Evaluating the challenges and benefits associated with resource planning and leveling in the Kenyan Construction Industry

Abstract

Resource Planning and Leveling are two critical areas of resource management which need to be implemented by contractors to aid in construction project execution. However, in the process of undertaking these processes in their projects, contractors meet a number of challenges which discourage them from implementing Resource Planning and Leveling. Nonetheless, Resource Planning and Leveling has a number of benefits which may not be known by some contractors. The purpose of this research therefore was to establish and evaluate the challenges and benefits associated with Resource Planning and Leveling. A survey design was adopted by the researcher. A sample of 106 respondents was selected randomly and a response rate of 76% was achieved. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and relative importance index analysis while qualitative data was analysed thematically. Contractors were found to experience serious challenges in their quest to execute Resource Planning and Leveling in their projects. The three most pressing challenges experienced by contractors were found to be: project delays (RII=0.8597); technical incompetence (RII=0.8564); materials shortages or late delivery (RII=0.8390). A number of benefits were found to entice contractors to carry out Resource Planning and Leveling in their projects. The three most significant benefits were: establishing plans for material delivery (RII=0.9215); balanced resources, reducing over allocations or overtime (RII=0.9165) and determining or predicts resources needed (RII=0.9139).

Influence of Resource Allocation on Performance of Kigali Infrastructure Project

“…This means that identification of resources leads to better estimation of the resources and vice versa. This agrees with Shadrack (2018) study that discovered that even though resource identification in the industry was used to a great extent, much of it was non-structured. Li et al (2008) study revealed that resource estimation was fundamental in providing project estimates that were effective besides enhancing efficiency in using project resources.…”

Influence of Resource Management Practices on Timely Completion of Road Projects Implemented by the County Government of Kakamega County, Kenya

“…This statement was strongly agreed by 16.9% of the respondents, 62.0% agreed, 11.3% neutral, 5.6% disagreed and 4.2% strongly disagreed. This is in agreement with a research by Shadrack (2018) on issues affecting practices of planning of resources in the construction sector within Kenya with a shift to contractors of the county of Nairobi and discovered that even though resource planning in the industry was used to a great extent, much of it was nonstructured.…”