Investigation of the impact of design changes on project success; A case study of the Kikuube District Administration Block

Abstract

This study explores the impact of design changes on the success of infrastructure projects, focusing on the Kikuube District Administration Block. It highlights a significant deviation from the ideal project delivery scenario of timeline, budget adherence, and high-quality standards. The study aims to analyze the causes of design variations and assess their effects on project outcomes. A series of targeted inquiries were conducted to identify common factors contributing to project variations and their subsequent influence on costs, timelines, and deliverables. Furthermore, the study evaluates the effectiveness of supervisory interventions in managing these challenges. Quantitative data analysis was performed using SPSS software, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings reveal that inadequate initial site investigations, particularly insufficient geotechnical surveys, were significant contributors to project complications. These oversights led to unforeseen subsoil conditions during construction, necessitating a shift from planned strip foundations to reinforced pad and column foundations, ground beams resulting in budget overruns and an approximate delay of 3.5 weeks. The research also identifies the adverse effects of late stakeholder engagement, which prompted changes in functional requirements, such as the inclusion of an ICT hub and expansions to boardroom and archive facilities. Vulnerabilities in the material supply chain emerged due to reliance on a limited number of suppliers, causing further delays. The study quantified the impacts of variations, recording significant cost escalations, timeline delays, and reduced construction quality. Recommendations include the implementation of a structured change-approval process to minimize delays and enhance evaluation thoroughness, alongside improving communication and fostering stakeholder dialogue to strengthen collaboration. Lastly, transparent accountability measures for contractors are proposed to align expectations and enhance overall project performance.