Investigating the impact of project planning processes on timely completion of construction projects

Abstract

This research study sought to identify the impact of project planning on timely completion of construction projects. The objectives of the study were; to examine the project planning process for construction projects, to assess unidentified gaps in construction project planning that lead to untimely project completion, and to evaluate the impact of project planning stages on timely project completion. The research questions were; what planning processes are used in construction projects? What unidentified gaps are present in the project planning process? How is proper planning likely to affect delays during project phases, and to what extent does it impact timely completion of projects? The research approach was both qualitative and quantitative, and the design descriptive and correlative. A survey questionnaire was applied in the study. The sample population consisted of project managers. The sample size is 96 respondents, and the sampling technique used is convenient random sampling. The questionnaire was the data collection tool used. Data analysis technique used was Relative Importance Index (RII). A likert scale was also used. The findings showed that the vast majority of construction projects undertaken between 2007 and 2017 were private funded projects. This was corresponded by the matching numbers of project managers who have worked in the private sector. 96% of respondents believe that project scheduling has the most impact on timely completion of construction projects. 91% and 87% respectively gave the information that defining scope of works and estimating activities’ duration, cost and resources per activity also have an influence on the completion time of projects. The research further established that not all the planning activities identified have an impact on timely completion of projects. Recommendation include hiring experienced and competent project managers to lead the planning process, training the project planning team in the monitoring and supervision of construction works, and holding stakeholder meetings for consistent role-playing.