Factors Influencing the Practice of Resource Planning and Leveling in the Kenyan Construction Industry: A Survey of Contractors in Nairobi County

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. Key Words: Resource Planning, Resource Leveling, Construction Project Performance, Contractors