Assessment of Effective Time Scheduling Practices and Challenges in Building Construction Projects in Jimma Zone

Abstract

Creating Effective time scheduling is one of the major inputs for a given project, but it’s a challenging activity that directly influences the performance of the construction completion time. Having this in mind ineffective schedule will cause scheduling delays. The scope of this research is limited to the building construction that exists in the selected Jimma zone mainly on public buildings. The primary objective of this study was to assess effective time scheduling practices and identify challenges and forwarded improvement parameters. To achieve the main goal of the study, the current practices of effective time scheduling, adopted tools and techniques for time scheduling on building construction projects were assessed and the critical challenge faced to process effective time scheduling was identified. The study adopted mixed research approach. The sample size was selected by non-probability purposive sampling techniques. A total of 50 questionnaire surveys were distributed and 40 questionnaires were collected from construction professionals. To achieve the research objectives semi structured interview and questionnaire survey were used. Data was analyzed by a simple statistical approach relative important index (RII). The study's findings indicate that more projects are running behind schedule and experienced traditional time scheduling approach, most of them used time planning at the construction stage, and MS Project software is a frequently used tool. The most adopted and frequent techniques are Network Planning Techniques, Gantt chart and Critical Path Method respectively. Lack of Project management software application was identified most critical and very high significant challenge also Lack of fast re-planning and recovery from unexpected changes in the baseline schedule and Lack of Effective resource leveling in scheduling were from high significant challenges faced for effective time scheduling process. Establishing the schedule management process to accomplish any activity step by step, creating a well-planned project schedule, applying appropriate scheduling software, assigning competent project manager and team and preparing detailed specification for individual action respectively were pointed as the most scheduling improvement parameters. . Finally Using 4D-scheduling technology, taking full training on effective scheduling were forwarded recommendations.