CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The construction industry is an important part of the economical backbone in manycountries (Ngai et al., 2002), often accounting for between 7-10 percent of the GrossDomestic Product (Winch, 1996, Voordijk et al., 2000). Furthermore, constructionproducts and processes have a large impact on safety, health and environmentalaspects (Bayliss et al., 2004). Since all human beings in modern societies are directlyaffected by its processes and/or products, the importance of a well-functioningconstruction industry is beyond doubt (Cheung et al., 2001, Ngai et al., 2002,Eriksson, 2007).
In many countries the construction industry has, however, attracted criticism forinefficiencies in outcomes such as time and cost overruns, low productivity, poorquality and inadequate customer satisfaction (Latham, 1994, Egan, 1998, Ericsson,2002, Chan et al., 2003). Practitioners, researchers and society at large have,therefore, called for a change in attitudes, behaviour and procedures in order toincrease the chances for construction projects to be successful and result in improvedend products (Love et al., 2000, Dubois and Gadde, 2002).
Increased complexity, uncertainty, and time pressure in construction projects haveincreased the need for cooperation among different project actors (Anvuur andKumaraswamy, 2007). Traditionally, relationships are, however, very competitive andadversarial in the construction industry (Cheung et al., 2003), which to a large extentis due to the customary procurement procedures potentially causing many problems inall stages of the buying process (Eriksson and Laan, 2007). Therefore, in order to takeadvantage of collaboration, procurement procedures is one key improvement area andcan contribute substantially to project success (Cheung et al., 2003, Eriksson, 2007).
A change of procurement procedures is, however, impeded by clients’ habitualbehaviour (Laedre et al., 2006). Although procurement procedures need to be tailoredto enhance the fulfilment of different project objectives (Cox and Thompson, 1997,
Love et al., 1998, Wardaniet al., 2006), clients tend to choose those procurementprocedures they have a habit of using, regardless of any differences between projects(Laedre et al., 2006). In order to enhance change, an increased understanding of howdifferent procurement procedures affect different aspects of project performance isvital. Earlier research efforts in this area have been limited to the investigation of howa single or a few specific procurement alternatives affect one or two projectobjectives. In order to achieve successful governance of construction projects aholistic and systemic approach to procurement procedures is crucial (Cox andThompson, 1997, Eriksson and Pesämaa, 2007, Eriksson, 2008b). Since a systemicperspective on the effect of procurement procedures on different aspects of projectperformance is lacking in the construction management literature, this research effortaims to fill this theoretical gap that has potential to bring important practicalimplications.
Different studies have confirmed the use ofvarious types of procurement methods for projectdelivery in Nigeria. Studies of Ogunsanmi, Iyagbaand Omirin (2003), Ojo, Adeyemi and Fagbenle
(2006), and Dada (2012) all confirm the use ofTraditional, Design and Build, ProjectManagement, Construction Management, Labouronly,Direct Labour and other types such asAlliancing, Partnering and Joint Venturesprocurements in the Nigerian constructionindustry. The use of these procurement methodscan significantly affect the performance of mostprojects.
1.2 STATEMENTOF THE PROBLEM
The Nigeria construction industry is modeled after the British system being our colonialmaster, although, since independence in 1960, it has incorporated the styles of other Europeancountries, such as Italy, Germany and France (Mansfield, 1994). This industry is of paramount importance foremployment and economic growth (Ogunsemi, 2004). The Nigerian construction industry forms nearly 70% ofthe nation’s fixed capital formation Federal Office of Statistics (FOS)(2004), yet its performance within the economy has been, andcontinues to be, very poor due to cost overruns resulting to abandonment of projects. For example, the Nigerian construction industry’s contribution toemployment has remained consistently at 1.0% over the last decade against the World Bank’saverage observation of about 3.2% in developing countries (Idrus, 2008). The traditional design-bid-buildsystem of procurement is still dominant in the Nigerian construction sector and this may likelycontinue to be the trend. In addition, the Nigerian construction sector comprises the clients,contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and key professional actors responsible for design andsupervision of projects. The professionals includes architects, engineers (structural and services),and Quantity Surveyors. There are professional bodies that regulate the activities of theseprofessionals.
Delay in project execution is a major problem in the Nigerian construction industry. Thisoccurs both in small and large projects. Virtually, all the projects executed over the years inNigeria were faced with problem of delay in delivery. Odeyinka and Yusuf (1997) observed thatseven out of every ten projects suffer delay in Nigeria. Nigerian construction industry is facedwith problem of cost overrun. Ogunsemi and Jagboro(2004) noted that one of the most seriousproblems the Nigerian construction industry is faced with is the project cost overrun, withattendant consequence of completing projects at sums higher than the initial sum. Therefore,working with realistic project estimate is necessary at the outset of a project work, which wouldeliminate uncertainty and as well provide a platform for project success. Idrus and Sodangi (2008) also observed that the last decade has however exposed the declining level of clients’ satisfactionfrom the built facilities as a result of poor quality performance in addition to the perennialproblems of time and cost overruns in the Nigerian construction industry.
The Nigerian construction industry continues to occupy an important position in thenation’s economy even though it contributes less than the manufacturing or other serviceindustries,. This industry plays an important role in the economy, and the products of itsactivities are so vital to the achievement of national socio-economic development goals ofcreating job opportunities and social amenities and infrastructures (Anaman, 2007).
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The main aim of this study is to examine procurement systems and it impact on cost management and delivery. Specific objectives of the study are:
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES
Hi: Variations in procurement systems affect construction cost.
Hi: Challenges encountered when using procurement systems contribute to construction cost overrun.
Hi: There is a significant impact between procurement systems and construction cost management and delivery.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study will be of importance to personnels in the construction industry and the general public because it would not only clarify but also create awareness of the extent to which inadequacies in cost management and procurement systems can adversely affect project performance. The study will also help contractors, clients, consultants and all parties involved in construction projects about ways of improving their current method of cost management and control.
The study will also be of great benefit for other student researchers’ who may want to venture into the same subject matter. Having gotten results-both empirically and theoretically, the study will serve as a foundation for future research studies.
1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study will cover some selected contractors from Owerri. All findings and recommendations from the study may not reflect the true view of the traditional roles and changing roles of quantity surveyors as the researcher could not cover a wider area due to financial and time constraints.
1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS
REFERENCES
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