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Joseph Buertey

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Papers by Joseph Buertey

Managing the Impact of Speculative Risk Activities in Mining Communities in Ghana

A Theological Review of the Religio-Cultural Practices of Prayer and Social Identity of the Asantes during the Adaε Festival

African journal of religion, philosophy and culture, Dec 1, 2023

Cashflow forecasting in the construction industry: The case of Ghana

Pentvars Business Journal, Mar 31, 2012

Research has shown that only one out of eight projects in the USA is successful (David and Trevor... more Research has shown that only one out of eight projects in the USA is successful (David and Trevor, 2011). Park, Seung and Rusells (2005) quoted Russell (1991) who found that more than 60% of construction contractor's failure is due to economic factors. Thus, when planning funding requirements of a business, it is more important to manage the likely cash requirements than to merely project profitability. Whilst profit is a vital indicator of the performance of a project, the generation of profit does not necessarily guarantee its realization development, or even survival. It is imperative to note that more businesses fail for lack of cashflow than for want of profit. This paper discusses and highlights the results of a study conducted to determine, rate, and rank the significant factors that affect the cash flow of contractors in Ghana. The District Assembly Common Funded (DACF) project was used as a cose study. The paper adopted the qualitative and quantitative research methods. In terms of quantitative methods, primary data was gathered through structured questionnaires distributed to contractors, consultants, district assemblies (clients) in the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions of Ghana. The sample size was drawn using the Kish (1965) method. In total, 123 out of 152 questionnaires were retrieved indicating 81 % response rate.

An innovative diffusion-theory based assessment of inherent barriers in urban green drainage infrastructure systems

Hydrological sciences journal, Mar 11, 2024

Exploring the contributions of circular business models towards the transition of green economy in the Ghanaian construction industry

Smart and sustainable built environment, Jan 29, 2024

Prioritization of the key underlying sustainability indicators of urban green drainage infrastructure systems

Urban Water Journal

Managing the Drivers of Cost Escalation in the Road Development Sector: An Overview

International Journal of Science, Technology and Society, 2015

The management of construction cost escalation requires that proponents understand the drivers of... more The management of construction cost escalation requires that proponents understand the drivers of project cost. The aim of this research was therefore to evaluate the causes of project cost escalation with a case study in Ghana. The research was carried out using quantitative approach by distributing questionnaires to built-environment professionals and stakeholders in the road sector. Findings suggest that fluctuations in cost indices, variation in work due to incomplete scope definition, corruption, unstable exchange rate, schedule delays, and poor risk management are the major key drivers affecting cost escalations on road projects in Ghana. The study held that the lead times allowed between base dates of estimates, actual award and commencement date of the project has a contributing factor for cost escalations. To manage cost escalation, the challenge of incomplete scope definition and instability in micro economic indicators must be managed by the players of the economy. To curtail corruption, the procedures for the awarding of contracts which are subjective with public officials having discretions to determine the least evaluated bidders even though there are procedures for determination, must be reviewed. The use of such discretionary powers accounts for perceived corruption along with contractor behaviour resulting in under dealings. The bidding and award stage of projects mark the beginning of interaction between public official and contractors and hence, the hatching point for project corruption. It is recommended that the management of cost escalation would require the improvement of the governance structures and procurement process for public sector projects. The conclusion of the survey suggests that a holistic approach is required to control the trend but more importantly, on attitudes of officials involved which would require improved ethical commitment.

Procurement of Developmental Projects in Ghana: A Literature Review of the Designer-Led System Verses the Producer-Led Systems

