Construction Technology and Management

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Browsing Construction Technology and Management by Subject "Addis Ababa"

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    Assessing the Impact of Variation Orders on Public Building Projects in Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2014-10) Endris, Andualem; Jekale, Wubishet(phD)
    Variation is inevitable in construction projects due to the complex nature of the construction industry. It is common in all types of construction projects and it determines the time limits and anticipated budget of the projects. Variation order is observed as one of the most frequently occurring issues in construction projects in Ethiopia. Like other regions of the country, construction projects in Addis Ababa are suffering from variation orders. These variations are known to impact various aspects of the projects. This study assessed the impact of variation orders on public building projects in Addis Ababa to reduce them. The objectives of the study were firstly to determine the causes of variation orders; secondly to identify the impacts of variation orders; and lastly to recommend strategies to minimize variation orders. Through a comprehensive study of literature review, resulted in identification of 38 common causes of variation orders, 15 impacts of variation orders and 15 recommended strategies to minimize variation orders and these variables were mapped in frequency table. A desk study, interview and questionnaire survey were carried out to identify the causes of variation orders, their impacts on public building projects and to seek recommendations to reduce them. The desk study conducted on five selected projects and the causes of variation orders and their impacts on the projects were identified. Interviews were made with selected experienced public building project participants for expert opinion. The questionnaire responses were analyzed using the relative index method. A triangulation method on the desk study, survey and the literatures was done to improve the validity of the findings from the study. The results indicated that design changes, incomplete contract documents, and impediment in prompt decision making process were the most causes of variation orders. The results also showed that completion schedule delay, increase in project cost, and additional payments for contractor were the most impact of variation orders. The findings also suggested the most recommended strategies to minimize variation orders. These strategies were to produce a concluding design and contract document, to complete drawings at tender stage, and to supervise the works with experienced and dedicated supervisor to minimize variation orders on public building projects. The study concluded based on the findings of the research and recommendations for further studies were forwarded to minimize variation orders. Key words: Variation order, cause, impact, public projects, Addis Ababa.
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    Assessment of Supply Chain Management in Public Building Construction Projects in Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2017-05) Betelhem, Kebede; Abebe, Dinku (Prof.)
    A poor management on construction projects can lead to significant negative impacts with low productivity, cost and time overrun, conflicts and disputes resulting in claims and time consuming litigation. Previous studies pointed out that an efficient management of the construction logistics process can be a way to lift up the construction productivity. Proper management of supply chain would result in lowering costs, short delivery time, low inventory level and improve reliability which would improve the competitive position of organizations. This research assesses the perception of the construction industry stakeholders on the need and importance of supply chain management on selected public building construction projects, identify and analyze the current practices and challenges in the supply chain management process. The study subjects are currently active public projects in Addis Ababa which are being administered by the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing. The main tools used for the collection of data included questionnaires and desk study as they are used to identify the various efforts that have been made in the past and to examine the challenges of supply chain management. Frequency analysis and relative importance index (RII) are used to examine the results from the questionnaire and findings are presented in charts and tables. The findings show that the construction industry stakeholders perceive that supply chain management collaboration has helped in the construction industry as it improves the quality assurance and increases profitability. The study also indicates that the potential factors that are important for supply chain collaboration are improved customer service, increased profitability and improved quality insurance. On the other hand, late and incorrect payments and inaccurate data and engineering drawings not fitting the use are indicated as the major challenges for a successful supply chain network. Furthermore, it was found that most of the stakeholders do not apply the integrated approach to supply chain management.
