Abstract
Resource Planning and Leveling are two critical areas of resource management which need to be implemented by contractors to aid in construction project execution. However, in the process of undertaking these processes in their projects, contractors meet a number of challenges which discourage them from implementing Resource Planning and Leveling. Nonetheless, Resource Planning and Leveling has a number of benefits which may not be known by some contractors. The purpose of this research therefore was to establish and evaluate the challenges and benefits associated with Resource Planning and Leveling. A survey design was adopted by the researcher. A sample of 106 respondents was selected randomly and a response rate of 76% was achieved. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and relative importance index analysis while qualitative data was analysed thematically. Contractors were found to experience serious challenges in their quest to execute Resource Planning and Leveling in their projects. The three most pressing challenges experienced by contractors were found to be: project delays (RII=0.8597); technical incompetence (RII=0.8564); materials shortages or late delivery (RII=0.8390). A number of benefits were found to entice contractors to carry out Resource Planning and Leveling in their projects. The three most significant benefits were: establishing plans for material delivery (RII=0.9215); balanced resources, reducing over allocations or overtime (RII=0.9165) and determining or predicts resources needed (RII=0.9139).
Highlights
The Kenyan construction industry is a key sector within the country’s economy and its’ level of activity gives an indication of the country’s general economic performance (1)
Challenges associated with Resource Planning and Leveling A number of challenges associated with Resource Planning and Leveling were presented to the respondents to express views on their significance based on a likert scale (5-Strongly Agree; 4- Agree; 3-Undecided; 2-Disagree; 1-Strongly Disagree)
Other benefits in descending order were: “Balanced resources, reducing over allocations or overtime” (RII=0.9165); “Determines or predicts resources needed” (RII=0.9139); “Helps maintain the lowest uniform number of employees to perform the work” (RII=0. 0.8557); “Enhanced overall organizational strategic planning” (RII=0. 0.8513); “Reduced project costs” (RII=0.8456); “Reduction of errors” (RII=0.8256); “Increased workers’ morale due to guaranteed job security” (RII=0.7772) and lastly “Reduced cost of learning and improved learning curve” (RII=0.7667) These results indicate that all the respondents’ are in agreement that the assessed factors are significant benefits realized in Resource Planning and Leveling
Summary
The Kenyan construction industry is a key sector within the country’s economy and its’ level of activity gives an indication of the country’s general economic performance (1). Contractors need to be efficient and effective in their resource management. Resource Planning and Leveling are two critical areas of resource management which need to be implemented by contractors to aid in construction project execution. In the process of undertaking these processes in their projects, contractors meet a number of challenges which discourage them from implementing Resource Planning and Leveling. Resource Planning and Leveling has a number of benefits which may lead to efficient project execution if exploited.
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