Assessment on planning and scheduling in low volume road project: a case of jimma zone district

Abstract

This thesis assesses on planning and scheduling of low volume road projects found in Jimma zone district with the focus on the practice and impacts of planning and scheduling in road projects and give recommendations based on findings. In the construction of low volume road projects many activities have to be done to change the design drawing into physical practice. Therefore to achieve this product proper and acceptable planning and scheduling of low volume road projects enables the contracting firms to optimize the quality, time and resource to the best possible way. In this regard project planning and scheduling has very critical impact on project’s performance. Well organized project management team recognizes the importance and applies the basics to achieve the project objectives. The objectives of the study were firstly to analyze current trends and problems in planning and scheduling low volume road projects; secondly to rank the causes of schedule delay and lastly to analyze the impacts of schedule and how controlling is done in planning and scheduling low volume road project. A desk study, interview and questionnaire survey were carried out to achieve the study objective and to seek recommendation based on findings. The collected data were analyzed via statistical RII formula and Microsoft excel software package. Among the 27 low volume road projects identified during the study time, five completed projects with extension of time approved were selected for case study by using nonprobability purposive sampling. Interviews were made with selected experienced professionals in the sector for the expert opinion. Interview questions are structured and extracted through a comprehensive study of literature review, resulted in identification of 39 causes of schedule delay were mapped in frequency table and 25 interview response of professionals from Jimma zone roads authority district bureau, consulting firms and contractors in the sector have been analyzed. According to the study findings there is no standard procedure to plan and schedule low volume road projects hence risk factor associated with schedule delay is prevalent. For this matter there is a need to improve plans and schedules in the construction projects. To improve the performance of the project in connection with plan and schedule operation constructability review methods and its follow up mechanism has to be implemented. Accordingly, the constructability review teams have to be formed independently from designers, project managers and other professionals. Proper planning and scheduling in low volume road project ultimately improves wisely utilization of construction resources, good project performance and time management; in turn, brings increased profit, timely completion and better quality.