buchi final project
TRANSCRIPT
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Individual Project
BSM 080
MSc Project Management
The Robert Gordon University
2010
AN ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNICATION AS A CRITICAL
SUCCESS FACTOR IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
An Individual Project submitted in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for the MSc Degree in Project Management to be
awarded by The Robert Gordon University.
Author: Eze Kingsley Onyebuchi
Student No: 0800769
Supervisor: Dr Bassam F BjeirmiWord Count: 7544
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ABSTRACT
The intention of this dissertation is to investigate communication as a
critical success factor with emphasis on the identification of the best
communication strategy to adapt within UK construction project. Mostof the materials that will be use to carry out this research work are
gotten from the documented secondary research work such as books,
journals, articles and reports construction company report from
previous projects. The information obtained from the material review
will be use to study project management best practices on the
effective communication strategy in construction project.
APM Bok (2006 pp 102) defines communication as the process of
giving, receiving, processing and interpretation of information.
Based on the finding from deferent journal, articles and books, it is
agree that most project fails because of lack of effective
communication. It could be suggested that the effectiveness of
communication in every project depends on the communication
strategies adopted for that project.
Sommerville et al (2004) suggested that proper management of project
documents in a construction project is one of the key factors in a project
that enhance the project success. They later suggested that the best
communication strategy to achieve success is through the use of Electronic
Document Management System (EDMS). Meanwhile Maslej (2006) from the
research carried out in the Greater Toronto area concluded that the best
communication strategies to adapt in most of the construction project is the
use of phone such as Walkie-Talkie (Radio Massage) and Mike.
The goal of this report will focus on the identification of the best
effective communication strategies to adapt for project success in
most construction projects.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTI wish to use this medium to show my deep appreciation to those who have
help me in one way or the other to ensure the success of this research work.
First, to my project supervisor, Dr Bassam F Bjeirmi, for his kind gesture and
advice throughout the period of this research work. Secondly to Dr Eddy
Ochieng for his kindness and support in ensuring that this work is feasible and
completed on time.
My immense gratitude also goes to my Mother and my elder brother for alltheir encouragement and support throughout my MSc. program. I will also
thank all my friends for all there support throughout the MSc Project
management course.
DEDICATION
I dedicate this work to my late father, Mr. Daniel Udoye Eze. Dad, may you
continue to rest in bosom of the Lord. I LOVE you Dad.
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Table of Contents
ABSTRACT ...................................................................................................
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ................................................................................. i
DEDICATION .............................................................................................. i
PROJECT RESEARCH PLAN ..........................................................................
1.1 Introduction ..........................................................................................
1.2 Overview of the research ........................................................................
1.3 Research Rationale ................................................................................
1.3.1 Academic ........................................................................................
1.3.2 Business .........................................................................................
1.3.3 Personal .........................................................................................
1.4 Aims and Objectives ..............................................................................
1.5 Expectation from the Research Objectives ................................................ 1.6 Scope inclusion/Exclusion .......................................................................
1.7 Deliverables ..........................................................................................
1.8 Constrains/Assumption/Consideration ......................................................
1.9 Methodology .........................................................................................
1.10 Research Outline .................................................................................
1.11 Research Structure ..............................................................................
LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................ 1
2.1 Introduction ......................................................................................... 1
2.2 Overview of Communication in Project .................................................... 1
2.3 Importance of communication in construction project ............................... 1
2.4 Communication in construction industry .................................................. 1
2.5 Relationship between theory and practice of communication strategy in
construction projects. ................................................................................. 1
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2.6 Challenges of communication in construction project ................................ 2
2.7 Process and Procedures of Communication in construction Project. ............. 2
2.8 Conclusion ........................................................................................... 2
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ....................................................................... 2
3.1 Introduction ......................................................................................... 2
3.2 Research Design Review ........................................................................ 2
3.3 Methodology ........................................................................................ 2
3.4 Data collection ..................................................................................... 2
3.5 Ethical considerations ........................................................................... 3
3.6 Proposal for carrying out Primary Research .............................................. 3
3.6.1 Stage 1 Qualitative Research method .............................................. 3
3.6.2 Stage 2 Semi-Structured Interviews ............................................... 3
3.6.3 Data Analysis & Verification .............................................................. 3
3.7 Limitations .......................................................................................... 3
3.8 Conclusion ........................................................................................... 3
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ..................................................... 3
4.1 Introduction ......................................................................................... 3
4.2 Conclusion ........................................................................................... 3
4.2.1 Evaluation of Project Proposalagainst Objectives ................................ 3
4.3 Recommendations ................................................................................ 4
4.4 Lessons Learned .................................................................................. 4
REFERENCES/BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................... 4
APPENDICES ............................................................................................. 5
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix 1 - Gant Chat for the research
work 51
Appendix 2 - Sample of how information flows in construction
project. 52
Appendix 3 - Strategic Communication
process 53
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Appendix 4 - Interview outline and
Question. 54
List of Tables
Table 1: Research Objectives...........................................................................................................
Table 2: Project Deliverables .............................................................................................................
Table 3: Research Constrains/Assumption/Considerations ...................................................
Table 4: Top 5 critical success factors in a construction project ....................................... 1
Table 5. Claimed features of qualitative and quantitative research method. ............... 2
Table 6: Qualitative data collection method .............................................................................. 2
Table 7: Quantitative data collection method ........................................................................... 3
Table 8: Ethical Considerations ..................................................................................................... 3
Table 9: Interview schedule............................................................................................................. 3
Table 10: Research Work Recommendation.............................................................................. 4
List of Figures
Figure 1: Triple constraint in Project management ................................................................ 1
Figure 2: Literature Review Mind Map......................................................................................... 1
Figure 3: Interaction to manage building construction information ................................. 1
Figure 4: Communication Process ................................................................................................. 2
Figure 5: Project Research Stages ................................................................................................ 2
Figure 6: Research Design Plan ...................................................................................................... 2
Figure 7: Primary Research Process Plan ................................................................................... 3
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CHAPTER 1
PROJECT RESEARCH PLAN
1.1 Introduction
According to Sears et al (2008), construction projects are project that are intricate
which consists of several phases with a diverse range of specialized services.
Construction project can range from small scale, medium or complex depending on
the purpose in which it is meant for (Ochieng and Price 2010). There are six typesof construction project according to Sears et al (2008), which include; housing,
nonresidential building, heavy, highway, utility and industrial. However,
construction project are being manage by the project manager and the expertise in
various department of the project who make sure that the work done is at a stated
quality.
