CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOLS AND AWARENESS IN THE DELIVERY OF HOUSING PROJECT IN ADO-EKITI, NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper looked at the extent of awareness and CPM tools in the issues that affect the adoption of Construction Project Management (CPM) practices in housing projects in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a descriptive survey design under construction professionals and analysed using descriptive statistics such as mean item scores (MIS), standard deviations, and ranking. The results indicated a fairly high level of awareness of CPM practices with a mean of between 3.34 and 4.12. Respondents were in strong agreement that project planning, cost estimation, scheduling, risk management, and resource allocation were important to successful housing project delivery. Project planning became the most notable practice and this is because it is the basis of good construction management. The paper also found out the major drivers of the use of CPM tools and techniques. Awareness and knowledge of CPM tools was the highest followed by financial capacity, knowledge of benefits, and subsidy interventions. Although awareness was ranked as a great enabler, financial constraint was identified to be a limiting factor to the practical implementation of CPM tools, particularly, among the small and medium sized construction firms. The findings imply that, despite the recognition of the applicability of CPM practices by the construction professionals, the lack of resources and access to modern tools does not allow implementing the practice on the full scale. The paper concludes that proper integration of CPM practices is critical in ensuring timely delivery of housing projects, cost-effectiveness and quality delivery in Ekiti State. It suggests improved training and capacity building, financial support, knowledge-sharing platforms, collaborative ventures, and improved policy interventions to facilitate the adoption of CPM tools and techniques widely in the construction industry.