A comparative study of the time and cost performance of labour-only subcontractors in the construction industry in South Western Nigeria
The main contractors are continuously involved in a process of transforming inputs (materials, labour and capital) into outputs such as constructed facilities but they are usually accompanied by subcontractors and financial institutions among other firms. This study therefore examined the perform...
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| Format: | Article |
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Penerbit UKM
2011
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| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/4249/ http://journalarticle.ukm.my/4249/ |
| Summary: | The main contractors are continuously involved in a process of transforming inputs
(materials, labour and capital) into outputs such as constructed facilities but they are
usually accompanied by subcontractors and financial institutions among other firms. This
study therefore examined the performance of labour-only subcontractors in the Nigerian
construction industry. The principal objective was to find if any significant difference exists
between the time and cost performance of these speciality contractors. In achieving this
objective, one hundred questionnaires were distributed to each of the four categories of
respondents in the Southwestern region of Nigeria. 75, 88, 56 and 42 questionnaires
were respectively filled and returned by the main contractors, labour-only subcontractors,
clients and consultants in the study area. Descriptive, parametric and non parametric
statistical techniques were used for the analysis. Results indicated that significant
difference exists between time and cost performance of labour-only subcontractors. Their
mean scores were 4.30 and 3.29 respectively. The labour subcontractor performed
creditably well in project delivery (time) but there is always cost overruns when compared
with the initial estimates of the projects. It was also discovered that subcontractors’ time
performance is sometimes at the expense of work quality as a result of the speedy
execution of work at hand in order to pave way for another engagement. It is therefore
suggested that project monitoring and supervision should be given a priority attention if
this procurement method is to achieve its expected success. |
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