Furthermore, among the factors that lead to the success of every construction
project according to Chen and Chen (2007)is COMMUNICATION. Gardiner (2005)commented that most of the communication link that usually affects any
construction project occurs when there is any communication lapse between two
different groups in the project. In other words, it could be suggested that the
effectiveness of communication in any construction project depends on the kind of
communication strategies adapted. According to Bateman and Snell (1999), in their
research reported that only twenty (20%) of information meant for site workers
from the top management actually reach to them, and among the key factor that
cause that is inappropriate communication strategy. (Cheng et al 2001).
For the purpose of this research, more focus will be on how communication is being
managed in construction project with special emphasis in building construction
project. The target of this research is to provide background and recommendations
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for the best strategy to employ for effective communication among all the parties
involve within these construction projects in other to achieve project success.
1.2 Overview of the research
Before now, within the construction industries, a lot of project has been fail due to
one factor or the other. These has led to many project management researchers to
explore which critical area of the project plan that if not properly managed, will led
to project failure. Research has shown that lack of effective communication among
the team members in the project are often the cause of project delays, expensive
reworking and building defect (Ahuja et al 2008). This was supported by Leung et
al (2008) who stated that the most area of communication that often cause delay in
a project is between designers and contractors. This is to say that having effective
communication is one of the critical areas in the project which the project manager
has to plan properly during project planning.
Construction industry is one of the areas that encompasses different individual
from different cultural background and location. Due to its complexity in nature,
most project manager is finding it difficult to coordinate and manage the ways in
which information is being disseminated to all the project participants and the
consequences of these in construction projects is failure. (Belassi and Tukel 1996).
It could also be argued that the strategy in which project information are being
communicated accurately to all the project participants determine the effectiveness
of communication. However, Sommerville et al (2004),Forcadaet al (2007) and
Ahuja et al (2008) concluded in their research that the best communication
strategy in a construction project is the use of web base document flow
called Electronic Document Management System (EDMS). This EDMS is often
used to transfer document through internet to the entire project participant
and as well store all the project documents in the company project
management database for reference use. (Sommerville et al 2004). It could
be argue that most of the project team might not have the basic knowledge
of computer or how to access internet since this might not be one of the
requirements needed to select all the project team. Similarly, Maslej (2006)
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from the research carried out in a construction project suggested the use of phone
such as Walkie-Talkie/Radio massage, Mike and onsite meeting among all the
project participants as the best communication strategy to adopt in any
construction project. It could also be argue that noise from the heavy duty
equipment usually affect the communication when such a strategy are used thereby
causing communication lapse to the users. In addition, Cheng et al (2001) reported
that face to- face communication strategy (such as meeting and visit) is the best
channel to communicate in a construction project. It could be argued that this
strategy can be visible only when the project manager is in physical contact with
the team. In other word, this strategy will not be visible when managing a virtual
project team. What is then the best communication strategy in a construction
project? Winch (1998) and Chen and Chen (2007) as well as Pinto and Mantel(1990) has suggested that proper and effective information flow within the project
participant still remain the key success factor of the business process in all
construction projects.
This research will explore the best strategy to put in place in other to achieve
effective communication in UK construction project.
1.3 Research Rationale
The research rationale of this report will be divided into three categories: Academic,
Business and Personal.
1.3.1 Academic
Before now, there has been so many range of literature on communication in
project and the best ways to manage communication in every project in other
achieve success. However this research will focus on the best practice and theory of
communication in construction industry as well as the best strategic way to develop
effective communication in a construction project.
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1.3.2 Business
For any organization to carry out any project, they require the service of a project
manager and team to carry out the work. It is the responsibility of the project
manager to brainstorm with the project team in order to identify who are the
stakeholders of the project and the type of information they require to receive at a
particular time. The effective management of communication as well as sharing of
information among the project team and all the project stakeholders usually leads
to project success. (BSI 2003). Project success in an organization bring about profit
as well as competitive advantage, where as failure could be devastating to such an
organization. It is very necessary that developing effective communication strategy
in project should not be ignored.
1.3.3 Personal
It is penitent that successful project manager understand the needs to have
effective communication in managing any project. As a potential project manager,
it is of great important to understand the best communication strategies that
should be adopted in any construction project to ensure project success.
1.4 Aims and Objectives
The aim of this research is to identify the best effective communication strategies
to adapt in construction projects within UK.
The objectives as stated in Table 1 are as follows;
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Table 1: Research Objectives
To examine the importance of effective communication strategies in ensuring
project success on construction projects.
To establish relationships between theory and practice in relation to
communication strategies being applied in construction projects.
To examine some of the challenges of communication in construction
projects.
To assess the communication process and procedure in construction projects.
To propose recommendation based on the secondary research findings.
1.5 Expectation from the Research Objectives
Objective 1: This will explore the importance of having effective communication in
construction projects.
Objective 2: This will look into how communication has been used in construction
industry both in terms of practice and theory.
Objective 3: This will also explore some of the challenges that have been faced for
effective communication in most construction industries.
Objective 4: This will talk about the process and procedure of how effective
communication is being used in construction project.
Objective 5: This will talk about the recommendation base on the findings from the
above four objectives.
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1.6 Scope inclusion/Exclusion
The scope inclusion of this project research will include:
Documentary review on the subject area of Identify the effective
communication strategies in a construction industry.
Provide the primary research plan that should be used as a justification for
the secondary research.
The scope exclusions include;
For the study, the planned primary research plan will not be implemented.
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1.7 Deliverables
The expected deliverables for this report as shown in Table 2 is divided into two;
internal and external.
Table 2: Project Deliverables
Internal Deliverables External Deliverable
A Gantt Chart that shows the period at
which each task has to be carried out
within the project from start to finish.
A detail review of the research topic
area.
A research report plan that will contain
the study background, aims and
objectives, assumptions, considerations,
rationale, scope, constraints and
structure of the report.
A research flow chart showing the
content of the report.
A proposed primary research design
A complete research topic report that
contain an introduction, literature
review, methodology, conclusion and
recommendations.
A report made for the organization th
will help to enhance further research
the topic area.
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1.8 Constrains/Assumption/Consideration
The framework of this research as regards to Constrains, assumption and
consideration are highlighted in Table 3 below.
