Comparative Evaluation of Construction Managers Involvement in Small and Large Building Projects

Abstract

The level of construction managers' involvement in carrying out their roles influence the outcome of a building project. However, previous studies have not adequately explored the extent to which construction managers' involvement varies across projects of different sizes. The aim of the study is to evaluate the extent of construction managers' involvement in executing their roles across different phases of small and large-scale building projects. Quantitative research method was adopted to qualify respondents' views using close-ended questionnaires. The population consists of project managers, human resource managers and construction managers, from the 85 construction firms across the six area councils of Abuja. A sample size of 50 was determined using Cochran's equation. The questionnaire items were measured on a 5-point Likert Scale. Data collected was analysed by computing the mean item score (MIS) and ranked based on the mean item score obtained. The findings indicate that the extent of construction managers involvement across the phases of small-scale building projects has limited engagement (MIS = 3.4) to high (MIS = 3.5). While in large scale building projects, their involvement is significantly higher (MIS = 4.0 to 4.2). The study concludes that the extent of construction managers involvement in small scale building project is moderate compared with the high extent in large scale building projects. The study recommends that construction organisations should develop training that focus on the challenges and requirements peculiar to building projects of different sizes, and enlighten construction managers on the expectations associated with building projects of different sizes.