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    Building Maintenance Management Practices in Public Hospitals of Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2015-08) Sahelu, Mekdes; Dinku, Abebe(Professor)
    It is highly desirable but hardly feasible to produce buildings that are maintenance free although much can be done at the design stage to reduce the amount of subsequent maintenance works. The aim of this research is to assess the operational conditions carried out by the maintenance departments of public hospital buildings in Addis Ababa. Other objectives are to determine factors affecting the maintenance management and to evaluate the existence of maintenance policy guideline and desirable qualities and important skills for the maintenance execution. All the 12 public hospitals which are administrated by Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa health bureau, Addis Ababa University and Ministry of defense were the targeted population of this research. Field surveys and administration of questionnaires were used to collect the data. The result showed that corrective maintenance was found to be in use and was ineffective in ensuring prompt remedial works. The level of manpower required (skilled) was also lacking and not having long-range plan for building maintenance and supply of essential parts for replacement are the most significant factor affecting maintenance management. Furthermore, attitude of users and misuse of facilities, lack of discernible maintenance culture, inadequate training, use of poor quality components and materials by the maintenance department are factors attribute to poor maintenance management of Addis Ababa public hospital buildings. In view of these findings and by way of recommendations, it was suggested that management should adopt a maintenance policy for effective use in the institution and the entire scheme of corrective maintenance be re-structured. The study recommended proactive measures to reduce the occurrence of defects in the buildings elements and services. The Government has to provide adequate funding for the running of maintenance departments of public hospitals. And every hospital either public or private must have maintenance policy guiding the implementation of their building maintenance. Furthermore, training, seminars and workshops should be organized for maintenance officers to update their knowledge with regard to effective maintenance practices. Building elements should be regularly inspected to ensure their functionality. Keywords: maintenance, public hospital buildings, Addis Ababa
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    Enhancing Building Construction Project Management in Addis Ababa through the Implementation of Extended Reality Technology: A Preliminary Feasibility Study and Implementation Framework
    (Addis Ababa University, 2024-10) Kidaneab Tekalign; Abraham Assefa (PhD)
    The construction industry in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia faces numerous challenges in project management, including design errors, communication issues, visualization difficulties, delays, rework, and cost overruns. This thesis explores the feasibility and implementation framework of integrating Extended Reality (XR) technology into construction project management practices to address these challenges. XR technology, encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), offers significant potential to enhance design visualization, improve stakeholder communication, and increase overall project efficiency. The methodology employed in this study involves a mixed research approach, including surveys and interviews with construction professionals to identify current practices, challenges and assess their awareness and acceptance of XR technology. Case studies of three construction consulting firms—A, B, and C and one technology company D, provided insights into the practical implementation and outcomes of XR technology in construction projects. The data were analyzed to evaluate the technical, economic, operational, and organizational feasibility of adopting XR technology in the local context. The findings reveal that XR technology can significantly improve project management processes. For instance, consulting firm B reported a 30% reduction in design errors and a 25% increase in stakeholder engagement through the use of VR and AR in two completed projects, a medium hospital and a private school. Notably, the internal rate of return (IRR) for implementing XR technology is estimated at 30.04%, highlighting its financial viability. The economic feasibility analysis indicates that the initial cost of implementing XR technology is approximately 1,007,424.00 Birr, with ongoing annual operational costs estimated at 307,660 Birr. Despite the high initial investment, the potential for cost savings through reduced errors and rework, improved efficiency, and enhanced communication suggests a positive return on investment within three to five years. However, challenges such as limited local suppliers for XR hardware and the need for significant training and technical support must be addressed. In conclusion, the integration of XR technology in construction project management in Addis Ababa is feasible and offers substantial benefits in addressing current challenges. The developed implementation framework provides a comprehensive guide for successful adoption, outlining necessary steps, resources, and strategies. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to further quantify the long-term benefits and explore the impact of XR technology on different types of construction projects.