Table 3: Research Constrains/Assumption/Considerations
Constrains
Time was the major constraint encountered in the research. This is because the
research was carried out simultaneously with the team placement report and
personal CPD report. Other constraint is course requirements.
Assumption
It is assumed that all the information, requires to conduct this research are readily
available, accessible and up to date.
Consideration
The major consideration on this report is that the study is being carried out in both
building and heavy engineering construction project within UK, which remains
feasible.
1.9 Methodology
This research will focus on the use of sample to identify the effective
communication strategies and the method in which the information is gathered will
be a secondary approach. Meanwhile, the documents gathered which relate to this
research will be analyzed through documentation analysis.
1.10 Research Outline
Research schedule plan that will be use to explore all the objectives of this report
are presented in a Gantt chart shown in Appendix 1.
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1.11 Research Structure
Chapter 1 Introduces what the topic is all about as well as the background of the
research topic with clearly stated aims and objectives.
Chapter 2 Reviews various related work which has been done by deferent
scholars on the research topic as well as presenting summary of the data gathered.
Chapter 3 Will look into the research methodology for the data gathered and the
analysis done and also present a proposal for primary research.
Chapter 4 Will focus on the findings and discussion analysis of the key element of
the research.
Chapter 5 Will be the summary of the research project and conclusions together
with a possible recommendations and also areas for further research.
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CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
Kerzner (2009) stated project management encompasses both art and sciences and
it also involve how corporate resources are being managed and controlled within
the constraints of time, cost and performance as shown in Fig. 1 below.
Time
CostPerformance
Resources
Figure 1: Triple constraint in Project management
In the project management context, Admin (2006) commented that project is said
to be successful if the project manager could be able to manage successfully the
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requirement of these triple constraints. However, Greene and Stellman (2007),
suggested that project is said to be successful if it meet the following requirements;
Delivered under the budgeted cost,
Completed within the allocated time frame, Fulfill the need of embarking on the project.
If the end user is happy with the project.
Pinto and Mantel (1990), Saquid (2008) and Chen and Chen (2007) as outline in
Table 4, rank communication as the top critical success factors in construction
project.
Table 4: Top 5 critical success factors in a construction project
Rank Pinto and Mantel (1990) Saquid (2008) Chen and Chen (2007)
1 Critical Project Communication
and Methodology.
Communication system Effective Communication
2 Top Management Support Control Mechanism Technical expertise
3 Component of project
alignment.
Feedback capabilities Consistent with
objectives
4 Proper risk management Troubleshooting Questioning attitudes
5 Project scope definition and
management
Planning effort Commitment to quality
(Source: Pinto and Mantel 1990, Saquid 2008, and Chen and Chen 2007)
Isfahani (2008) comment that the most significant out of the stated critical success
factors above is effective communication among all the project participants. It couldalso be suggested that the reason is because, it is only through communication that
a project manager can convince the top management the important of the project,
obtain the required component a project need for its success, identify risk that is
likely to associated with the project so that early response plan can be put in place,
and also obtain information from the sponsor about the scope of the project.
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The detail of this chapter as shown in Fig. 2 will focus on the review of project
management literature on communication strategies, its importance in construction
project and how it is being used in construction project. It will also provide some of
the challenges face in communication as well as identifying the strategies that could
be used to establish effective communication among the project participants. The
next section of this research will review the concept of communication in a project
environment.
Research Literature
Review
1. Overview of communicationin project
2. Importance ofcommunication in
construction project
3. Communication in constructionindustry
4. Relationship between theory and practice ofcommunication strategy in constructionproject
5. Challenges ofcommunication in
construction project
6. Process and procedure ofcommunication in construction project
Figure 2: Literature Review Mind Map.
2.2 Overview of Communication in Project
According to APMBOK (2006 pp.102 ) Communication in every project is the
process ofgiving, receiving, and interpretation of information. Stevens and APM
(2006) describe communication as the process of exchanging information, ideas or
feelings within the project participants where as Eppler (2000) define
communication as a purposeful way of transmitting and co-constructing insights,
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assessments, experiences, or skills through verbal or non- verbal information.
Similarly, Ochieng and Prince (2010 pp. 451) describe communication in a project
as the professional practice where suitable tools and regulations can be applied in
order to improve the utility of the data communicated, and is a social process of
interaction between individuals. Furthermore, according to APMBOK (2006 pp.
102), communication in project can be convey either throughverbal, non-verbal,
actively, passively, formally, informally, consciously or unconsciouslyto all the
project participants as project progresses. Base on the above definitions, it could be
suggested that the definition of communication could defer from one organization
to another depending the nature of project embarks on as well as the
communication skills of all the project participants. (Ochieng and Prince 2010).
Communication is said to be effective when all the groups involve in a project wereable to understand the issues in the project and take an accurate decisions for
effective change in align with the project objective. (Brown 2009). In other words,
effective communication is a process of clearly transmitting of unambiguous
massage from a sender to another person (receiver) in such a way that the purpose
of sending the information is achieved. (Juden 2010). However, it could be
highlighted that the effectiveness of a communication in a project can be achieve if
both the receiver and the sender understand what the information conveyed is all
about and use it appropriately in other to achieving project objective . From the
above definition of communication, it is quite obvious that communication has no
definite meaning as it is said to be multidimensional particularly in this present
days project where people of deferent background and culture with different
communication skills often make up the project team. This is the reason while
communication has different meaning, contexts, forms, and impact to different
individual in a project. (Dainty et al 2006).
Despite the difficulties faced in defining communication in project, it will be
necessary to adopt a particular definition of communication in other to strengthen
the analysis of this research. However, for the purpose of this research, the
definition of communication adapted is the one put forward by APMBOK (2006) and
Eppler 2006 which define communication as a process of giving, receiving, and
interpretation of information from one person to another within a project, of which
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can be convey through verbal or non-verbal, actively or passively, formally or
informally, consciously or unconsciously. Therefore, it is necessary that
communication should be a two way processes to ensure accurate understanding
between the people involve.
The next section of this research will review the first objective of this research
which is To explore the importance of having effective communication in
construction projects.
