FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PERFORMANCE OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN AKURE, ONDO STATE

Abstract

Construction industry is complex in nature because it contains large number of project parties such as clients, consultants, contractors, stakeholders, shareholders and regulators. Construction projects in Akure, Ondo State suffer from many problems and complex issues. The objectives of this thesis are to identify the factors influencing the performance of construction projects in Akure, the capital of Ondo State. A questionnaire survey was conducted and forty six factors were identified, categorized into eight groups, evaluated and ranked according to participants’ perspectives. 50 questionnaires were distributed as follows: 12 to project owners, 18 to consultants and 20 to contractors. 20 questionnaires were received (40%) as follows: 30% from owners, 25% from consultants and 45% from contractors as respondents. 20 questionnaires were used because of the repeated answers and limited number of construction industries in the study area. The severity of the identified factors and the factors contributing to the improvement of construction projects were also identified. The analysis of these factors was determined using the average index and multiple linear regression analysis of weighted least square. The outcome of these analyses showed that all the respondents agreed that construction projects were influenced by all the forty six factors indicated by the questionnaire. However, the analysis indicated that the top ten factors that have the highest average index showed how these factors are affecting construction projects. These factors include: escalation of material prices, insufficient supply of materials, motivating skills of the project team leader, quality control of material, consultant commitment to ensure construction work according to specification, delay of progress payment, project team leaders experience, technical skill of the project team leaders, overall managerial actions as well as the economic environment where projects are being executed. Based on these findings, this study recommended that contractors’ progress payment should be made on time as well as minimizing change orders during construction to avoid delays Also, consultants should give full commitment to monitor the project progress and ensure the work was according to specifications and satisfactory quality; meeting owner needs and expectation within the project budget and stipulated time. Finally, continuous coordination and relationship between project participants were required through the project life cycle in order to solve the various problems and ensure project performance.