Abstract
Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study was to investigate the factors causing the change orders in construction projects and to assess their impact on the project's performance in Oman. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was conducted using a random sampling technique. The questionnaire was used to collect data from215contractingcompanies located in Muscat Governorate, Oman. Statistical analyses such as the chi-square test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, and linear regression tests were used. Findings: The result of the study showed that the variations have more impacts on the project and the change orders harm the project most. It was also revealed that 'change in specifications’, ‘Alterations in design and drawing' and Time lag in the project implementation were considered to be the primary causes of change orders, and ‘Change of scope’, ‘Errors and omissions in design' and 'Insufficient Logistics’ were the primary causes of variations affecting the construction projects in Oman. Research Implications: It was suggested to plan for a strategy to avoid the time lag and to take up adequate financial pre-planning to maximize the profit. Social Implications: The findings of the study help the companies to take proactive measures to eliminate or reduce unnecessary variations and change orders to accomplish the prime objectives of such projects. Originality/value: This is the first study of its kind in bringing out the issues related to change orders and variations in the construction projects of Muscat Governorate, Oman. Keywords: Change Orders, Variations, Causes and Impacts on the Construction Projects, Construction Projects in Oman, Clients, Contractors, and Consultants.
Highlights
Since the advent of oil, Oman has witnessed unparalleled growth and prosperity
Others argued that design errors, omissions, and client-related changes are the main causes for a change order in a project (Mahamid, 2017; Manavazhi & Xunzhi, 2001; Sun et al, 2006)
Comparing the K.S. values obtained from the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, the result shows that ‘Change in specifications’ ranked first (0.269) followed by ‘Alteration in design and drawing’ (0.261) and ‘Time lag in the project implementation’ (0.243)
Summary
Since the advent of oil, Oman has witnessed unparalleled growth and prosperity. This growth included the growth of the construction sector, both on the public and private levels. Bolin (2018) stated that the change order is a document that contractually modifies the original agreements among signed bodies. Plans, and agreement reports during the implementation of development projects usually lead to a modification in the mission plan and can result in increased activity and expenditure, which might be a waste of cost, asset, and time. It could happen by either the owner or the contractor.
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