2.3 Importance of communication in construction project
Dobson (2004) reported that in every project, all forces to ensure project success
normally focus on theadministration of time, scope and cost usually known as the
triple constraint. It is suggested that in order to accomplish these triple constraints
in a project, the project manager needs to input numerous skills and techniques in
order to articulate all these constraints (time, scope and cost) together. Also
according to Buehring (2009), effective management of all these constraints in a
project does not always guarantee success in construction project, but Emmitt and
Gorse (2003) reported that the heart of every successful project depends on the
ability to communicate abstract ideas among all the project participants. Similarly,
communication in project play a key role in helping the project team to pull
together all the information on the project and see what action that need to be
taken in order to achieve project objective. (Cleland and Ireland 2007). However
managing people in the project can be suggested as one of the key principles of
effective communication. (Dainty et al 2006). This is because projects are being
executed by a group of individual and if these individuals dont understand in the
project, what they have to do, when they are suppose to do it and of what budget
and time constraint and quality specification they are working towards, the project
will fail. (Buehring 2009). The importance of communication in a construction
project as put together by Armstrong (Dainty et al 2006) is as follows:
Achieve quality results This is in relation with people working in a
project. Having effective communication in a project often explain the
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expected task to the team and the project team work together to ensure
actualization of the project objective.
Manage changes As project progress, changes often occur due to
uncertainties of which if not properly manage on time, will led to delay in
project. However, putting effective communication strategy in a project often
helps the project manager and the team to identify any issue as well as
manage the changes on time.
Team Motivation Statistics has found out that individual get motivated in
a project if their responsibility on the project and scope to achieve the
project objective are well communicated on time to them.
In addition, according to Shaw (2008), effective communication in a construction
project helps to build a strong relationship among all project participants as well as
break every barrier that may cause misunderstanding among the project
participants. To this effect, it could be suggested that having effective
communication in a project creates an avenue of trust between the project
manager and the team as well as the stakeholders. This is because, if the
stakeholders are receiving appropriate information about the progress of their
project at the appropriate time, they will have trust in the project manager as well
as the team and thereby create an avenue for project success.
It is very important to have an effective communication strategy on every
construction project to ensure success.
The next section of this research will focus on how this communication has been
used in construction project.
2.4 Communication in construction industry
Most construction projects are often described as a complex entity simply because
of the quantity and interdependence of the components that make up the project.
(Froese 2010). In a heavy construction project according to Ochieng and Price
(2010), the project teams are mostly multicultural and people from different
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professions and skills. Sommerville (2004) further stated that this highly differing
professions and there multi disciplinary skills usually affect the scope of
communication among the project team in a project. Similarly both project
manager and client always find it difficult to develop a strategy that will be used to
overcome this cultural conditions and operation in a project so that effective
communication will be achieve. (Ochieng and Price 2010). Indeed, it could be
suggested that information flow in construction project needs not only to
communicate between the project manager and the project team but among all the
project participants that is directly or indirectly affected by the project. Meanwhile
communication in project is said to be a professional practice (Cheng et al 2001),
and the key individual in a building construction project who often make use of
communication in construction project are the project manager, client, contractorsand the architect. (Sommerville 2004). Also communication among these parties in
a construction project is very crucial for the success of the project. (Sambasivan
and Soon 2007). Similarly, Emmitt and Gorse (2003) reported as shown in Fig 3
the key groups that are highly influential in a construction project and how
information is being managed and flow among these groups.
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BuildingCommunication
Client Body
InterestedParties
Professional
Consultants
Contractorsand Sub-
contractors
Legislative
Bodies
FormalInteraction
InformalInteractio
n
Building
information
and action
Figure 3: Interaction to manage building construction information
(Source: Emmitt and Gorse 2003)
Furthermore, Toor and Ogunlana (2008) pointed out the two major communication
skill project manager uses for effective communication; they are frequent
stakeholders (consultants, designers, contractors and suppliers) consultation and
responsiveness of these stakeholders, and these two factors are naturally
complimentary. It could be suggested that the purpose of this consultation is to
ensure that what is required from them for the success of the project are accurately
understood. Nevertheless it could be advisable to adapt a communication method
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that will allow for an effective sharing and exchange of information and resources
amongst the entire project participant to ensure project success.
The next section of this review will explore the second objective of this research
which is To establish relationships between theory and practice in relation to
communication strategies
2.5 Relationship between theory and practice of communication
strategy in construction projects.
In order to understand the way communication are being practiced within the
construction project, Masley (2006) suggest that it is necessary to first identify the
roles, responsibilities and authorities of all the project stakeholders and the team,
and explain how these information will get to them. It could be suggest that the
purpose of doing this is to avoid any misunderstanding that might cause delay in
the project. Appendix 2 shows example of project participant in a building
construction project and the way in which information flow amongst them. The
project manager receives information from the sponsor and delivers it to the
project team, and as well report to the sponsor the progress of the project and also
report any issue(s) from the project. The team leader can also with the permission
of the project manager report to the sponsor any issue from the project. However,
participation of stakeholders in a building construction projects are usually
influenced by the effectiveness of communication and the manner in which
informations are disseminated and managed among all groups in project. (Emmitt
and Gorse (2003). Some of the communication strategy as being practice in most
construction projects according to Emmitt and Gorse (2003) include the use of face-
to-face meeting and presentation, which could be inform of formal or informal. It
could also take place onsite or offsite for effective clarification of scope of work.
Similarly, the use of Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) according to
Sommerville et al (2004) is another communication strategy used in construction
project where project information is disseminated to all the project participants
through internet. This strategy were supported by Leung et al (2008) and (Winch
2010) which suggested the use of wireless technology and Network cameras such
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General Packet Radio service (GPRS), Bluetooth, and Wireless Local Network
(WLAN) as a means of collecting various kind of data in construction project and
send it direct to the project management data base where the project participants
can have access to it and see the progress of work. These strategies according to
Mohamed and Stewart (2003) will;
Strengthen coordination between project participants.
Facilitate document transfer and handling.
Helped keeping and updating records.
Enabled immediate reporting and feedback within the project.
It could be suggested that the use of EDMS helps for easy transferring and storing
of some of the important project document into the company project management
data base for easy access to all the project stakeholders.
Also, Masley (2006) suggested the use of Waikie-Talkie/Radio massage and a
higher version of it Mike as another strategy in which communication is practice in
a building construction project. Adenfelt (2010) agree with this form of
communication by stating that both the project manager and functional managers
make use of telephone for teleconferences to discuss the progress of work in the
project. It could be suggested that these strategies forms the faster way of
communicating with the project team for quick solving of any issue that might come
up on the project site.
