A study of the challenges and strategies to road construction contract closeout
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Date
2021-06-18
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Abstract
The aim of the study was to explore ways of improving the effectiveness of the project closure
phase of the road construction sector. With this aim, two objectives were set which were to
identify the challenges that impede in the road construction contract closeout and to identify
the strategies that can enhance the efficient use in road construction contract closure. An
extensive literature review was conducted and based on the review, structured questionnaire
was developed and distributed the various respondents. Fifty-three (53) questionnaires were
retrieved and analyzed using mean score ranking technique. From the analysis, it was realized
that, customer challenges were ranked as the most severe challenge. The sub-variable that was
ranked first was unavailability of key personnel followed by change of responsible personnel
at critical transition points. The second ranked variable was team challenges. Its sub-variable
that was ranked first was fear of no future work followed by attention diverted as members
transition into new projects. The third ranked factor was technical challenges. Its first ranked
sub-variable was difficulties in securing useful project historical data followed by thorough
identification and agreement on all remaining deliverables. With the analysis of the second
objective, the most significant strategy was effective communication at the closure phase of a
project. The second ranked factor was the continuous monitoring of functionality and quality
of deliverables by project manager. The third ranked factor was standardization of the closeout
process as much as possible. With these findings, it was recommended that, clients in
collaboration with consultants must ensure that, contractors do not approach the project closure
phase with lackadaisical attitude by implementing sanctions. Also, construction firms must also
ensure that, work personnel needed at the closure phase of a project are readily available and
well-motivated to see the work through. Lastly, the project manager must try as much as
possible to avoid last minute surprises. Thus, the project manager must continually monitor the
functionality and quality of the project deliverables and guide them against damages.
Furthermore, the project manager must actively make his visibility greater at the project closure
stage. This is because, the project team may begin to disintegrate as a functional unit when the
project nears completion. Communication becomes more difficult for the project manager. This
study was limited to only road construction firms. Further studies can incorporate building
contractors. Also, the study was also limited to road construction firms in the Upper West
region. Other geographical areas in Ghana can be included in further studies.
Description
A dissertation submitted to the Department of Construction Technology and
Management, College of Art and Built Environment in partial fulfilment of the
requirement for the Degree of Master of Science.
Keywords
Challenges, Strategies, road construction