American Journal of Civil Engineering, 2016

Procurement is a very important aspect of the chain link process of infrastructural delivery. Thr... more Procurement is a very important aspect of the chain link process of infrastructural delivery. Through procurement choices in terms of project delivery and construction technology is agreed by key stakeholders. Irrespective of the concomitant challenges of the traditional Design Bid Build (DBB) method of project delivery commonly employed in Ghana, which has been noted for schedule delay, corruption, cost overrun and low quality; project stakeholders still employ this method in the delivery of over 90% of infrastructural project. The purpose of this review is to advance the reasons for the continuous use of the traditional method of procurement, factors hindering the adoption of other procurement methods and explore the possibility of stakeholders embracing other producer-led procurements. As a qualitative based study, the work was based on extensive desktop literature review from journal, periodicals, articles and previous related works. Findings from the study pointed out that the use of the DBB was basically due to familiarity by stakeholders, the small scale of projects executed in Ghana, the competence and capacity characteristics of the local contractor and the form of contract used in the delivery of construction projects. The study concludes that the construction industry in Ghana is not fully ready for a switch to producer-led system as an alternative to DBB since less than 10% of local contractors have the capacity. Again, most of the high profile firms ready for the adoption of DB are foreign-based firms; a switch would disadvantage the local contractor who lacks the necessary capacity. In conclusion, the Ghanaian contractor needs to build capacity in terms of human and technical skills to help position on the right pedestal.

The Financial Impact of Risk Factors Affecting Project Cost Contingency: Evidential Reasoning Method

Journal of engineering, project, and production management, Jul 31, 2013

The process of cost modeling using risk analysis for construction projects is very crucial for th... more The process of cost modeling using risk analysis for construction projects is very crucial for the achievement of project success. The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of the financial impact of risk factors affecting key construction work sections; using a systematic risk methodology based on empirical judgment. The failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) and the evidential reasoning methods are presented as qualitative and quantitative risk tools respectively. Data analysis from structured questionnaires revealed that four work sections are prone to high scope changes contemporaneous with seven risk factors. Contrary to the usual 10% contingency estimate allowed for construction projects in Ghana, an approximate overall physical contingency range of between 13.36% and 17.88% was determined using evidential reasoning methods. The likely impact of the integrated work sections and risk factors provide a clue to estimators on how to estimate and account for project cost contingency. The research concludes by recommending a framework for improving the estimation process of cost contingency through the integration of efficient risk management strategies, cost estimation and design management process.

Successful Delivery of Infrastructural Projects: Epistemic Overview of Cost Risk and Uncertainties

Journal of civil engineering and architecture, Sep 28, 2012

The process of decision making and risk analysis are essential tasks along the construction proje... more The process of decision making and risk analysis are essential tasks along the construction project cycle. Over the years, construction practitioners and researchers have used various methods, tools and techniques to evaluate risk and assist in making more concise decisions. Most practitioners, however, rely on their expert judgment, past experience, intuition, acquired and accumulated knowledge and gut feelings to make decisions. Aleatory (natural, heterogeneity and stochasticity) and epistemic (subjective, ignorance) are the two major types of uncertainties observed in natural sciences. Practitioners traditionally deal with aleatory uncertainty through probabilistic analysis based on historical data (frequentist approach); and epistemic uncertainty, on the other hand, handled through the Bayesian approach which has limitations since it requires a priori assumption. This paper reports the application of the DST (Dempster Shafer Theory) of evidence to determine the most critical risk factors affecting project cost contingencies using their epistemic probabilities of occurrence. The paper further discuses how these factors can be managed to enhance successful delivery of infrastructural projects. It uses the mixed methodology, with data gathered through structured questionnaires distributed to construction clients, contractors, professionals and experts in the built environment. The research revealed that design risk, financial risk and economic risk were most important cost risk categorizations. In particular, scope changes, incomplete scope definition, incomplete design, changes in specification, micro and macroeconomic indicators and delayed payment problems were identified as the most important risk factors to be considered during the cost contingency estimation process, hence successful delivery of infrastructural projects. The paper concludes by recommending modalities for managing the contingency evolution process of risk estimation to enhance successful delivery and management of infrastructural projects.

Construction Cost Contigency Estimating in Ghana: A Review of Work Sections Prone to Scope Changes

Several factors have posed as risk factors for the successful delivery of infrastructural project... more Several factors have posed as risk factors for the successful delivery of infrastructural projects in Ghana. Since risk cannot be eradicated but can be managed by a proactive effort of the project team, the process of decision making and risk analysis are essential tasks along the construction project cycle. This paper aims at reviewing risk levels of the various work sections in relation to scope changes. Through the application of failure modes and effect analysis (FMEA), the research has revealed that the work sections that have a high propensity to changes are substructure with severity class 2, essential building services with severity class 2R and finishes with severity class 2R. These work sections were identified as prone to scope changes due to the challenge of poor scope definition during the design stage and the effect of scope creep during the development stage. The impact of these risks can be managed through a thorough coordinated design management effort of the project team and a resistance to dualisation of concept during the development stage which results in scope creep.