Other form of communication strategy as stated by Emmitt and Gorse (2003) in
which information are being disseminated in construction project as regards to
health and safety include; induction to all the project team, toolbox talks - which
explain some brief safety information on site, Videos - which explain the safety
information onsite.
In addition, it is reported by Ochieng and Price (2010), that due to the fact that
most building construction project team are mainly multicultural, and many of
those who has experience of working with them are yet finding it so challenging in
communication. The next section of this review will explore the second objective of
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this research which is To examine some of the challenges of communication in
construction project.2.6 Challenges of communication in construction project
In most of the project like the heavy and civil construction project, air port
construction, there are meant to be too many challenges that will face
communication among the project players. According to Kiisel (2010), among the
first communication challenges the project manager will face in this kind of
construction project is being able to communicate how the project will help the key
stakeholder to achieve their vision when it is completed.
In other words, Torrington and Hall (cited in Dainty et al 2006 p.69) summaries
some of the communication challenges in construction project. They include;
Stereotyping this is a situation where the receiver do things according to their
own socio-economic background, profession or perceived deposition. It could be
argued that the receiver only end up in doing the wrong thing. However, this
situation poses a serious challenge in the use of EDMS as a communication
strategy.
Individual Frame of reference a situation where the receiver interpret convey
massage in such a way that will shape their own frame of reference. In other
words, the receiver usually ends up in doing what is not in line with the project
objective. Also, this becomes a great challenge in the use of EDMS, Radio massage,
and teleconferencing as a means of communication strategy.
Cognitive dissonance Because most construction project team are usually
individuals from deferent cultural background, the way in which they understand
information differs (Ochieng and Price 2010). When some certain information is
convey, the pattern in which it is presented might conflicts to some individual
beliefs of which they will find it difficult to understand or respond positively to the
massage. It could be suggested that this kind of behavior will affect the use of
presentation as well as face-to-face meeting as a communication strategy in
construction project.
Distractions: Distraction from noise going on within the area in which
communication takes place can pose serious communication difficulties. It could
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also be suggested that the noise from heavy duty equipment used in most complex
building construction like Olympic stadium project make it difficult for people to
hear themselves during onsite conversation. This will also create a big challenge
when using Walkie-Talkie/Radio massage and onsite meeting as a key
communication strategy.
Thought pattern is another form of communication challenges in a building
construction project. When a massage has delivered in a particular manner, some
people understand it as sensible, rational, logical, and self-evident while some
understand it as insensible, irrational, illogical and obscure thereby making it so
challenging in using Presentation, Onsite meeting and Teleconferencing as
communication strategy in the project. (Loosemore and Lee 2002).
However, it could be argued that for communication to manage effectively in anyconstruction project, the project manager should identify both positive and negative
stakeholder and ensure that appropriate information are given to them at the
appropriate time.
Moreover, it could be argue that the process and procedure in which informations
are convey in a building construction project will help in establishing effective
communication strategy. The next section of this report will explore the third
objective of this research which isTo assess the communication process and
procedure..
2.7 Process and Procedures of Communication in construction
Project.
Communication process in a project is the channel through which informations are
disseminated in the project; it can be in the form of verbal or non-verbal (APMBOK
2006). Guffey et al (2010 pp 97) stated that "Choosing the best channel to deliver
a massage depends on the importance of the massage, the feedback required, the
need for a permanent record, the cost and the degree of formality needed.
Moreover, because of the complexity of building construction project, they are
prone of changes as work progresses, (Ochieng and Price 2010), and the project
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manager must endeavor to communicate strategically with both the internal and
external members in the project in order to achieve success. (Thakkar 2008).
Lizotte (2008) summarizes the element of communication process as shown in Fig 4
below;
Encode Massage Medium Massage Decode
Source Receiver
Feedback
Noise
Figure 4: Communication Process
(Source: Lizotte 2008 )
Source(Encode) the person who create the massage which can be
either be verbal or non verbal.
Massage what need to be communicated which is send by the source
and receive by the receiver.
Medium themeans through which communication is conveyed
Receiver (Decode) individuals or team who receive the massage.
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It could be argued that one of the most important aspects in communication
process is the feedback which ensures that the massage is understood exactly as
intended.
In addition, Thakkar (2008) stated about four important communication strategic
processes as shown in Appendix 3 that is been practice in a building construction
project. They include,
1. Phase 0 which define the core massage and themes.
2. Mission Analysis of the massage
3. Course of action (COA) development
4. Execution (Deliver the massage)
Furthermore, information in construction project flows in Upward, Downward and
Lateral directions depending on the purpose and group involved. (Charvat 2002)However, it could be suggested that the channel and the medium through which
information is delivered in a construction project depends on the stakeholder in
whom the massage is meant for.
2.8 Conclusion
Building construction project are times so complex which involve so many
participants from deferent culture and language. Basically communication among
these project participants is a great challenge to the project manager. However,
effective management of this communication will reduce most of the lapses that
can cause conflict in the construction site which might result cost over runs and
delay in project. (Toor and Ogunlana 2008)
The above review has given an overview of what communication is all about in
project, its importance in construction project as well as the strategic ways of using
it in construction project. The review further emphasis on the comparison on how
communication is being used in terms of theory and practice. Some of the
challenges face during communication as well as the process and procedure used
during communication has also reviewed.
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CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to show different types of factors that should be
considered during the process of this research. This will also explore the merits,
demerits and also some of the limitations of qualitative and quantitative of research
methods so that the best suitable method to carry out the research will be
identified.
The research aim of this report is to identify and understand the effective
communication strategies, with emphasis on a sample of building and heavy
engineering construction (oil and gas) project management within UK. It will also
focus on how communication is being managed among all the stakeholders and how
it affects the outcome of the entire project.
This chapter will be divided into two parts which will be mainly the methodology
used in gathering all the information required to carry out this research. Such
information was mainly from UK building construction company documents and
books, articles and journals from deferent authors. A Primary research plan which
will serve as a guide in carrying out this research as well as help in validating the
documentation and analysis will also clarify within this chapter.
The flow diagram shows in Fig. 5outline the stages adopted for this chapter.
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Stage 1 Selection of topicSelecting the research topic,
developing its rational as well asaims and objectives.
Stage 2 Literature Review
Review already existing research
work that was done on the topicwhich will assist in analyzing theresearch problem.
Stage 3Define Research
Problem
Identify the best effectivecommunication strategies in
construction industries.
