in Construction Project Performance
FEATURED PAPER
By Chris Uzochukwu Okoye i, Ibeawuchi Ifeanyi Echeme ii,
Columbus Ikechukwu Anyanwu iii, George Akaun, Jr. iv
i Tummy Tummy Foods, Nnewi, Anambra State Nigeria.
ii, iii, iv Project Management Technology, FUTO, Owerri Imo State, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
This study focused on effectiveness of project planning and scheduling techniques in construction project techniques. The objectives are to: determine the extent of effect that the benefits existing in the various construction scheduling techniques have on construction project performance; ascertain whether the challenges confronting the use of software scheduling techniques have any significance effect on construction project performance; determine the level correlation between Gantt/Bar chart scheduling technique and construction project performance; ascertain whether there is any significant correlation between Critical Path Method scheduling technique and construction project performance. Seventy-three (73) respondents were selected purposively. Data were collected via questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using t-test and correlation analytical techniques. The result of the t-test show that benefits of project scheduling and network techniques are critical to construction project performance. The correlation analysis result indicates that Gantt/bar charts and critical path method have correlation with construction project performance. The study conclude that project operators should be properly trained and retrained on the application of various project planning and scheduling techniques available for improved project performance. Proper application and utilization of Gantt/Bar chart methodology. Lastly, improved knowledge and expertise of project planners and operators on the effective use of Critical Path Method in planning and scheduling construction projects through workshops, conferences, seminars, etc.
Key words: construction projects, planning and scheduling techniques, critical path method, Gantt/bar charts, project performance.
1.0 Introduction
In recent times, construction projects are congested as a result of the penetration of new players into the industry. This has led to business competition, increase in costs of resources caused by increase in demand and competition to maintain the lead. It can be observed from this perspective that mediocrity can no longer be entertained, having technical skills and experience are vital to maintain the lead.
Construction planning and scheduling, therefore involve the determination of appropriate construction sequence and methodology with the right allocation of resources over a specified time frame (Chizea, 2022). The data presented when all these factors are analyzed and put together is called the Construction Project Plan. Utilizing this data will involve both monitoring and possible rescheduling of activities throughout the construction process until completion.
The time required for completion of a project depends on the number of activities required, the durations of individual activities and the dependencies between activities. There is also the determination of the critical path of the project. The critical path is defined as the list of linked activities within the project schedule to which any change in their timelines or resources or both will have great impact on the entire project (Akpan & Chizea, 2023). Any delay on an activity within the critical path will delay the project and vice versa. The quality of the data also is dependent on the right allocation of resources with respect to cost, quantity and specification. As posited by Chizea (2022), clarity, proper layout and presentation of all activities describe the quality of the data.
In general, the adequacy and quality of construction planning and scheduling data is determined by the provision of a good roadmap that everyone in the construction team can follow a realistic project timeline, well detailed resource requirement, valid cost estimate and advanced identification of activity slippage.
Software planning and scheduling techniques have been challenging to contractors and other project stakeholders in the management and control of construction projects in Nigeria. Poor scheduling or non-existence of scheduling has resulted in considerable waste, as labourers and equipment become idle due to delay in completion of preceding tasks, limited availability of needed resources, or other space and time constraints (Akpan, Echeme & Ubani, 2017). Recent planning and scheduling practices in the construction sector are inefficient, which has resulted into budget and time overrun (Castro & Dawood, 2019: Chizea, 2022). In Nigeria, depending on which class of construction one belongs to and the nature of contract procurement, construction planning and scheduling (work plan) data would be prepared at the inception of a project, usually as a contract requirement. Financial institutions also request for the construction planning and scheduling data from construction firms as a prerequisite for loan approval or project financing (Akpan et al, 2017). The data presented in all cases varies in diverse degrees of adequacies.
More…
To read entire paper, click here
How to cite this paper: Okoye. C. U., Echeme, I. I., Anyanwu, C. I., Akaun, G. (2025). Effectiveness of Project Planning and Scheduling Techniques in Construction Project Performance; PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue X, October. Available online at https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/pmwj157-Oct2025-Okoye-et-al-Effectiveness-of-Project-Planning-and-Scheduling-Techniques.pdf
About the Authors
Chris Uzochukwu Okoye
Owere, Nigeria
Born on the 26th day of September 1987, Chris Okoye is the first son out of two siblings. Obtained his FSLC and SSCE from Madonna primary school Owerri and Government Secondary School Owerri respectively. Obtained first degree from Materials and Metallurgical Engineering FUTO and then PGD in Project Management Technology FUTO; currently pursuing M.Sc. in Project Management Technology FUTO.
Ibeawuchi Ifeanyi Echeme, PhD
Owere, 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 fifteen (15) 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; Tel +2348032403835.
Columbus Ikechukwu Anyanwu, PhD
Owere, Nigeria
Columbus Ikechukwu Anyanwu is an Associate Professor of Project Management, in the Department of Project Management Technology, School of Logistics and Innovation Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State Nigeria. He has taught numerous courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He has MSc and PhD in project management technology. and published a lot of academic articles in local and international journals. Associate Prof Anyanwu C.I. is Happily married with Children.
Geroge Akaun, Jr.
Owere, Nigeria
George Akaun, Junior is a lecturer in the department of Project Management, in the Department of Project Management Technology, School of Logistics and Innovation Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State Nigeria. His academic qualifications include: an MSc. And B.Tech in Project Management Technology, FUTO. Professional Qualifications include: HSE 1&2 (Health and Safety in the Workplace),2014; Certificate in Environmental Standard (natural hazards, disaster risk management and community resilience); Certificate in Environmental Standard special executive training track A; Certificate in Procurement standard; Certificate in Procurement Management Standard (Module 2, 3 &4).
