Investigating design changes in Malaysian building projects
The complexity and uncertainties associated with construction projects mean that contracts invariably provide sufficient flexibility for changes in design as the work proceeds. However, the concomitant effects of this arrangement often cause time and cost control to be adversely affected–resulting i...
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| Format: | Article |
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Taylor & Francis
2018
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| _version_ | 1825721472676528128 |
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| author | Yap, Jeffrey Boon Hui Skitmore, Martin |
| author_facet | Yap, Jeffrey Boon Hui Skitmore, Martin |
| author_sort | Yap, Jeffrey Boon Hui |
| collection | UM |
| description | The complexity and uncertainties associated with construction projects mean that contracts invariably provide sufficient flexibility for changes in design as the work proceeds. However, the concomitant effects of this arrangement often cause time and cost control to be adversely affected–resulting in schedule delays and cost overruns. In seeking an improved understanding, this study aimed to identify the specific causes of design changes and their implications –cost performance of Malaysia-based building projects. A total of 39 causes were first identified through a comprehensive literature review and, in conjunction with 12 semi-structured interviews with experienced construction industry practitioners, then categorised into those originating from clients, consultants, contractors, site and external sources. A questionnaire survey of 338 clients, consultants and contractors was then analysed to infer and rank the identified causes and their overall effect. The research reveals that building projects in Malaysia encounter time–cost overruns of 5–20% due to design changes. Lack of coordination among various professional consultants, change of requirements/specification, addition/omission of scope, erroneous/discrepancies in design documents and unforeseen ground conditions are the five most significant causes. The analysis also reveals considerable heterogeneity of perceptions between the respondent groups of the most significant causes of design changes, attributed to the adversarial culture within the industry. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-06T05:50:50Z |
| format | Article |
| id | um.eprints-20312 |
| institution | Universiti Malaya |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-06T05:50:50Z |
| publishDate | 2018 |
| publisher | Taylor & Francis |
| record_format | dspace |
| spelling | um.eprints-203122019-02-14T07:08:45Z http://eprints.um.edu.my/20312/ Investigating design changes in Malaysian building projects Yap, Jeffrey Boon Hui Skitmore, Martin TH Building construction The complexity and uncertainties associated with construction projects mean that contracts invariably provide sufficient flexibility for changes in design as the work proceeds. However, the concomitant effects of this arrangement often cause time and cost control to be adversely affected–resulting in schedule delays and cost overruns. In seeking an improved understanding, this study aimed to identify the specific causes of design changes and their implications –cost performance of Malaysia-based building projects. A total of 39 causes were first identified through a comprehensive literature review and, in conjunction with 12 semi-structured interviews with experienced construction industry practitioners, then categorised into those originating from clients, consultants, contractors, site and external sources. A questionnaire survey of 338 clients, consultants and contractors was then analysed to infer and rank the identified causes and their overall effect. The research reveals that building projects in Malaysia encounter time–cost overruns of 5–20% due to design changes. Lack of coordination among various professional consultants, change of requirements/specification, addition/omission of scope, erroneous/discrepancies in design documents and unforeseen ground conditions are the five most significant causes. The analysis also reveals considerable heterogeneity of perceptions between the respondent groups of the most significant causes of design changes, attributed to the adversarial culture within the industry. Taylor & Francis 2018 Article PeerReviewed Yap, Jeffrey Boon Hui and Skitmore, Martin (2018) Investigating design changes in Malaysian building projects. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 14 (3). pp. 218-238. ISSN 1745-2007, DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/17452007.2017.1384714 <https://doi.org/10.1080/17452007.2017.1384714>. https://doi.org/10.1080/17452007.2017.1384714 doi:10.1080/17452007.2017.1384714 |
| spellingShingle | TH Building construction Yap, Jeffrey Boon Hui Skitmore, Martin Investigating design changes in Malaysian building projects |
| title | Investigating design changes in Malaysian building projects |
| title_full | Investigating design changes in Malaysian building projects |
| title_fullStr | Investigating design changes in Malaysian building projects |
| title_full_unstemmed | Investigating design changes in Malaysian building projects |
| title_short | Investigating design changes in Malaysian building projects |
| title_sort | investigating design changes in malaysian building projects |
| topic | TH Building construction |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT yapjeffreyboonhui investigatingdesignchangesinmalaysianbuildingprojects AT skitmoremartin investigatingdesignchangesinmalaysianbuildingprojects |