Stage 4 Research DesignCase study on a selectedConstruction Industries
Stage 5Choosing Research
MethodQuantitative and Qualitative
methods
Stage 6Collection of data for
evaluationDocumentaries and Semi-
Structured Interviews
Stage 7 Findings and AnalysisSummary of key findings base on
the data collected
Stage 8Verification and
Validation
Semi Structured interviewquestions were develop to be
administered as a validation ofthe documentary analysis
Stage 9 Final write upPresenting the final management
report on the research
Implement findings in thebuilding construction project
Project ManagementStage 10
Figure 5: Project Research Stages
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3.2 Research Design Review
Saunders et al (2007) describe research design as a general plan of how to address
the research question(s) about a topic, which usually contain the clear objectivesthat derive from the research question(s), specify the sources through which the
data should be collected, the constraint expected in collecting data as well as the
ethical issues. In addition, Bryman and Bell (2007) agree with these authors by
stating that research design is like a framework that connects the research
questions together with the data collected and its interpretation.
The design research of this report is focus on a single case study of the construction
industries, exploring the effective communication strategies in a construction
project performance and success. Dul and Hak (2008) describe case study as a
process of study either one case or a small number of cases in a real life context
that are selected, and the scores obtain from these cases are analyzed based on
the visual inspection of the case in contrast to statistical analysis. Also McGivern
(2009) agree with Dul and Hak by stating that case study is an in-depth
investigation of a case for exploratory, descriptive or explanatory research
purposes. The use of case study in this research is to find out how the theory
gotten from the literature review will be used to discover the best communication
strategy in a selected building construction project within UK.
The selected sample case study strategy adapted by the author for this research
will help the author to get the full picture of the case and also to achieve an in-
depth understanding as well as the detailed description of the case. (MacGiver
2009). However, in spite of frequent use of case study, Xiao and Smith (2006) have
describe it as a weak approach of research stating that it only focus on exploratory
studies, which often leads to illogical conclusions. They also stated that case study
strategy should only be used as a method of last resort. Meanwhile, Punch (2005)
has countered the statement made by Xiao and Smith (2006) by giving positive
reasons that single case study strategy helps to develop a unique case and as well
provides an understanding of the important aspects of the research area.
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Research Question Research Design
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Figure 6: Research Design Plan
(Source: The Author)
Figure. 6 illustrates the process of conducting this research. It starts with aresearch question of the topic i.e. (What is the best strategy to develop an effective
communication in a building construction project?). This question is being justified
with the help of useful literature by deferent authors as well as collection of
deferent data through documentary analysis and interviews as a method of
empirical validation for the research question.
3.3 Methodology
Research method as describe by Kumar (2008), are all those methods or
techniques used by the researcher for conducting research operation. The
methodology is thus the study of the various steps that are generally adopted by a
researcher in studying the research problem along with the logic behind them.
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(Kumar 2008). In other words, methodology is basically the study of the
procedures that is used to gain an in-depth knowledge about the research topic
area.
In addition methodology compares both the qualitative and quantitative methods ofthis research and the best method suitable for data collection will also be identified.
It could be suggested that the research method adopted by any researcher depends
on what the researcher is trying to find out. In addition, qualitative method
basically deals with exploring peoples life histories or everyday behaviors where as
quantitative method make use of statistical techniques and mechanics in survey
research. (Silverman 2004). The differences in qualitative and quantitative features
are shown in Table 5. below.
Table 5. Claimed features of qualitative and quantitative research method.
Qualitative Method Quantitative Method
Soft Hard
Flexible Fixed
Subjective Objective
Political Value- free
Case study Survey
Speculative Hypothesis testing
Grounded Abstract
(Source: Silverman 2004)
Owing to the nature of scope of this research topic, together with the features of
the research methods detail above, qualitative research method is adapted as the
best research strategy for this research. This is because it entails the use of
inductive research, in-depth case study approach as well as documentary reviews.
In both qualitative and quantitative method, the only factor in which they have in
common is data collection and the details of how it is use on both methods are
explored in the following section.
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3.4 Data collection
According to National Statistics (2005), data collection simply means how
information about a particular research is gathered. It is also enable for the robustdevelopment of the research area.
However, in other to find out the best suitable means for data collection of this
research, it is suggested that the various data collection methods that are
associated with both qualitative and quantitative research strategies be reviewed.
Table 6: Qualitative data collection method
Method Purpose Merit Demerit Rational &Outcome
Interviews Open-endedquestion tosmall samples
a, It gives opportunity to
ask in-depth question
about the research area.
b, It provides
opportunity to access
the social cues of the
interviewer.
c, Tape recorder can be
used to gather accurate
information.
d, It create room for
flexibility in order of
question or approach to
questioning.
a, It is expensive
when compare to
other method.
b, Transcription of
data collected is
time consuming.
c, It need high skills
in other to get
accurate information
needed.
ACCEPTED: Theauthor needs in-depth and robusinformation thatwill corroboratethe theoreticalaspect of theresearch. A faceto-face interviewresearch methodis adopted. Theinterview will bebetween the
author and theproject managerand projectteam.
Observation Fundamentaltounderstandinganotherculture.
a, It provide information
previously unknown to
researcher that is crucial
to the topic.
b, It can be relatively
a, It is time
consuming.
b, Documentation
relies on memory,
personal discipline
REJECTED: Dueto the fact thatthis method istime consumingit is not feasibleto this researchas the durationallocated for it is
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Source: (Dew 2006; Family health international 2004; Opdenakker 2006;
Silverman 2004 and Tashakkori and Teddlie 2003)
unstructured.
c, It allows insight into
contexts, relationship
and behavior.
and diligence of
researcher.
c, It is mainly
subjective.
limited.
Transcripts/Documentary
Used tounderstandhowparticipantsorganize theirtalk and bodymovement.
a, It is easily accessible.
b, It does not intrude
into peoples lives.
c, It is inexpensive.
d, It has high level of
accuracy.
a, Any script that
lost might
jeopardize the
research.
b, Bias in selection
of transcript.
ACCEPTED: Thimethod will helpthe author toexplore in detailall the documentavailable to theresearch area.
Focus group Understandingparticipants
categories.
a, It allow good
interpretive validity.b, It allow probing.
c, It allow quick
turnaround.
d, It allow study of how
participants react to
each other.
a, It is dominated by
one or two
participants.
b, The measurement
validity is possibly
low.
c, Focus group
moderator might be
possibly biased.
