The Potentials of Life Cycle Management for Project Performance in the Building Industry: A Case of Public and Private Projects in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

The building industry (BI) has been a persistent key player in the socio-economic development of countries. It provides employment and shelter to millions as well as operational infrastructure such as offices, schools and hospitals. The expansion of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja as a new capital has attracted increased private and public investments in the BI. Issues of quality, costs, reliability and human and environmental safety have posed a challenge to the growth of the BI. These issues are linked to the processes in building production. Studies express concerns over issues of poor quality, high cost of buildings and longer duration before project completion that prevents the BI from successful project delivery. This study focused on the assessment of the potentials of Life Cycle Management (LCM) on project performance in the building industry in Abuja, Nigeria using a case study approach. The objectives of the study were to: examine policies/procedural framework within the BI; investigate how adoption of initial phase principles may affect project performance within the BI; examine how planning phase principles influence project performance within the BI; determine how implementation phase principles may influence project performance within the BI; and ascertain whether completion phase principles can improve project performance within the industry in Abuja, Nigeria. Data for this study was obtained from the archives of both private and the public sectors. Proportional Stratified Random and Purposive Sampling using questionnaires and interviews was employed to select six projects from project files for qualitative data analysis. Results show that policy and procedural frameworks are not fully adhered to as stated in the National Building Code. From the initial to completion phases, LCM principles have not been adequately applied leading to projects being delivered at high cost, while time and quality standards being compromised. The study recommends that LCM principles be adopted to improve project delivery according to time, cost and quality standards in the BI in Abuja, Nigeria.

Keywords: Building Industry, Life Cycle Management, Project Performance, Potential