Client Roles in Influencing Project Delivery Outcomes

Abstract

Construction clients are the originators of projects who are central to the construction process and play a crucial role in influencing project delivery outcomes. Consequently, it behoves all role players to support the client and deliver specific client requirements. The construction industry is fraught with several challenges during project delivery and it is a common occurrence that critical project objectives are not usually achieved. It is therefore, in the client’s interest and control to ensure that the various challenges, foreseen or unforeseen, which could result in waste, conflict, excessive costs and delays do not occur or are well managed to minimize their impact. This paper examines the role of the client and the client’s team structure in influencing project delivery outcomes, which was explored quantitatively. Data was collected through the use of semi-structured questionnaires. Study samples were selected through purposive convenience sampling. The study demonstrated a link between client roles and their influence on project delivery outcomes. Between public and private clients, the latter was considered by the majority of respondents as being more involved in their projects and significantly performed their roles, hence the high success rate of private projects.