Assessing Housing Project End-Users Satisfaction in Ghana: A Case Study of SSNIT Housing Flats in Asuoyeboa-Kumasi

Provision of housing is a critical component of the social and economic structure constituting basic human needs. Housing challenges however ranges from inadequate provision to unsatisfactorily performance regarding project location, housing features and demographic characteristics. This paper identified and assessed factors constituting end-users perception of satisfaction against the performance of the housing development. Thirty-five (35) factors were identified as constituting perception of end-users satisfaction and grouped under building design, neighborhood conditions, social amenities and management practices.A case study approach and purposive sampling of the two types of designs were used. Questionnaires were administered to occupants of thirty-eight (38) flats to rank the factors using five-point Likert scale and Relative Importance Index, the factors were analysed. End-users were generally satisfied with building design features especially room height and material finishes. Respondents were dissatisfied with housing designs without balconies, terraces, and outdoor spaces for traditional food preparation and socio-cultural practices. In addition were location, high dust and noise levels, inadequate social infrastructure and poor management practices. The study recommends gated community concept, consideration of noise and dust buffers, spaces for social-cultural practices and location away from major highway for enhanced end-users satisfaction. Keywords: Assessing, End-User, Ghana, Housing Projects, Satisfaction

Adopting innovative methods in the Ghanaian construction industry

Abstract: Increased demand for building infrastructure delivery advocates for innovative construction methods. This paper examines the concept and application of Modern Method of Construction used in the South-West UK, and the Innovative Building Technologies in South Africa. It assesses the methods, current use, off-site manufacturing; identifies and evaluates aspects of the construction process typically used with the aim of identifying and analysing the barriers and merits for the adoption in the Ghanaian construction industry. The research design adopts a qualitative method and case study of two housing projects as part of a broader study to determine an appropriate innovative construction method to meet project targets of time, cost, quality and improved delivery for the Ghanaian industry. The study finds; convenience; speed; reduced cost and improved delivery as the key success factors though there is less than 5% use of the innovative methods in the entire sector for mainly repetitive housing, schools and hospital projects. Negative end-users perception of building quality and low satisfaction; less government intervention through education; promotion; availability of off-site contractors and materials were also the barriers identified. Management contract is adopted in most cases hence the risk transferred to the management contractors. Lessons learnt are outlined and recommendation made for government action plans to mitigate the barriers during its implementation in the Ghanaian construction industry

Managing consultants as key construction stakeholders for enhanced stakeholder management and project delivery

Abstract: Meeting stakeholders’ needs and satisfaction is a primary project success factor in addition to cost, time and quality. Though studies have suggested stakeholders’ dissatisfaction with project success, there is lack of studies on quantity surveyors’ role and management in developing countries in achieving project success. This paper explored and evaluated consultant’s management approach as part of a broader study aimed at ‘Developing sustainable stakeholder management framework for construction projects in Ghana’. Firstly, literature on construction stakeholder management from journals and published dissertations were reviewed. GETFund tertiary education projects in Ghana were used as case study. Data was analysed using the stakeholder circle, salience and matrix approaches suggested by scholars and used in similar researches to identify and evaluate key stakeholders role and management. The study confirmed the identification and role of Quantity Surveyors as key stakeholders though not managed as such by project managers. It established project failures as effect of stakeholder management absence and recommends the education, consideration of stakeholder management by project managers, keeping Quantity Surveyors well informed, monitored and actively involved in the project planning

Critical success factors for enhanced stakeholder management in Ghana

Abstract: Though construction projects undertaken in developing countries are aimed at socio-economic growth, the benefits cannot be realized without carefully considering project stakeholders management for successful delivery. This study identified and evaluated Critical Success Factors CSFs as part of a broader study aimed at “Developing Sustainable Stakeholder Management Framework for Developing Countries”. An exploratory, qualitative survey was adopted. A questionnaire survey was used to validate 35 CSFs identified from the literature reviewed and Relative Importance Index for analysis. Early stakeholders’ identification; managing culture and political environment; communication; project managers’ competence; formal stakeholder management process was highly ranked. Five groups were also confirmed. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by validating CFSs for the Ghanaian construction industry

Critical barriers affecting stakeholder management in the construction industry

Abstract: Effective stakeholder management is essential in achieving stakeholder satisfaction and project success targets. This paper investigates critical barriers to stakeholder management in the construction industry of developing countries as part of a larger study aimed at developing a “Sustainable stakeholder management framework for construction projects in developing countries”. The present paper aim is necessary since construction projects have numerous stakeholders and involves several activities hence stakeholder management is vital for an enhanced project delivery. A literature review of selected articles on stakeholder management was validated using interviews of 6 project key stakeholders. The study confirmed five additional critical barriers relating to (1) project managers knowledge in stakeholder management (2) public procurement approach, (3) politicization of projects (4) project delays and (5) poor project planning and development. These findings may not be generalized due to limited research participants involved. Nonetheless, it serves as a useful basis for the larger dissertation and contributes to the body of knowledge by identifying critical barriers affecting stakeholder management in the developing nations’ construction industry for improved construction projects delivery. Considering and managing these critical barriers will ensure the achievement of project goals, stakeholder needs and satisfaction

Sustaining small and medium-size enterprises growth through stakeholder engagement

Abstract: Small and Medium-size Enterprises SMEs play significant roles in the construction sector supply chain procurement system, contributing to nation's gross domestic product, employment and socio-economic development. Studies have identified SMEs growth in Ghana as non-sustained and attributed to stakeholder's influence. This study identifies stakeholders', influences and proposes a stakeholder engagement approach for sustained growth. A qualitative approach involving literature review was validated using questionnaire interview survey and descriptive analysis. A five- stage engagement process proposed: identify SMEs growth objectives and challenges; identify and analyze stakeholders; engage stakeholders; measure growth; monitor and support objectives using feedback for sustained SMEs growth

Stakeholder management : a literature review of historical development and current trends

Abstract: Effective and formal stakeholder management process is critical in achieving stakeholder needs and satisfaction, an important project success factor. Developed countries construction industries have embraced stakeholder management as a soft project management skill and consequently developed suitable approaches for improved project delivery though developing countries are yet. Studies have associated project failures to poor stakeholders' performance, the absence of formal stakeholder management process, industry challenges and lack of proper documentation in developing countries such as Ghana. This study identifies, reviews and documents the historical development of stakeholder management process in Ghana as part of a broader study aimed at "developing sustainable stakeholder management framework for construction process in developing countries" for enhanced project success. An exploratory method with the qualitative technique was adopted. A literature review was conducted into stakeholder management practice to explore the trend, influence of historical development and documentation of stakeholder management process in relation to industry challenges using three countries as case studies. This is aimed at documenting and developing sustainable stakeholder management process for developing countries. A descriptive survey was used for analysis and documentation. Findings are that formal documentation of industry practices, procurement challenges, stakeholders role in project failures led to the reviews and stakeholder focused reports which that advocated for collaboration. A trend which has influenced the development of stakeholder management process. In the absence of formal documentation, the study identified and documented stakeholder management historical development trend in Ghana for the development of a stakeholder management framework