Modeling for management of variations in building projects

Author Affiliation

Faisal Manzoor Arain is Assistant Professor at the Department of Management, Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi

Faculty / School

Faculty of Business Administration (FBA)

Department

Department of Management

Was this content written or created while at IBA?

Yes

Document Type

Article

Source Publication

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

ISSN

0969-9988

Disciplines

Accounting | Architecture | Business | Civil Engineering | Construction Engineering | Engineering | Structural Engineering

Abstract

Purpose - This paper seeks to present research into the development of a theoretical model for making more informed decisions for the management of variations in building projects. Primarily, the study proposes six principles of effective variation management, which would be helpful for building professionals in assessing and taking proactive measures for reducing the adverse impact of variations. Design/methodology/approach - Based on the principles of effective variation management, a theoretical framework for management of variation orders was developed. The stages presented in the theoretical framework were grouped into three main phases - screening, choice of promising alternatives, and dominance building. Based on the theoretical framework, a model for management of variations was developed. Findings - The theoretical model presents a structured format for management of variation orders. The model will enable the project team to take advantage of beneficial variations when the opportunity arises without an inordinate fear of the negative impacts. By having a systematic way to manage variations, the efficiency of project work and the likelihood of project success should increase. Originality/value - The study would assist building professionals in developing an effective variation management system. The model emphasized sharing the lessons learned from existing projects with project teams of future projects. The lessons learned should be identified throughout the project life cycle and communicated to current and future project participants. The system would be helpful for them to take proactive measures for reducing variation orders. Hence, the study is valuable for all professionals involved with building projects.

Indexing Information

HJRS - W Category, Scopus, Web of Science - Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Web of Science - Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI)

Journal Quality Ranking

Impact Factor: 3.531

Publication Status

Published

Link to Full Text

Off-Campus Access

Share

COinS