Exploring the Practice of Resource Planning and Leveling ( RP&L ) Among Contractors in the Kenyan Construction Industry

Abstract

The performance of construction projects depends to a great extent on how best resources are managed. Resource planning and leveling are critical aspects of resource management which need to be fully incorporated and practised in any site. Failure to manage the resources available through planning and leveling is likely to result in increased project costs, time overruns and poor quality. This assertion is supported by Tarek, (2010) who argues that proper resource planning and leveling helps resolve resource conflicts, which cause numerous challenges to the organization, such as: delay in completion of certain tasks, challenges in assigning a different resource to a certain task, inability to alter task dependencies, addition or removal of certain tasks and overall time and cost overruns of projects. He further argues that the aim of resource leveling is to increase efficiency when undertaking projects by maximizing on the resources available at hand. While it would be true to say that quite a number of authors have addressed the issue of resource management, the author feels that the subject of resource planning and leveling in the Kenyan construction industry is not well covered. This is due to a number of reasons which create a gap to be researched on. Authors such as Abeyasinghe et al., (2001); Ballard, (2000); Bandelloni et al., (1994) among others have covered different aspects of resource planning and leveling. It is however important to note that all these authors address the topic in developed countries. Some of the literature found on the topic is based on the manufacturing industry. This therefore creates the need to study the Kenyan construction industry and establish the underlying factors behind the practice of resource planning and leveling among construction industry players. The purpose of this research was to explore the practice of resource planning and leveling (RP&L) adopted by contractors within the Kenyan construction industry and the factors influencing the adoption of such techniques. This research mainly adopted a case study design where questionnaires were used to collect data from respondents. The research site was Nairobi and the target population was NCA 1-3 contractors. Random sampling was used to identify the 106 respondents. A response rate of 76% was achieved. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics, relative importance index analysis and spearman’s correlation analysis. The study concluded that: though there is a high level of usage of RP&L in the Kenyan construction industry much of which is non-structured, construction projects’ progress continue to be affected by delayed materials, lack of labour and lack of equipment at the points of need; RP&L is practised more in older contracting firms and where there is support from top management; and finally a high degree of RP is associated with reduced negative impact of construction project progress