects. This is because Variations are considered a common source of additional works for the contractor (OBrien, 1998). The Contractor may eventually strive to convince the project Employer to allow certain Variations, leading to additional financial benefits for him.Differing site conditions Differing site condition can be an important cause of delays in full-grown building projects (Assaf et al., 1995). The contractor may face different soil conditions than those indicated in the tender documents. Eventually this may affect his cost estimates and schedule negatively. forged workmanship Defective workmanship may lead to demolition and rework in construction projects (Fisk, 1997 OBrien, 1998). Defective workmanship results in low quality in construction projects (Arain et al., 2004). Even the Contractor bares the cos t of the defective work, but this also may affect the project negatively, leading to rework and delay in the project completion.Unfamiliarity with local conditions Familiarity with local conditions is an important factor for the successful completion of a construction project (Clough and Sears, 1994). If the Contractor is not aware of local conditions, it would be extremely difficult for him to carry out the project. Eventually, project delays may occur that end up with vital Variations in the entire design entity.Lack of a specialized construction conductor The construction manager carries out the construction phase in an create way to eliminate the risks of delays and other problems. Lack of a specialized construction manager may lead to defective workmanship and delay in the construction project.Fast track construction Fast track construction requires an organized system to coincidently carry out interdependent project activities (Fisk, 1997). When the public and private sector s have large funds and want to complete projects in a very short time, complete construction drawings and specifications may not be available when the contractor starts work (Arain et al., 2004).Eventually, this procurement fashion may cause major Variations.Poor procurement process procurance delays have various negative effects on other processes in the construction cycle (Fisk, 1997). Occasionally, the procurement delay may cause an entire change or replacement for originally specified materials or equipment for the project (Arain et al., 2004). This may therefore cause a need for project activities to be reworked.Lack of communication Detrimental Variations, which affect the projects adversely, can usually be managed at an early stage with strong and incessant communication. A lack of coordination and communication between parties may cause major Variations that could eventually jounce the project negatively (Arain et al., 2004).Contractors lack of judgment and experience The consultants lack of professional experience increases the risk of errors during construction (OBrien, 1998). This lack may cause major construction Variations in a project, when both Contractor and consultant could not identify or foresee the problems in the planning stage receivable to both parties are lacking of experience. Eventually, this may affect the project quality and delay the project completion.Long lead procurement Procurement delays have various adverse affects on other processes in the construction cycle (Fisk, 1997). Occasionally, the procurement delay may cause an entire change or replacement for originally specified materials or equipment for the project. Delay in long lead procurement is a common cause of delays in building projects (Assaf et al., 1995).Honest wrong beliefs of contractor As mentioned earlier with respect to echt wrong beliefs of the consultant, honest wrong beliefs of the contractor can also be a potential cause of Variations in construction pr ojects. Contractors, without having firsthand knowledge, may make decisions based on their wrong beliefs which would adversely affect the quality and pace of the project.Complex design and technology Complex design and technology require detailed interpretations by the designer to make it comprehensible for the Contractor (Arain, 2002). A complex design may be experienced for the first time by the Contractor. Eventually, the complexity may affect the flow of construction activities, leading to delays in the project completion.Lack of strategic planning Proper strategic planning is an important factor for successful completion of a building project (Clough and Sears, 1994 CII, 1994a). The lack of strategic planning is a common cause of Variations in projects where construction starts before the design is finalized, for instance, in concurrent design and construction contracts (OBrien, 1998).Contractors lack of required data A lack of required data may affect the contractors strategic planning for successful project completion, leading to frequent disruptions during the construction process. This is because a lack of data can result in misinterpretation of the actual requirements of a project (Assaf et al., 1995 Arain et al., 2004).Contractors obstinate nature As mentioned earlier with regard to the obstinate nature of consultant, likewise, this can be a potential cause of Variations in construction projects. If the Contractor is obstinate, he may not accommodate creative and beneficial ideas suggested by others. Eventually, this may cause major Variations in the later stages and affect the project negatively.D. Other VariationsThis section discusses the causes of Variations that were not directly related to the project team.Weather conditions Adverse weather conditions can affect outside activities in construction projects (Fisk, 1997 OBrien, 1998). When weather conditions vary such as the various monsoon seasons in Malaysia, the contractor needs to adjust the construction schedule accordingly. Occasionally, this may affect the project progress negatively, leading to delays in construction.Safety considerations Safety is an important factor for the successful completion of a building project (Clough and Sears, 1994). Noncompliance with safety requirements may cause major Variations in design. Lack of safety considerations may affect the project progress negatively, leading to serious accidents and delays in the project completion.Change in government regulations Local authorities may have specific codes and regulations that need to be accommodated in the design (Arain et al., 2004). Change in government regulations during the project construction phase may cause major Variations in design and construction. This can affect a project negatively depending on the timing of the occurrence of the changes.Change in scotch conditions Economic conditions are one of the influential factors that may affect a construction project (Fisk, 1997). The e conomic situation of a country can affect the whole construction industry and its participants. Eventually, this may affect the project negatively, depending on the timing of the occurrence of the Variations.Socio-cultural factors Professionals with different socio-cultural backgrounds may encounter problems due(p) to different perceptions, and this may affect the working environment of the construction project (Arain et al., 2004). Lack of coordination is common between professionals with different socio-cultural backgrounds (OBrien, 1998). Eventually, project delays may occur that end up with vital changes in the entire project team. unlooked-for problems Unforeseen conditions are usually faced by professionals in the construction industry (Clough and Sears, 1994 OBrien, 1998). If these conditions are not solved as soon as possible, they may cause major Variations in the construction projects. Eventually, this may affect the project negatively, leading to reworks and delays in th e project completion.