Investigating Variation Orders Causes in Iraqi Building Construction Projects

Abstract

Changes are a common phenomenon in the construction industry, impacting the project's cost, time, and performance. The purpose of this work is to a comprehensive review relating to variation order causes. Also, the aim here is to determine variation order causes in the building’s construction. More importantly, explore the relationship between these causes. However, the importance of specifying the causes for change orders is the first step in managing variation orders to reduce the harmful effect on a project. The field survey was conducted for several institutions such as health (Karkh’s health), higher education (University of Baghdad and University of Kufa). As a result, a field visit was made to the project sites. They were then, Conducting interviews with the resident engineer, the consultant, and the contractor. A developer tool called cause (variation orders) breakdown structure (CBS) included 12 causes at the first level, including 103 sub-causes. There is a relationship between the variation orders causes, which is evident in the third level. The study recommends adopting (CBS) a comprehensive reference for variation order causes in projects due to facilitating their management processes. Future research could examine the relative importance of variation order causes, in addition to using a fuzzy cognitive map to find the extent of each cause’s influence on the other.

The Causes Influencing the Occurrence of Variation Orders in the Construction of Buildings

“…So, there is a research gap, and previous research showed the causes of variation orders independent. On the other hand (Khanzadi, et al, 2018), (Alhilli, et al, 2021) confirmed the interrelationships among the causes of change orders. We argue that previous literature suffers from certain weaknesses in determining the (RII) for the essential root causes of variation orders.…”

Impact of Variation Orders on Construction Project Cost and Time

“…Construction projects involve different phases of which two are particularly important for the paper, namely the preconstruction and construction phases (Alhilli and Rezoqi, 2021). Given that the construction phase typically consumes more resources than the pre-construction phase, attention to cost planning is focused on the construction phase.…”

“…Clients desire to know in advance the total cost of their finished construction projects. Clients prefer final construction costs to equate to the originally forecast tender figure (Alhilli and Rezoqi 2021). Unfortunately, due to changes that might occur in the project, the budget somehow spirals out of control.…”