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    Handling of Aggregates in The Ethiopian Construction Industry: The Case of Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2015-11) Tekle, Admasu; Dinku, Abebe(Professor)
    Aggregate handling is one of the major tasks in the construction industry. It plays vital roles in the effectiveness and efficiency of the construction industry. Hence, the study investigated the problems of aggregate handling in the construction industry in Addis Ababa. It also investigated the causes of unsafe handling of aggregates and forward recommendations to those who are responsible in the construction technology and management. The researcher selected three aggregate production plants, two concrete batching plants and four construction sites located in Addis Ababa based on convenience and data availability. Two methods of data collection – observation and key informant interview – were used. The concerned people were interviewed and observations were made on those selected sections of the industry and interviews were conducted to investigate the real situations of aggregates handling. Findings from the interview and observation showed that there are huge gaps in the handling of aggregates in construction industry. Contractors are responsible and liable for the supply and proper handling of aggregates in the construction projects as per required standards. However, neither the consultant nor the concerned regulatory bodies enforced the contractors to apply the right handling procedures. Complete and proper handling mechanisms of aggregates are not properly implemented in the construction industry. Consultants had not established well detailed safety mechanisms in handling of construction materials in the construction projects while preparing binding contract documents. In the cases examined, expert teams are seldom available to implement and control the proper aggregate handling mechanisms. Contractors do not give special attention in handling of aggregates either from the source or in the construction sites by providing relevant training for workers responsible in handling aggregates. The workers employed in construction projects are largely casual laborers with limited training in handling of aggregates. This resulted in production of poor quality of concrete that will eventually affect the quality of the construction projects. The government regulatory body, the Ministry of Urban Development and Construction, should develop and implement a quality control mechanism on aggregate handling. The consultants should also give proper emphasis to aggregate handling when preparing contract documents and verify the implementation of the provisions about aggregate handling. Key words: Aggregates, aggregate handling, construction industry, construction technology and management, Addis Ababa.
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    Investigating Determinants of Lean Construction Implementation in Building Construction Projects: The Case of Selected Construction Companies in Addis Ababa
    (Addis Ababa University, 2025-02) Gahsaw Kibru; Girmay Kahssay (PhD)
    Lean Construction involves applying lean manufacturing principles, or lean thinking, to the construction industry with core concept of delivering the right things to the right place at the right time, in the right quantity, while minimizing waste and remaining adaptable to change. However, In Addis Ababa, lean implementation is still in its early stages, primarily relying on push planning systems and so far there is very few or no revealed study has been observed with regards of LC challenges. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to investigate the critical factors influencing the implementation of lean construction (LC) in building projects, focusing on four independent variables: Project Complexity, Management Support, Training and Education, and Cultural Attitudes. Convenience sampling was used to selecting a sample of 170 respondents from four selected construction companies in Addis Ababa and a structured questionnaire with a response rate of 95% was used to collect 160 valid data points. Descriptive research designs as well as a quantitative research approach were used to conduct the study. The Statistical Process for Social Sciences (SPSS version 27) was used to conduct statistical analyses. Utilizing regression analysis, the study reveals that all four variables exhibit significant positive associations with lean construction implementation, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.659 to 0.719. Notably, Training and Education demonstrate the strongest relationship (0.719), followed by Management Support (0.705), Cultural Attitudes (0.684), and Project Complexity (0.659). The model fitness analysis indicates an R² value of 0.597, suggesting that approximately 59.7% of the variance in lean construction implementation is explained by these factors. However, 40.3% of the variance remains unexplained, indicating potential influences from other unexamined variables. The significance of the regression model, evidenced by an ANOVA significance value of 0.00, confirms its effectiveness in predicting the barriers to lean construction implementation. Standardized coefficients further reveal that Training and Education (Beta = 0.250) is the most influential factor, followed by Management Support (Beta = 0.236), Cultural Attitudes (Beta = 0.229), and Project Complexity (Beta = 0.181). These findings highlight the necessity of knowledge, skills, and management commitment in overcoming barriers to lean practices. The study emphasizes that a lack of training and awareness can hinder the effective application of lean methodologies, as noted in prior research. Management support emerged as a crucial element, with top management's commitment being vital for fostering a lean culture. Cultural attitudes were identified as barriers, wherein personal preferences and trust issues between management and employees can impede lean implementation. Additionally, the complexities associated with construction projects, including stakeholder interdependencies, pose significant challenges. In conclusion, the study identifies Training and Education, Management Support, Cultural Attitudes, and Project Complexity as key drivers in the successful adoption of lean construction. Recommendations for construction companies include investing in training programs, enhancing management support, fostering positive cultural attitudes, and effectively managing project complexities. By addressing these factors, construction firms can improve project efficiency, reduce waste, and ultimately enhance profitability and project delivery outcomes.