Member Exclusive

Effectiveness of Innovative Crew Scheduling Presentation

Event Date

Jul 31, 2000

Type

Conference Presentation

Research Team

RT-158

Slides

Topic

Cumulative Change Order Impacts

DOCUMENT DETAILS

Abstract

Filters & Tags

Abstract

Change, defined as any event which results in a modification of the original scope, execution time, or cost of work, is inevitable on most construction projects due to the uniqueness of each project and the limited resources of time and money that are available for planning. Change may occur on a project for a number of reasons such as design errors, design changes, additions to the scope, or unknown conditions. For each change, contractors are entitled to an equitable adjustment to the base contract price and time for all impacts associated with the change. Adjusting the contract for the materials, labor, overhead, and profit directly associated with the changed work is relatively straightforward. However, the disruptions caused by the change orders can have a ripple effect throughout the entire project, decreasing the crew productivity and resulting in impacts on activities not directly associated with the changed work. For example, it is difficult to track and quantify the loss of productivity associated with crews waiting for directions from their supervisors or the field engineer, with the demobilization at the location of the changed activity and the mobilization at the new location, or with the crews performing out of sequence work. The focus of this research project was to quantify the cumulative impact that change orders have on the overall project productivity, including the effect on the base contract, for mechanical and electrical construction. The research was limited to projects with a conventional, consulting engineer plan and specification, bid, and construction process (design-bid-build) and a lump sum contract. The scope was also limited to projects with between 2,000 and 240,000 work-hours.

Filters & Tags

Knowledge Area

Business and Project Processes, Project & Program Management, Project Controls

Best Practice

Change Management

Project Phase

Feasibility, Concept, Detailed Scope, Detailed Design (Engineering), Procurement, Construction, Commissioning & Startup

Project Function

Project Management, Project Controls

Industry Group

Light Industrial, Heavy Industrial, Buildings, Infrastructure

Research Topic