Assessing the Impact of Variation Orders on Public Building Projects in Addis Ababa
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2014-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
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.
Description
Keywords
Variation order, Cause, public projects, Addis Ababa, Impact