Improving interface management on a mega construction project

Abstract

ABSTRACT Interface management has in recent years become a key area of focus within the construction sector as the industry undertakes more complex projects. These mega projects are characterised by their complexity, huge scale, high cost and longer duration. This study was conducted in an attempt to understand interface management in its entirety and its role within mega construction projects with the aim of developing a workflow to be used for the management of interfaces on mega projects. To address the objectives of this study a case study method was adopted and questionnaires were utilized to gather data. A total of 50 questionnaires were sent out to ten specialist contractors on the selected mega project and only 36 questionnaires were returned. Through the process of content analysis the results were as follows: Firstly, a number of different types of interfaces were found to exist within the project environment including design interface, design-construction interface, systems interface, contractual interface, organizational interface and construction interface. Secondly, a number of issues exist within the project environment which influence interface challenges. These root causes were found to be just to name a few, poor scope definition, different contracting strategies, poor co-ordination, scope gaps, access delays, poor planning, lack of communication, lack of interface management strategies and so forth. These issues can therefore be referred to as a catalyst in causing interface problems to occur within the project environment. To meet the third objective a number of improvements to the current interface management strategies were noted. These improvements included using software’s such as the building information model, efficient scheduling methods, interface management team, interface management procedure, contractually identified interfaces, proper communication, better resource planning, better stakeholder management and so forth. Through the study of these improvements this study proposed a stage gate workflow process for the management of interfaces on a mega construction project so as to eliminate possible interface risks. Each stage gate introduces an interface management workflow and the items to evaluate at that particular stage gate to ensure that interfaces are addressed collectively throughout the project.

Keywords: Mega construction project, Project complexity, Interfaces, Interface management.