| Summary: | A Research Report Submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Project Management in Construction, September 2017 === Problem Statement
As a background, several studies on construction claims management in the
construction industry conducted in recent times highlighted deficiencies in current
construction claims management approaches. Most of the research suggests a need
for improvement in the efficiency of construction claims management processes.
Claims management is an integral part of the entire project management and should
be considered inherent in the administrative process of any construction project.
Currently, the practice in construction claims management and dispute resolution
generally reflects a one size fits all approach. Claims can be planned at tender
stage.
Hence, the problem statement is that the lack of efficient construction claims
management processes poses risks on a construction project which produces the
need to manage it proactively and efficiently.
Aim
The aim of this study was to investigate whether construction administrators such as
Project Managers, Contract Managers, Construction Managers and Construction
Claims Consultants involved in construction claims management process are aware
of the Construction Extension Guide to PMBOK® which presented a proactive
administration of construction claims.
Research Methodology
The research approach used in this study was a cross-sectional survey using a
structured questionnaire. A combination of both online questionnaire and face to face
interviews were conducted. The targeted population consisted of professionals with
experience in construction claims management and project management. Out of 84
questionnaires sent out, 42 were returned which amounted to 50% response rate.
The 42 respondents comprised of 11 project managers, 2 construction managers, 6
6
contract managers, 5 construction claims consultants, and 17 others who have not
specified their roles.
The research, being a cross-sectional study was carried out only once.
Questionnaires were sent out and received within a two-month period and the
interviews were conducted in two weeks thereafter. Quantitative data were collected
from 42 respondents and from the 42 quantitative data respondents, 9 respondents
were interviewed face to face for collecting qualitative data. Quantitative research
uses mainly deductive reasoning while qualitative research uses mainly inductive
reasoning. This research used both the deductive and inductive reasoning in
analysing data. The research used descriptive method of analysis. The descriptive
method is a straightforward calculation that shows how the respondents are
distributed on all the items of the investigation.
Research Findings
The research findings indicated that project managers, contract managers,
construction managers and construction claims consultants, even though they may
be aware of the construction extension guide to the PBMOK, rarely make reference
to it as a proactive project management tool for construction claims. In addition, the
result pointed out that the Construction Extension Guide to the PMBOK® is an
important tool in the management of construction claims. === XL2018
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