An investigation into the role of planning in managing delays in construction projects

Abstract

In the construction industry the success of a construction project call be measured using the criteria of time, quality and cost. Among these, time is the most challenging and indeed construction projects have continued to experience the problem of delays, This study investigates the role of planning in managing the delays in projects, In construction. poor planning leads to delays and planning has a direct effect on the time performance. The management function or planning. as it relates to construction, is discussed and the relationship or planning parameters to the causes of delays studied. The study involved a survey of 33 delayed construction projects in Kenya. Data on planning parameters was collected and analysed to establish the relationship between level of planning and the causes of delay. Planning in this study is examined from the Contractors perspective, Consultant's perspective and Client's perspective, The study establishes the key planning dimensions as design plans, adequate finance planning and the planning [or the construction processes. The planning currently done by the construction industry players was found to be inadequate and is one of the causes of delay, The study recommends that the key planning dimensions be observed more seriously to help limit the problem of delays, There is need [or more qualified planners in the construction industry and the responsibility of planning and time performance be undertaken by the project manager