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Abstract
Delays in many construction projects are a global phenomenon and the construction industry in Libya is no exception. Scheduling problems result in late completion. This thesis reviews project planning with specific reference to Libya, to identify and trial new approaches.
Although there are many infrastructure projects in Libya, few studies have been made. Further, earlier studies considered the causes and effects of project delays, whereas this thesis focuses on improvement of planning in the Libyan context. A mixed-method data gathering procedure using face-to-face interviews and case studies was used. A survey by questionnaire was conducted to discover whether traditional methods, computer techniques or risk simulations were normally used to set time targets. Six case studies were selected, where the contractors had actually developed project plans using conventional methods (e.g. Bar Charts, CPM, PERT).
A review of the literature identified conventional and novel approaches to planning in particular the Last Planner approach. A trial of the Last Planner System (LPS) was conducted in Libya. Four case studies were reviewed, two as a ‘control group’ for data collection on time performance. The other case studies were the experimental group. The Last Planner System was presented at a seminar to their project managers and planners who were then asked to apply LPS and monitor results using documentation provided by the researcher.
The unexpected results found some projects finished on time, but the actual time spent was much lower than planned. The planners appeared to be building anticipation of delay into the project plans, the common causes of delay being identified in the questionnaire results.
The thesis then proposes an improved planning process, based on the application of last planner system.