Managing the Design Process in the Construction Industry: A Literature Review

Architecture research, 2015

Construction has existed since human existence. From the building of huts for shelter in the old ... more Construction has existed since human existence. From the building of huts for shelter in the old ages to the construction of mega structures in recent times, the industry has developed over the years and has grown to become an enviable industry. It has transformed from a single person being the designer, builder and manager to a project environment where multiple organisations and professionals play a part. However this has not solved all the problems in the industry. One of the major concerns of the industry is the management of the design process. It is evident that unlike the olden days where buildings were built with the "trial and error" style of design as the construction went on, today's industry engages designs before construction. The findings in this review have been based solely secondary data, with extensive review of literature that was available on the subject. The review is to generate more interest in this field since there is still more to be unfolded. This research reviewed some models of the design process, industry practice on design management and the role of project management in today's industry. It however does not conclude on which of the models best suits the industry but suggests that the design process should not be managed with the same rigid tools and techniques of project management. It was concluded that the definition for design was contextual but shared certain key characteristics. The definitive part of the construction process needs a coherent management and coordination process for all stakeholders to enable the achievement if the key performance indicators of the project.

Practical Application of Risk Management Techniques in Infrastructural Delivery: A Case Study of Ghanaian Construction Industry

Risk is seen as the chance of something happening that will have an impact on the achievement of ... more Risk is seen as the chance of something happening that will have an impact on the achievement of the objectives of an organization or a project. Risk management is a key project management knowledge area and a tool applicable in management of project uncertainties. Project professional acquire knowledge through education or experience through practice. In their daily decision making process, practitioners rely on their expert judgment, past experience, intuition, acquired and accumulated knowledge and gut feelings to make decisions, the absence of risk management which possess a great level of uncertainty. The paper discusses some theories related to risk management, the risk management process and unveils the extent of application of risk management techniques by professionals in the infrastructural and development industry to achieve project success. The research is based on the mixed method: qualitative and quantitative approach. Analysis of structured questionnaire distributed t...

Project Cost Risk and Uncertainties: Towards a Conceptual Cost Contingency Estimation Model

International Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 2014

The challenge of risk understanding and simulation in the built environment has resulted in the l... more The challenge of risk understanding and simulation in the built environment has resulted in the lack standardized methods in the estimation of cost contingency. To date, most built environment professionals apply deterministic approaches, which dwell greatly on subjectivity, experience and organisational process asset. In response to the above challenge, a systematic risk methodology for the estimating of cost contingency based on empirical judgment has been the driving force behind this research. The failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) and the theory of evidence are presented as qualitative and quantitative risk tools respectively. The research adopted quantitative methods with data gathered through structured questionnaires distributed to built-environment professionals based on the theoretical framework. Analysis of data using FMEA and evidential reasoning method revealed that systemic risk accounted for approximately two-thirds of the cost drivers related to construction cost un...

Public Private Partnership in Ghana: A Panacea to the Infrastructural Deficit?

International Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 2014

The traditional procurement strategy for infrastructural delivery is one of the major reasons for... more The traditional procurement strategy for infrastructural delivery is one of the major reasons for the high infrastructural deficits in Africa. To bride this infrastructure gap; there is need for a consented effort to review our procurement and financing strategy. To this end, the main objective of this study is assesses how the concept of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) can be adopted as an alternative procurement strategy to help address the challenges to road infrastructure provision to bridge the existing infrastructure gap in Ghana. Based on findings, it was revealed that the financing of road infrastructure in Ghana is woefully inadequate and there is the need for other sources of financing. It was further revealed that the PPP model can be implemented and sustained to help overcome the challenges of the traditional procurement strategy to transform the infrastructure sector in Ghana. At 5% significance level, 85% of respondents held that the appropriate PPP model to be implem...