REJECTED:Because that
severalparticipants areinvolve and thevalidity of data ilow, this methodis rejected due ttime constrainand the nature othe researcharea.
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Table 7: Quantitative data collection method
ethod Purpose Merit Demerit Rational &Outcome
urvey Mainly fixed-choice
questions torandom samples.
a, It allows greater
objectivity and accuracyof results.
b, It is relatively
inexpensive.
c, It can be administer
from anywhere
irrespective of the
location.
d, It is reliable and easy
to obtain.
a, It involves large
amount of samplesto reply thereby
making it tedious
and time
consuming.
b, The participants
may find it difficult
to tell the truth
about any
controversial
question.
REJECTED:
Irrespective offact that it con
standard quest
it is best suitab
for primary
research due t
time constrain
uestionnaire Used infrequently
to check the
accuracy of
interview records.
a, It is cost effective.
b, It is easy to analyze.
c, It reduces
interviewers biasness.
d, It gives respondent
opportunity to answer
questions at their
convenient time.
a, Response from
the respondent are
relatively low
b, Respondents may
answer superficially
if the questions are
too many.
c, It lacks probing of
the research area.
d, It is time
consuming.
REJECTED: Th
method is best
adopted for
primary resear
which is out of
authors scope
tructured
bservation
Preliminary work. a, It is very systematic
b, It helps to compares
between settings and
situations
c, It shows reliability
and applicability of data
a, It requires
excellent skills and
knowledge before
use.
b, The process is
complex and rigid.
c, It is time
consuming.
REJECTED:
Because this
method is com
and also takes
time to carry o
it is better off
primary resear
which is out of
authors scope
extual
nalysis
To measure
attitudes,
personality, self
perception and
performance.
a, Its data can be easily
analyze.
b, It has high validity
measurement.
c, Can provide good
measures of many
a, Can be expensive
if test must be
purchase for each
research participant.
b, It can be biased
against to some
REJECTED: Th
method will re
a particular sk
other to use it
effectively. Thi
will take the
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characteristics of people.
d, The response rate is
high.
certain people.
c, It posed to have
non- response error
to selected items on
the test.
author more ti
to acquire.
(Source: Cohen et al 2007; Colorado state university 2010; ONeill 2006; Silverman
2000 and Tashakkori and Teddlie 2003)
Tables 2 and 3 shows the various methods that are associated with both
quantitative and qualitative research methods, there advantages and disadvantages
as well as the rational for adoption or rejection.
From the above tables, methods through which the data collections were made are
justified. The documentary gathered was review and employed to understand the
effect of effective communication in a construction projects. Gathering of data and
information were done through exploration, review and examination of some
construction company documents and reports, journals, articles and books from
deferent authors. All these were carried out to explore the best effective
communication strategies to adopt for successful execution of construction project.
3.5 Ethical considerations
The ethical issues that will be considered in carryout this research work are shown
in Table 8
Table 8: Ethical Considerations
The Participants should have the right to be informed of the purpose of this
study.
Participants may withdraw at any time during the research.
All information should be treated as strictly confidential.
Participants should be debriefed after the research program.
Interviews will be conducted with informed consent and interviewees will berespected and have the right to anonymity.
Copyright law will be respected.
(Gratton and Jones 2004)
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3.6 Proposal for carrying out Primary Research
Due to the fact that the scope of this research restricts the author only to carry out
secondary research, a primary research plan will be drawn to serve as a way to
justify the documentary review. The Fig. 7 below shows the suggested primary
research plan adopted by the author as regards to this research.
RESEARCH METHOD
(Qualitative research
method of data
collection)
Data
Collection
(Semi-structuredInterviews and
documentary)
Findings & Analysis
(Summary and analysis
of key findings)
Report presentation
(Final presentation of
findings and management
report)
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
Figure 7: Primary Research Process Plan
(Source: The Author)
3.6.1 Stage 1 Qualitative Research method
The methodology adopted to conduct this research plan is qualitative research
strategy. An open ended, semi-structured face-to- face interview will be adopt tocarry out this research. Also, it is suggested that the use of tape recorder during
the interview should be adopted but only with the permission of the interviewee.
This is because it will give the researcher the opportunity to get an in depth and
unbiased detail of the research question. (Opdenakker 2006)
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3.6.2 Stage 2 Semi-Structured Interviews
In this type of interview, the details of what the researcher is trying to find out
within the research topic area should be written down; this will serve as a guide
during the interview. Meanwhile the interviewer has the discretionary powers and
can ask question as the interview progresses.
3.6.2.1 Interview Question Purposes
The purpose of asking this interview question as shown in Appendix 4 is to explore
more on the importance of communication on project success delivery in a
construction company, how communication has been practice among the projectparticipant in a construction project, some of the challenges project managers faces
when communicating in construction project, and process and procedures that has
been used when communicating in a construction project.
Sample
Series of interviews are to be conducted with all the key project players within at
least 30 selected construction projects. (20 Building construction project and 10 oil
and gas construction project within UK.). These selected construction projects will
represent the entire construction project within UK. The schedule for the interview
is shown in Table 9.
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Table 9: Interview schedule
Company
Name
Company
Type
Interviewees
Position
Interviewer Date of
Interview
A Oil and Gas
Construction
Project Manager Author
B Oil and Gas
Construction
Architect Author
C Building
Construction
Project Manager
Author
D Building
Construction
Quantity
SurveyorAuthor
E Building
Construction
Supply Chain
Manager
Author
F Oil and Gas
Construction
Supply Chain
Manager
Author
G Oil and Gas
Construction
Logistic
Coordinator
Author
H Building
Construction
Project Manager Author
I Building
Construction
Civil Engineer Author
J Oil and gas
Construction
Project Manager Author
Source: Author
Interviews with project team: About ten (10) one-on-one interviews will be
conducted randomly among the project team members in deferent location of
construction project, who has at least ten (10) years working experience in a
construction project. The interview should be in an open- ended question that is
related to communication strategy on construction project. The purpose of this
interview is to confirm the experience, views, concerns and expectations of the
team towards the best communication strategy in construction project.
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Interviews with project manager: All the project managers in at least ten (10)
deferent construction projects with at least five (5) years working experience, who
also are responsible to plan and manage a minimum of ten (10) successful projects,
were to be interviewed. Each interview should last about 45min to 1hr. This
interviews is to be conducted for them to share their views about communication
issues they have encountered in their past project as well as how they will go about
to correct this issues in their subsequent project. They will also give their views
base on their personal experience, the best strategic method to set up an effective
communication strategy for the success of most construction project.
