Challenges of Project Closure in Construction Projects: The Case of Ethiopian Grade One General Contractors
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Date
2022-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study is about project closure challenges faced by Ethiopian Grade One General Contractors in their construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively survey the relevant literature on closeout, to assess the problems of the contractors during closure, and to identify recommendations for improving closeout. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods have been used in the study. The study adopted descriptive research design. Source of data collection used were both primary data (structured questionnaire and structured interview) and secondary data. 45 respondents from 15 grade one contractors were selected by purposive sampling. Systematic sampling was adopted to select the 15 general one contractors. Absence of a clear project closing strategy, inability to finish punch lists, design and documentation errors, insufficient capable staff during project close out, lack of agreements on remaining deliverables, resource shortage, loss of interest in documentation, lack of urgency and motivation, lack of preparedness and planning for closure, improper or untimely contractual closeout documentation, disagreement on the cost of additional works and late response on financial claims were found as the internal challenges the contractors are facing. Delay in providing utility service, changing priority by the government, political instability and security issues, and lack of acceptance by stakeholders were the external challenges identified by the study. Developing a clear close out strategy, standardizing the close out process, implementing post – close out analysis, keeping punch lists to a minimum, ensuring the participation of stakeholders at project commissioning and at setting the close out requirements , and developing the motivation of the close out team for timely documentation are the recommendations of the study. Moreover, the study recommends contractors should differentiate project closure from project handing over.
Keywords Project closure, Project closure challenges, Construction projects closure, Project phases