Managing the Design Process in the Construction Industry: A Literature Review

Construction has existed since human existence. From the building of huts for shelter in the old ... more Construction has existed since human existence. From the building of huts for shelter in the old ages to the construction of mega structures in recent times, the industry has developed over the years and has grown to become an enviable industry. It has transformed from a single person being the designer, builder and manager to a project environment where multiple organisations and professionals play a part. However this has not solved all the problems in the industry. One of the major concerns of the industry is the management of the design process. It is evident that unlike the olden days where buildings were built with the "trial and error" style of design as the construction went on, today's industry engages designs before construction. The findings in this review have been based solely secondary data, with extensive review of literature that was available on the subject. The review is to generate more interest in this field since there is still more to be unfolded....

A Risk Overview of the Electrical Safety Practices in Commercial Workplaces in Ghana

Construction Cost Contigency Estimating in Ghana: A Review of Work Sections Prone to Scope Changes

Several factors have posed as risk factors for the successful delivery of infrastructural project... more Several factors have posed as risk factors for the successful delivery of infrastructural projects in Ghana. Since risk cannot be eradicated but can be managed by a proactive effort of the project team, the process of decision making and risk analysis are essential tasks along the construction project cycle. This paper aims at reviewing risk levels of the various work sections in relation to scope changes. Through the application of failure modes and effect analysis (FMEA), the research has revealed that the work sections that have a high propensity to changes are substructure with severity class 2, essential building services with severity class 2R and finishes with severity class 2R. These work sections were identified as prone to scope changes due to the challenge of poor scope definition during the design stage and the effect of scope creep during the development stage. The impact of these risks can be managed through a thorough coordinated design management effort of the projec...

Estimating cost contingency for construction projects : the challenge of systemic and project specific risk

The challenge of poor scope definition resulting in scope creep is recognized as the major driver... more The challenge of poor scope definition resulting in scope creep is recognized as the major driver for construction project and cost overruns. All construction projects are associated with both systemic uncertainty and project specific uncertainty. The epistemic ambiguity in risk estimation could be considered as an opportunity or threat, a gain or loss, positive or negative; while project specific risk are in relation to project cost which makes its estimation untoward. Out of 204 questionnaires distributed to the Built Environment Professionals to determine the impact of systemic and project specific risk factors on the estimation of cost contingency, 118 were retrieved representing 57.8%. Data analysis using FMEA as a qualitative risk tool and univariate statistical analysis as a quantitative risk tool revealed that systemic risk accounted for approximately 64% of the cost drivers related of the construction cost uncertainty whilst projects specific risk accounted for 36% of the r...

Effect of aggregates minerology on the strength of concrete: Case study of three selected quarry products in Ghana

Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction Technology, Mar 31, 2018

Concrete is the most popular construction material worldwide. More than 50% of construction world... more Concrete is the most popular construction material worldwide. More than 50% of construction worldwide use concrete materials, mainly because of its versatility and economy compared to steel in relation to total height of building. The final output of the concrete material is, however, affected by factors including the rock type and its attendant physio-mechanical properties. This paper seeks to investigate the effect of the physio-mechanical properties of three rock types (quartz, sandstone, and quartzite) on the compressive strength of the constituent concrete product, with a maximum rock size of 25 mm. A concrete mix design of C25 was used with a nominal mix of 1:2:4 calculated by absolute weight method and water cement ratio of 0.4. Cube test results show that concrete produced from quartz aggregates produced the highest at all-time strength of 25.6 kN, 0.2% above the expected strength at the end of the 28 day period. Thus concrete produced from quartz rocks revealed a superior strength of 13 and 31% above that of crushed sand stone and quartzite, respectively. Again crush quartz (igneous) rock revealed the highest workability in concrete. The poor compressive test results in strength of the crushed quartzite may be attributed to the week properties such as high porosity, moisture content, permeability and lack of toughness. It is obvious that engineers, practitioners and the local authority should take keen interest in these results in the wake of the recent buildings collapse in Accra.

