Detrimental changes and construction projects: Need for comprehensive controls

Changes are inevitable and put harmful effects on construction projects in the form of delay, cost overrun and productivity degradation. This study aimed to investigate the major causes of detrimental project changes in design and construction phases of construction projects of Pakistan, the mentioned phases are critical in project execution. Moreover, a set of change controls are also identified for minimising the intensity of negative effects of project changes. Data are collected through structured questionnaires from construction industry located in Pakistan. Various statistical data analysis techniques such as reliability analysis, validity analysis, correlation, multi co-linearity, and regressions analysis are performed for data analysis and results inference. The findings show that client associated project changes are most critical hindrance in the construction projects, and their intensity is more than other change factors. Moreover the 'freezing design' and 'clarify change order procedures' are found to be the most important change control methods to minimise the severity of the project variations. The study is expected to provide significant insights to the project managers so that they can formulate the strategies to address the change and its effects in construction projects.