3.6.3 Data Analysis & Verification
Stage 3 Data Analysis
About twenty (20) interviews were to be conducted among the project players in
selected construction project within UK; (10 project team members) and (10
project managers). Also documentation analysis technique were to be used to
gather information require for this research as well as reviewing most construction
industry documents, journals and textbooks. The interview conducted with both theproject team and project manager will help to verify the information from the
review documents.
In addition all the information gathered were to be recorded, transcribed verbatim
and then analyze using qualitative analysis software package NUDIST Nvivo.
(Ochieng and Price 2010). This software will help the researcher to compare,
contrast and synthesis opinions as regards to communication in construction
project. The result generated from the data will serve as a verification tool for thedocumentary analysis carried out.
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3.7 Limitations
One of the greatest limitations of this research is the usage of the qualitative data
analysis software as the author requires in-depth knowledge and skill to use it. Also
time factor is another limitation that faces this research because the project
requires observation in order to develop a robust solution to the research area. Due
to the fact that the author is not allowed to carry out primary research, information
gathered from journals, text books and Construction Company will not be enough to
validate the research area. Unavailability of enough related work on the research
area (identifying the best communication strategy in construction project) was aswell another form of limitations encountered.
3.8 Conclusion
This section has explored in details, the evaluation of research methodology, the
suitable method of data collection and the rationale in which it is being adopted. It
has further explored some of the advantages and disadvantages of various method
of data collection. The chapter also provides the details of how best the primary
research will be carried out.
The next chapter will explore on the last objective of this research work by
gathering together all the research work done for this project by concluding and
proffer recommendation base on the findings as well as highlighting the lessons
learned
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CHAPTER 4
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
4.1 Introduction
This chapter will bring together all the objectives acknowledged for this research
work to give a relevant overview of the research work carried out. This chapter also
concludes this research work by stressing the significant findings as it relates to
developing effective communication strategies in a construction project. Theconclusion of this research work will focus on how communication have been used
in terms of theory and practice within construction project, some of the
communication challenges, as well as the communication process and procedures
within construction project.
In all, this chapter thus gives a summary of the research structured in accordance
with the achievement of objectives 1-4.
4.2 Conclusion
4.2.1 Evaluation of Project Proposalagainst Objectives
1. To examine the importance of effective communication strategies in
ensuring project success on construction projects.
Chapter 2 explores all the breadth and depth of all the resources and materials that
is review on the topics of effective communication strategy in a construction
project.
Construction industries require developing effective communication strategies for
successful executing of their project. This is because in other to mange effectively
the triple constraints or any factor(s) that determines the success of a project, the
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project manager should ensure that all the abstract ideas about the project are
communicated effectively to all the project participants just as Emmitt and Gorse
(2003) has suggested. However, the needs for having effective communication
strategies in a construction project should not be understated because it create an
avenue for all the project participants to develop trust, build a strong relationship
among themselves thereby working together in achieving coordinated results,
manage changes effectively in project as well as get motivated on the project to
ensure project success.
2. To establish relationships between theory and practice in relation to
communication strategies being applied in construction projects.
To communicate effectively in a construction project, it is necessary to understandthe key roles and responsibilities of all the project participants in order to avoid any
misunderstanding among different groups. Appendix 2 highlighted major groups in
a building construction project where most of the communication strategies that are
often practice among the groups are face-to-face meeting and presentation which
could be onsite or offsite. However, when managing a complex project, the project
manager should adapt the strategy of using Electronic Management System (EMDS)
to capture, store, send images or project documents into the project management
database where the project participants can have access to it. In addition, the use
of automated device such as mobile phone, Waikie-Talkie and Mike has to be
introduced for all the project participants who are working in a less noisy part of the
project. Similarly, the use Skype for teleconferencing among the virtual project
team from different location should be encouraged.
3. To examine some of the challenges of communication in construction
projects.
Challenges of communication in a construction project are factor that is inevitable.
Because of complexity nature of most construction project which attract people of
different cultural background to form part of the project team. The first challenge a
project manager will face is first, how to communicate the impact of the project in
line with the organization goals, to the key stakeholders. The Second is how to
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tackle the issue of stereotyping, individual frame of reference, cognitive dissonance
as well as distractions when communicating in the project. The project manager
should ensure to use different thought pattern by adapt on daily bases, onsite face-
to-face meeting in the morning before work commence in order to avoid challenges
of distraction of noise from heavy duty equipment.
4. To assess the communication process and procedure in construction
projects.
In communicating to sponsor or project board in a construction project concerning
any issue or risk in project, the project manager should ensure to use project
weekly status report, face-to-face meeting or email in other to strengths the buy-in
from top management. Also, when communicating laterally for example tocontractors which often need diplomacy and tact, the project manager should
ensure to use E-mail and statement of work. Similarly, in communicating downward
for example, to project team, which also needs diplomacy, the project manager
should use E-mail, issue log and verbal exchanges.
However, in ensuring an effective communication process in a construction project,
the project manager should, define his/her core massages and themes, define
target and audience, develop detailed strategies and tactics, develop and
implement a detailed communication plan, as well as monitor progress, adjust
strategies and tactics. The project manager should also try and avoid overuse of
slangs or acronyms when communicating to avoid confusion.
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4.3 Recommendations
The research work was aimed at exploring the best effective communication
strategies and the way in which they are practice in the construction industrieswithin UK.
Base on the research findings from the review literature which is from books,
journals, articles and construction companies reports, the following
recommendations as outline in Table 10 are proffered;
Table 10: Research Work Recommendation
Since this research was limited in scope to a secondary review and research,
it recommended that the primary research is conducted in order to serve as a
validation process for the secondary review and analysis.
It is recommended for further research to carry out on the level of computer
literacy of the entire project participant in construction industries.
It is recommended that further research should be conducted on the
processes of developing communication skill by the project manager for
effective communication in a construction project.
It is recommended for further research to carry out on the best approach ofcommunication skills to a virtual project team.
4.4 Lessons Learned
This research has thought me great things in the project management principles
both in theory and practice. The important things i learn from this research are;
How to critically review, criticize and analyze literatures from other authors.
How to go about in choosing the right methodology for any chosen topic
research
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How to narrow down a research topic as well as the goals and objective
identify in solving the problem.
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