Managing the Impact of Speculative Risk Activities in Mining Communities in Ghana

A Theological Review of the Religio-Cultural Practices of Prayer and Social Identity of the Asantes during the Adaε Festival

African journal of religion, philosophy and culture, Dec 1, 2023

Cashflow forecasting in the construction industry: The case of Ghana

Pentvars Business Journal, Mar 31, 2012

Research has shown that only one out of eight projects in the USA is successful (David and Trevor... more Research has shown that only one out of eight projects in the USA is successful (David and Trevor, 2011). Park, Seung and Rusells (2005) quoted Russell (1991) who found that more than 60% of construction contractor's failure is due to economic factors. Thus, when planning funding requirements of a business, it is more important to manage the likely cash requirements than to merely project profitability. Whilst profit is a vital indicator of the performance of a project, the generation of profit does not necessarily guarantee its realization development, or even survival. It is imperative to note that more businesses fail for lack of cashflow than for want of profit. This paper discusses and highlights the results of a study conducted to determine, rate, and rank the significant factors that affect the cash flow of contractors in Ghana. The District Assembly Common Funded (DACF) project was used as a cose study. The paper adopted the qualitative and quantitative research methods. In terms of quantitative methods, primary data was gathered through structured questionnaires distributed to contractors, consultants, district assemblies (clients) in the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions of Ghana. The sample size was drawn using the Kish (1965) method. In total, 123 out of 152 questionnaires were retrieved indicating 81 % response rate.

An innovative diffusion-theory based assessment of inherent barriers in urban green drainage infrastructure systems

Hydrological sciences journal, Mar 11, 2024

Exploring the contributions of circular business models towards the transition of green economy in the Ghanaian construction industry

Smart and sustainable built environment, Jan 29, 2024

Prioritization of the key underlying sustainability indicators of urban green drainage infrastructure systems

Urban Water Journal

Managing the Drivers of Cost Escalation in the Road Development Sector: An Overview

International Journal of Science, Technology and Society, 2015

The management of construction cost escalation requires that proponents understand the drivers of... more The management of construction cost escalation requires that proponents understand the drivers of project cost. The aim of this research was therefore to evaluate the causes of project cost escalation with a case study in Ghana. The research was carried out using quantitative approach by distributing questionnaires to built-environment professionals and stakeholders in the road sector. Findings suggest that fluctuations in cost indices, variation in work due to incomplete scope definition, corruption, unstable exchange rate, schedule delays, and poor risk management are the major key drivers affecting cost escalations on road projects in Ghana. The study held that the lead times allowed between base dates of estimates, actual award and commencement date of the project has a contributing factor for cost escalations. To manage cost escalation, the challenge of incomplete scope definition and instability in micro economic indicators must be managed by the players of the economy. To curtail corruption, the procedures for the awarding of contracts which are subjective with public officials having discretions to determine the least evaluated bidders even though there are procedures for determination, must be reviewed. The use of such discretionary powers accounts for perceived corruption along with contractor behaviour resulting in under dealings. The bidding and award stage of projects mark the beginning of interaction between public official and contractors and hence, the hatching point for project corruption. It is recommended that the management of cost escalation would require the improvement of the governance structures and procurement process for public sector projects. The conclusion of the survey suggests that a holistic approach is required to control the trend but more importantly, on attitudes of officials involved which would require improved ethical commitment.

Procurement of Developmental Projects in Ghana: A Literature Review of the Designer-Led System Verses the Producer-Led Systems

