A system model for project delivery time and implementation

Abstract

Purpose: Professionals undertake tasks as part of inter alia, the design process, which require a range of actions, which are substantially influenced by the environment. Given that the interplay of all of these forces has an impact on the outcome of the process, the study reported on investigated the relation-ships between actions initiated by professionals in the delivery of facilities. Methodology: The mix method of research approaches (qualitative and quantitative) were adopted in the study. The ï¬ rst part deals with the quantitative approach, which led to the second part the qualitative approach and that system thinking. The system thinking approach was employed to identify causes and effects of actions / decisions undertaken during the delivery of facilities. Respondents were selectedrandomly. The questionnaire the instrument used for data gathering was administered to respondents through post and e-mail. The data for the study was obtained from eighty-nine respondents within the metropolitan areas of the following provinces in South Africa, namely: Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Free State. Architects, clients, contractors, engineers, and quantity surveyors constitute the respondents. Findings: Findings from the study include: lack of commitment to timeous completion of projects on the part of contractors, clients, and designers leads to project delay; poor performance stems from late payment of fees, and lack of adequate prequalification of professionals; late provision and issuance of instructions and approval of works leads to project delay, and contractors’ inadequate skills and health and safety (H&S) plans lead to poor performance and late project delivery. Practial implication: The causes and consequences of delay have been identified. The breaking of the circle of factors that lead to project delay based on the actions that will enhance delivery of projects should be given greater attention. Value: The practice of the recommendations based on the findings from the study will drastically reduce delay in the delivery of building construction projects.