A PERSPECTIVE OF SKILLS NEEDED BY MODERN PROJECT MANAGER TO AVOID Dissertation

A PERSPECTIVE OF SKILLS NEEDED BY MODERN PROJECT MANAGER TO AVOID DELAY PENALTIES IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS - Dissertation Example They face a number of challenges that revolve around construction issues such as time constraints, workforce considerations, safety and continually shifting nature of work. They also face non construction related challenges such as government regulations, legal issues, socio-political pressures and environmental concerns. It is thus important to find out how we can raise the efficiency of project managers to enable them in managing projects effectively and avoiding delays in the implementation of the project plan and in turn avoiding delay penalties. This research thus sets out to identify the skills lacking in project managers that result in failure to avoid delays in construction projects. The research question is thus – What are the skills needed by modern day project managers to avoid delay penalties in construction projects? The findings of this study will help in providing an insight into the skills needed by project managers to avoid delay penalties in construction proj ects. The research involved a questionnaire survey of 100 project managers in Kuwait. The survey findings showed that lack of experience, leadership skills, project planning skills, communication skills and knowledge related to contracts and project management are the major skills lacking in project managers. This calls for a more integrated approach towards developing their skills. Recommendations have been discussed. The research suffers from small sample size, lack of specificity to Kuwait, and bias due to no tests of significance. Acknowledgment I would like to thank everyone who gave me a hand to accomplish this research, and many thanks to my academic mentor – Mr. Tony Phillips. I would like to express my deep gratitude to all those who have provided support, allowed me to quote their remarks and assisted in editing, proofreading and design. This research is the epitome of great efforts exerted to bring about such fruitful output. Last but not least, I appreciate and no t to forget the great help and the full support I received from my parents and my wife. Table of Contents List of Figures 7 List of Acronyms and Abbreviations 8 Chapter 1 9 Introduction 9 1.1. Status of the Construction Industry in Kuwait 9 1.2. Construction Delays 13 1.3. Challenges of Construction Projects 13 1.4 Problem Statement 15 1.5. Aim and Objective of the Research 16 1.6. Rationale and Need for the Study 17 1.7. Significance of the Study 18 Chapter 2 20 Literature Review 20 2.1. Project Managers – Skills and Characteristics 20 2.2. Complexities of Project Management in the Construction Industry 24 2.3. Challenges Faced by Construction Project Managers 37 2.4. Research on Causes of Delays in Construction Projects 41 Chapter 3 46 Research Methodology 46 3.1. Type and Design of Research 46 3.2. Data Collection Methods 47 3.3. Analysis Methods 51 3.4. Ethics 52 3.5. Relevance of this Research to Project Management in Kuwait 53 3.6. Justification for Chosen Research Meth od 53 Chapter 4 55 Analysis of Data 55 4.1. Demographics, Education and Training 56 4.2. Understanding of Project Management 58 4.3. Holding Consultants Responsible for Penalties and Contractors for Delays 58 4.4. Knowledge Related Aspects 60 4.5. Skills that are Lacking 62 4.6. Problems of