American Journal of Civil Engineering, 2016

Procurement is a very important aspect of the chain link process of infrastructural delivery. Thr... more Procurement is a very important aspect of the chain link process of infrastructural delivery. Through procurement choices in terms of project delivery and construction technology is agreed by key stakeholders. Irrespective of the concomitant challenges of the traditional Design Bid Build (DBB) method of project delivery commonly employed in Ghana, which has been noted for schedule delay, corruption, cost overrun and low quality; project stakeholders still employ this method in the delivery of over 90% of infrastructural project. The purpose of this review is to advance the reasons for the continuous use of the traditional method of procurement, factors hindering the adoption of other procurement methods and explore the possibility of stakeholders embracing other producer-led procurements. As a qualitative based study, the work was based on extensive desktop literature review from journal, periodicals, articles and previous related works. Findings from the study pointed out that the use of the DBB was basically due to familiarity by stakeholders, the small scale of projects executed in Ghana, the competence and capacity characteristics of the local contractor and the form of contract used in the delivery of construction projects. The study concludes that the construction industry in Ghana is not fully ready for a switch to producer-led system as an alternative to DBB since less than 10% of local contractors have the capacity. Again, most of the high profile firms ready for the adoption of DB are foreign-based firms; a switch would disadvantage the local contractor who lacks the necessary capacity. In conclusion, the Ghanaian contractor needs to build capacity in terms of human and technical skills to help position on the right pedestal.

The Financial Impact of Risk Factors Affecting Project Cost Contingency: Evidential Reasoning Method

Journal of engineering, project, and production management, Jul 31, 2013

The process of cost modeling using risk analysis for construction projects is very crucial for th... more The process of cost modeling using risk analysis for construction projects is very crucial for the achievement of project success. The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis of the financial impact of risk factors affecting key construction work sections; using a systematic risk methodology based on empirical judgment. The failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) and the evidential reasoning methods are presented as qualitative and quantitative risk tools respectively. Data analysis from structured questionnaires revealed that four work sections are prone to high scope changes contemporaneous with seven risk factors. Contrary to the usual 10% contingency estimate allowed for construction projects in Ghana, an approximate overall physical contingency range of between 13.36% and 17.88% was determined using evidential reasoning methods. The likely impact of the integrated work sections and risk factors provide a clue to estimators on how to estimate and account for project cost contingency. The research concludes by recommending a framework for improving the estimation process of cost contingency through the integration of efficient risk management strategies, cost estimation and design management process.

Successful Delivery of Infrastructural Projects: Epistemic Overview of Cost Risk and Uncertainties

Journal of civil engineering and architecture, Sep 28, 2012

The process of decision making and risk analysis are essential tasks along the construction proje... more The process of decision making and risk analysis are essential tasks along the construction project cycle. Over the years, construction practitioners and researchers have used various methods, tools and techniques to evaluate risk and assist in making more concise decisions. Most practitioners, however, rely on their expert judgment, past experience, intuition, acquired and accumulated knowledge and gut feelings to make decisions. Aleatory (natural, heterogeneity and stochasticity) and epistemic (subjective, ignorance) are the two major types of uncertainties observed in natural sciences. Practitioners traditionally deal with aleatory uncertainty through probabilistic analysis based on historical data (frequentist approach); and epistemic uncertainty, on the other hand, handled through the Bayesian approach which has limitations since it requires a priori assumption. This paper reports the application of the DST (Dempster Shafer Theory) of evidence to determine the most critical risk factors affecting project cost contingencies using their epistemic probabilities of occurrence. The paper further discuses how these factors can be managed to enhance successful delivery of infrastructural projects. It uses the mixed methodology, with data gathered through structured questionnaires distributed to construction clients, contractors, professionals and experts in the built environment. The research revealed that design risk, financial risk and economic risk were most important cost risk categorizations. In particular, scope changes, incomplete scope definition, incomplete design, changes in specification, micro and macroeconomic indicators and delayed payment problems were identified as the most important risk factors to be considered during the cost contingency estimation process, hence successful delivery of infrastructural projects. The paper concludes by recommending modalities for managing the contingency evolution process of risk estimation to enhance successful delivery and management of infrastructural projects.

Construction Cost Contigency Estimating in Ghana: A Review of Work Sections Prone to Scope Changes

Several factors have posed as risk factors for the successful delivery of infrastructural project... more Several factors have posed as risk factors for the successful delivery of infrastructural projects in Ghana. Since risk cannot be eradicated but can be managed by a proactive effort of the project team, the process of decision making and risk analysis are essential tasks along the construction project cycle. This paper aims at reviewing risk levels of the various work sections in relation to scope changes. Through the application of failure modes and effect analysis (FMEA), the research has revealed that the work sections that have a high propensity to changes are substructure with severity class 2, essential building services with severity class 2R and finishes with severity class 2R. These work sections were identified as prone to scope changes due to the challenge of poor scope definition during the design stage and the effect of scope creep during the development stage. The impact of these risks can be managed through a thorough coordinated design management effort of the project team and a resistance to dualisation of concept during the development stage which results in scope creep.

