Abstract:
The performance of construction projects depends to a great extent on how best the
resources are managed. Failure to manage the resources available through planning and
leveling is likely to result in increased project costs, time overruns and poor quality. The
purpose of this research was to study the Resource Planning and Leveling approaches
adopted by contractors within Nairobi and the factors influencing the adoption of such
techniques. This research mainly adopted a survey research design where questionnaires
were used to collect data from contractors. Both qualitative and quantitative paradigms
were adopted in this research. The research site was Nairobi and the target population
was NCA 1-3 contractors. Random sampling was used to identify the 106 respondents.
Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics, relative importance index
analysis, spearman‟s correlation analysis, multiple regression and thematic analysis.
The study concluded that: though there is a high level (76%) of usage of Resource
Planning and Leveling in the Kenyan construction industry much of which is nonstructured,
construction projects‟ progress continue to be affected by delayed materials,
lack of labour and lack of equipment at the points of need. Resource Planning and
Leveling was found to be practiced more in older contracting firms and where there is
support from top management. A high degree of Resource Planning was found to be
associated with reduced negative impact of construction project progress. The three
most effective Resource Leveling techniques as experienced by contractors are fast
tracking, Microsoft Project and substituting resources. The researcher also concluded
that contractors are not only aware of the various Resource Leveling techniques existing
in theory but also understand their effects on the project performance.
