Buchi Final Project

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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


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


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


I Building

Construction

Civil Engineer Author

J Oil and gas

Construction


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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