Managing the Design Process in the Construction Industry: A Literature Review

Architecture research, 2015

Construction has existed since human existence. From the building of huts for shelter in the old ... more Construction has existed since human existence. From the building of huts for shelter in the old ages to the construction of mega structures in recent times, the industry has developed over the years and has grown to become an enviable industry. It has transformed from a single person being the designer, builder and manager to a project environment where multiple organisations and professionals play a part. However this has not solved all the problems in the industry. One of the major concerns of the industry is the management of the design process. It is evident that unlike the olden days where buildings were built with the "trial and error" style of design as the construction went on, today's industry engages designs before construction. The findings in this review have been based solely secondary data, with extensive review of literature that was available on the subject. The review is to generate more interest in this field since there is still more to be unfolded. This research reviewed some models of the design process, industry practice on design management and the role of project management in today's industry. It however does not conclude on which of the models best suits the industry but suggests that the design process should not be managed with the same rigid tools and techniques of project management. It was concluded that the definition for design was contextual but shared certain key characteristics. The definitive part of the construction process needs a coherent management and coordination process for all stakeholders to enable the achievement if the key performance indicators of the project.

Practical Application of Risk Management Techniques in Infrastructural Delivery: A Case Study of Ghanaian Construction Industry

Risk is seen as the chance of something happening that will have an impact on the achievement of ... more Risk is seen as the chance of something happening that will have an impact on the achievement of the objectives of an organization or a project. Risk management is a key project management knowledge area and a tool applicable in management of project uncertainties. Project professional acquire knowledge through education or experience through practice. In their daily decision making process, practitioners rely on their expert judgment, past experience, intuition, acquired and accumulated knowledge and gut feelings to make decisions, the absence of risk management which possess a great level of uncertainty. The paper discusses some theories related to risk management, the risk management process and unveils the extent of application of risk management techniques by professionals in the infrastructural and development industry to achieve project success. The research is based on the mixed method: qualitative and quantitative approach. Analysis of structured questionnaire distributed t...

Project Cost Risk and Uncertainties: Towards a Conceptual Cost Contingency Estimation Model

International Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 2014

The challenge of risk understanding and simulation in the built environment has resulted in the l... more The challenge of risk understanding and simulation in the built environment has resulted in the lack standardized methods in the estimation of cost contingency. To date, most built environment professionals apply deterministic approaches, which dwell greatly on subjectivity, experience and organisational process asset. In response to the above challenge, a systematic risk methodology for the estimating of cost contingency based on empirical judgment has been the driving force behind this research. The failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) and the theory of evidence are presented as qualitative and quantitative risk tools respectively. The research adopted quantitative methods with data gathered through structured questionnaires distributed to built-environment professionals based on the theoretical framework. Analysis of data using FMEA and evidential reasoning method revealed that systemic risk accounted for approximately two-thirds of the cost drivers related to construction cost un...

Public Private Partnership in Ghana: A Panacea to the Infrastructural Deficit?

International Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 2014

The traditional procurement strategy for infrastructural delivery is one of the major reasons for... more The traditional procurement strategy for infrastructural delivery is one of the major reasons for the high infrastructural deficits in Africa. To bride this infrastructure gap; there is need for a consented effort to review our procurement and financing strategy. To this end, the main objective of this study is assesses how the concept of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) can be adopted as an alternative procurement strategy to help address the challenges to road infrastructure provision to bridge the existing infrastructure gap in Ghana. Based on findings, it was revealed that the financing of road infrastructure in Ghana is woefully inadequate and there is the need for other sources of financing. It was further revealed that the PPP model can be implemented and sustained to help overcome the challenges of the traditional procurement strategy to transform the infrastructure sector in Ghana. At 5% significance level, 85% of respondents held that the appropriate PPP model to be implem...

