Abstract
Design and contract documentation processes which occur throughout the life cycle of the contract, is often mentioned an area that engenders contractual disputes in Ghana. This paper investigated the factors causing poor quality of design and contract documentation (DCD) and how this impact on successful project implementation in Ghana. It used questionnaire approach as the main method to obtain data which was analyzed using Relative Importance Index (RII) and Kendall’s concordance testing. Out of forty factors noted to contribute to DCD deficiencies, six were identified as critical: selection of designers on the basis of lowest price, unwillingness to pay fees commensurate with design services, last minute changes by clients, insufficient design reviews, inadequate clients’ briefs, slow payment systems and insufficient or missing input information from the client. To minimize or prevent DCD deficiencies in Ghana’s construction industry, the research recommends that briefs are adequate, clear and precise; consultancy fees are commensurate to the required service quality; consultants to ensure adequate review of design and contract documentation with all stakeholders and clients to select consultants based on merits. The measures suggested by the paper are believed to contribute to good quality contract documentation which can consequently improve project implementation in Ghana. Keywords: Contract documentation, Construction projects performance, Quality documentation, Deficient Design. DOI: 10.7176/CER/12-7-08 Publication date: July 31 st 2020
Highlights
Typical design and contract documentation (DCD) maybe described to consist of design drawings, specifications, bill of quantities/schedule of rates, instructions to tenderers, conditions of the contract, forms of contract as well as other written correspondences and attachments (Rodriguez, 2019; Assaf et al, 2018; Buchan et al, 2003; Cook, 1991)
A case study conducted in the UK on the quality of tender documents by Laryea (2011) revealed that, there have been disputes and claims among contractual parties due to substandard information provided in designs and contract documentation in terms of details, accuracy, adequacy and ambiguity in design drawings, specifications, bills of quantities etc
This paper investigated the above problems and assessed the extent to which poor quality of DCD affects the performance of construction projects in Ghana
Summary
Typical design and contract documentation (DCD) maybe described to consist of design drawings, specifications, bill of quantities/schedule of rates, instructions to tenderers, conditions of the contract, forms of contract as well as other written correspondences and attachments (Rodriguez, 2019; Assaf et al, 2018; Buchan et al, 2003; Cook, 1991). According to Tilley et al (1999), there is a significant impact on the overall performance and efficiency of construction projects by the quality of design and documentation. How effectively and efficiently this transformation occurs depends largely on the quality of the DCD provided” (Tilley and Barton, 1997). This implies that poor and inefficient design and documentation may have a negative effect on the entire project. Since the quality of DCD generated by consultants has a substantial influence on the overall performance and efficiency of construction projects, it is important that issues confronting the quality of design and contract documentation be identified and discussed. The outcome of this research is intended to inure to the benefit of all contractual parties; all professionals working with clients, contractors and consulting firms
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