Causes of change orders in the cycle of construction project: A case study in Al-Najaf province

Abstract

Abstract In construction projects, the nature of the construction process is complicated, and many factors and variables have a significant role at any stage of the project. Thus, when change orders (COs) occur, the project’s function is strongly affected. This study aims at identifying and evaluating the causes of COs in Al-Najaf province projects based on project cycle (stages), to initiate proactive measures to reduce changes during the construction process. This research reviews the previous literature to identify factors causing the COs to develop a categorized questionnaire based on project cycle/stages. Data were collected through field surveys by completing 45 questionnaires during the Autumn of 2018. Analysis results indicated that the COs in construction sites were the result of 24.10% planning, 24.70% design, 11.30% bidding, 36.20% implementation, and 3.70% handover. However, top-ranking causative factors show that the unavailability of project materials in the market is 2.60%, the economic situation of the country and the lack of financial returns is 2.55%, owner capacity in cost estimation is 2.35%, obstruction and delay in giving responses and approvals is 2.30%, indirect cost is 2.29%, and the contractor’s experience or technical competence which is not compatible with the project is 2.29%. The top-ranking factors which belonged to the design stage were implementation, planning, design, and bidding stages. The results revealed that the validity of the proposed methodology compared to previous studies and recommendations for further studies was indicated. These outcomes can assist the construction engineers and contractors to enhance the effective change management process and could initiate further research in this field.