in Rivers State, Nigeria
FEATURED PAPER
By Godknows Chima Uchendu i and Ibeawuchi Ifeanyi Echeme, PhD ii
i Project Monitoring & Supervision
Niger Delta Development Commission
Rivers State, Nigeria.
ii Project Management Technology
Federal University of Technology
Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study analyzed the challenges that influence construction project designs in Rivers State Nigeria. The objectives are to: determine whether cost of design can significantly influence construction project designs; determine whether adherence to design codes can significantly influence construction project designs; ascertain the level of influence that skilled designers have on construction project designs; ascertain the extent to which regulatory agencies influence construction project designs; determine extent to which negligence of design influence construction project designs. Descriptive survey design technique was used and questionnaire was deployed in collecting data. The data collected were analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis. T- test result indicate that unskilled designers is the most influential element in an effort to develop standard construction project designs in Rivers State. Hence, the study conclude that skilled personnel should be engaged in construction project design development. Also the high cost of designs can be minimized if the regulatory authorities are active in their responsibilities and policies made to create a conducive economic and social environment for enhancement of the well-being of the citizen of Rivers State and Nigeria in general. Among other recommendations, engagement of design experts to oversee the process of designing any project before implementation is very crucial.
Keywords: construction project designs, cost of design, skilled designers, design codes, Rivers State.
1.0 Introduction
Construction project design is the first step towards achieving success or failure. This is because design provides a stepping stone for planning and implementing construction projects (Ricardo, 2020). There is no doubt that the nature of project design determines the ability to achieve success in the delivery of projects especially, construction projects. If designs are poorly designed, it makes it difficult to successfully deliver the project and vice versa. Many times construction projects witnessed failure or abandonment due to wrong designs; hence, it becomes impossible to achieve the set goal for the project and this adversely affect development. Hence, the construction industry worldwide is under great pressure to produce perfect designs that can deliver better value for money and a more sustainable built environment (Shabbab, 2010). According to Shabbab (2010), there are reoccurring calls to improve the performance of construction industry in line with other industries, such as the manufacturing industry.
However, studies have shown that the construction industry has not been performing to its expectation due to the global technological and financial challenges coupled with the development process of design and production (Ricardo, 2020; Alexey, 2022). The importance of project design and its concepts are increasing by the day. This has attracted global attention and has become the center of discuss among project practitioners and researchers on the best approach to adopt in order to achieve effective and efficient project designs that will assist in the planning and execution of projects for economic development. According to Lucy (2021), a project is considered to be successful if the goals of the project are achieved. Lucy (2021) further stated that having a skilled project manager with the capacity to develop and illustrate designs is the first step to realizing project objectives, but there are other major factors that contribute to the project success. To be successful, projects require careful designing, planning, effective communication, and attention to project details. This is because project design highlights goals, functionality, and any other information that is required for the developers to successfully complete the project (Alexey, 2022). According to (Rahman et al., 2021), the role of specification in the design process is significant to project success. In the project specification document, the description of the desired outcome is described by a set of requirements. A clear description of the desired project outcome is critical because it will increase the chances of achieving an effective and efficient design. In order to have a clear description, the number of requirement statements must be sufficient to guide design engineers to proceed from the abstract to the concrete solution so as to realize the aim of the project. The project design specification defines the management plan of a project as a whole. It should list the needs, objectives, constraints, expected features, deadlines and budget as accurately as possible as these may be underlying factors affecting project completion (Ricardo, 2020).
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How to cite this work: Uchendu, G. C., Echeme, I. I. (2026). Challenges that Influence Construction Project Designs in Rivers State, Nigeria, PM World Journal, Vol XIV, Issue V, May. Available online at https://pmworldjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pmwj164-May2026-Uchenda-Echeme-construction-project-design-challenges.pdf
About the Authors
Godknows Chima Uchendu
Rivers State, Nigeria
Engr. Godknows Chima Uchendu is a staff of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Port Harcourt Rivers State in the Department of Project Monitoring and Supervision. He is an indigene of Rumuakunde Emohua, in Emohua Local Government area of Rivers State, Nigeria. He was born in late 70s and had his primary and secondary school in Emohua. Uchendu studied Civil Engineering at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. An MSc. candidate in the Department of Project Management Technology, Owerri. He is happily married with children.
Ibeawuchi Ifeanyi Echeme, PhD
Imo State, Nigeria
Ibeawuchi Ifeanyi Echeme is a lecturer in the department of Project Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Echeme has a B.Tech, MSc, and PhD in Project Management Technology and has published more than fifty (50) articles in both international and national reputable journals. Dr. Echeme has published a textbook on Project Time, Cost and Quality Management. He is a Chartered member of Chartered Institute of Project Managers Nigeria (CIPMN), Chartered member, Association of Practicing Project Managers of Nigeria (APPMON), Certified Project Director (CPD) and a member of International Project Management Professionals (IPMP). Dr. Echeme has presented papers in conferences and workshops within and outside Nigeria. He can be contacted through; ibeecheme@yahoo.com