Managing the Design Process in the Construction Industry: A Literature Review

Construction has existed since human existence. From the building of huts for shelter in the old ... more Construction has existed since human existence. From the building of huts for shelter in the old ages to the construction of mega structures in recent times, the industry has developed over the years and has grown to become an enviable industry. It has transformed from a single person being the designer, builder and manager to a project environment where multiple organisations and professionals play a part. However this has not solved all the problems in the industry. One of the major concerns of the industry is the management of the design process. It is evident that unlike the olden days where buildings were built with the "trial and error" style of design as the construction went on, today's industry engages designs before construction. The findings in this review have been based solely secondary data, with extensive review of literature that was available on the subject. The review is to generate more interest in this field since there is still more to be unfolded....

A Risk Overview of the Electrical Safety Practices in Commercial Workplaces in Ghana

Construction Cost Contigency Estimating in Ghana: A Review of Work Sections Prone to Scope Changes

Several factors have posed as risk factors for the successful delivery of infrastructural project... more Several factors have posed as risk factors for the successful delivery of infrastructural projects in Ghana. Since risk cannot be eradicated but can be managed by a proactive effort of the project team, the process of decision making and risk analysis are essential tasks along the construction project cycle. This paper aims at reviewing risk levels of the various work sections in relation to scope changes. Through the application of failure modes and effect analysis (FMEA), the research has revealed that the work sections that have a high propensity to changes are substructure with severity class 2, essential building services with severity class 2R and finishes with severity class 2R. These work sections were identified as prone to scope changes due to the challenge of poor scope definition during the design stage and the effect of scope creep during the development stage. The impact of these risks can be managed through a thorough coordinated design management effort of the projec...

Estimating cost contingency for construction projects : the challenge of systemic and project specific risk

The challenge of poor scope definition resulting in scope creep is recognized as the major driver... more The challenge of poor scope definition resulting in scope creep is recognized as the major driver for construction project and cost overruns. All construction projects are associated with both systemic uncertainty and project specific uncertainty. The epistemic ambiguity in risk estimation could be considered as an opportunity or threat, a gain or loss, positive or negative; while project specific risk are in relation to project cost which makes its estimation untoward. Out of 204 questionnaires distributed to the Built Environment Professionals to determine the impact of systemic and project specific risk factors on the estimation of cost contingency, 118 were retrieved representing 57.8%. Data analysis using FMEA as a qualitative risk tool and univariate statistical analysis as a quantitative risk tool revealed that systemic risk accounted for approximately 64% of the cost drivers related of the construction cost uncertainty whilst projects specific risk accounted for 36% of the r...

Effect of aggregates minerology on the strength of concrete: Case study of three selected quarry products in Ghana

Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction Technology, Mar 31, 2018

Concrete is the most popular construction material worldwide. More than 50% of construction world... more Concrete is the most popular construction material worldwide. More than 50% of construction worldwide use concrete materials, mainly because of its versatility and economy compared to steel in relation to total height of building. The final output of the concrete material is, however, affected by factors including the rock type and its attendant physio-mechanical properties. This paper seeks to investigate the effect of the physio-mechanical properties of three rock types (quartz, sandstone, and quartzite) on the compressive strength of the constituent concrete product, with a maximum rock size of 25 mm. A concrete mix design of C25 was used with a nominal mix of 1:2:4 calculated by absolute weight method and water cement ratio of 0.4. Cube test results show that concrete produced from quartz aggregates produced the highest at all-time strength of 25.6 kN, 0.2% above the expected strength at the end of the 28 day period. Thus concrete produced from quartz rocks revealed a superior strength of 13 and 31% above that of crushed sand stone and quartzite, respectively. Again crush quartz (igneous) rock revealed the highest workability in concrete. The poor compressive test results in strength of the crushed quartzite may be attributed to the week properties such as high porosity, moisture content, permeability and lack of toughness. It is obvious that engineers, practitioners and the local authority should take keen interest in these results in the wake of the recent buildings collapse in Accra.