A qualitative system dynamics approach to modeling the causes and effects of design deficiencies in construction projects

Abstract

Purpose Poor quality of design documents and Design Deficiencies (DDs) are critical factors that can potentially cause time and cost overrun and lead to project failure. Despite the importance of this issue, few studies have been conducted to explore the underlying relations among the causes and effects of DDs, and it is not clear how they exert influence on each other. However, it is imperative to have a clear understanding of their interrelationships so as to devise intervention strategies. The purpose of this study is, therefore, to explore these causes and effects. Design/methodology/approach To this aim, a qualitative system dynamics model was provided to visualize how various factors interact with one another. The model was developed and validated by drawing on the expertise of industry-related experts. The key causes and effects of the DDs were identified through the investigation of the model. Findings It was concluded that design management of project and the composition of design teams are critical. The obtained results also showed that more attention should be paid to the enhancement of knowledge circulation and communication within design firms and increasing the awareness of managers and owners from the technical consequences of their managerial decisions. Research limitations/implications It is worth mentioning that the design process could be deeply affected by the quality, frequency and strength of relationships among the project’s parties. Early involvement of contractors, for example, can significantly contribute to enhancing design quality. This study investigates factors’ interactions in projects delivered using the traditional design-bid-build method. As relationships between the project’s parties could be different in various project delivery methods, further research is indeed needed to assess factors’ interactions in projects delivered using other methods. Originality/value It is believed that the proposed model by providing a better insight into the connections of causes and effects could aid project managers of different parties with planning the strategies to reduce DDs and mitigate their effects.

Assessment of the Impact of Design Documentation Quality on Construction Project Delivery

“…They represent the impact of poor design documentation quality on project delivery. However, earlier researches indicated that poor design documentation quality may result in project delays; generation of rework; project abandonment; structural collapse; (Agbaxode et al, 2021a;Shoar and Payan, 2021;Abdallah et al, 2018;Hughes and Thorpe, 2014;Sunday and Afolarin, 2013) and shoddy works (Philips-Ryder et al, 2013;Lopez et al, 2010). This is consistent with the results of this study.…”

“…All these factors had RII values between 0.82 -0.90 which falls within 0.8≤RII≤1 indicating high importance. This is consistent with earlier researches which asserts that poor design documentation quality may lead to project cost overrun (Shoar and Payan, 2021;Hughes and Thorpe, 2014;Ramabodu and Verster, 2013;Love et al, 2010;Mohammed, 2007); variation costs (Philips-Ryder et al, 2013;Love et al, 2010); and dissatisfaction by project owners (Sunday and Afolarin, 2013).…”

“…The existence of poor design documentation quality in construction has a substantial negative impact on project delivery. It has the potential to cause project time overrun, upsurges in cost and may subsequently result in project failure (Shoar and Payan, 2021). It may also result in; shoddy works, claims, litigation, disputes, and creates room for rework (Agbaxode et al, 2021b;Philips-Ryder et al, 2013;Han et al, 2013;Laryea, 2011;Lopez et al, 2010;Love et al, 2010).…”

Modeling Social Impacts of High-Rise Residential Buildings during the Post-Occupancy Phase Using DEMATEL Method: A Case Study

“…It is believed that the construction industry significantly contributes to the economy of both developed and developing countries [1][2][3]. Within the urban contexts, this industry especially lends its prosperity to high-rise buildings, among other project types, as they absorb considerable investments from both public and private sectors and play a crucial role in the development of a country [4].…”

Assessment of the causes and effects of design deficiencies for large construction projects using social network analysis

“…Since the total number of contractor companies in Iran is more than the number of consulting companies and client representatives, thus, the like sample size for the client and design firms' representatives was considered. Due to the differences between practitioners with regard to their experience and expertise, the weights of experts are not equal (Shoar and Payan, 2021). Therefore, the weighting factors of experts were determined based on their experience index scores.…”