Construction planning and scheduling practices in road construction firms in Ghana

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
NOVEMBER, 2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Planning and scheduling techniques are indispensable in delivering successful projects. Successful projects also are tied with profit making and in consequence survival in the construction industry. Unfortunately, planning and scheduling can be very difficult, arduous and time-consuming. The good news is that there have been attempts over the past years to streamline planning and scheduling. However, these practices have not been well integrated into the Ghanaian Construction Industry and especially the Road Construction Industry (RCI). The aim of this study is anchored to explore the construction scheduling techniques and methods adopted in the Road Construction Industry in Ghana. The study utilises survey questionnaire to elicit responses from the professionals in the Road Construction Industry. The findings basically identified the various planning and scheduling techniques employed in the RCI and the challenges impeding the adoption of these techniques in the industry. It was revealed that the industry is inclined to the use of traditional techniques as opposed to ‘modern’ 4-D CAD scheduling tools. The significant challenges identified are: Complexity of Tools Cost of Modern planning and scheduling tools (Cost of Software), Technological Challenges. To improve the likelihood of affording these modern 4-D CAD visualisation software and hardware, small companies should consider forming amalgamations and cartels to increase their purchasing power. The findings on the challenges of planning and scheduling; and also the usage also provide an avenue for Continuous Professional Development. This will ensure that professionals are able to manipulate advanced and sophisticated to improve project performance.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Building Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Science in Construction Management.
Keywords
Citation