Individual Project

BSM 080

MSc Project Management

The Robert Gordon University 2010
AN ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNICATION AS A CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

An Individual Project submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the MSc Degree in Project Management to be awarded by The Robert Gordon University.

Author: Eze Kingsley Onyebuchi Student No: 0800769 Supervisor: Dr Bassam F Bjeirmi

Word Count: 7544

ABSTRACT The intention of this dissertation is to investigate communication as a critical success factor with emphasis on the identification of the best communication strategy to adapt within UK construction project. Most of the materials that will be use to carry out this research work are gotten from the documented secondary research work such as books, journals, articles and reports construction company report from previous projects. The information obtained from the material review will be use to study project management best practices on the effective communication strategy in construction project. APM Bok (2006 pp 102) defines communication as the process of giving, receiving, processing and interpretation of information. Based on the finding from deferent journal, articles and books, it is agree that most project fails because of lack of effective communication. It could be suggested that the effectiveness of communication in every project depends on the communication strategies adopted for that project.
Sommerville et al (2004) suggested that proper management of project documents in a construction project is one of the key factors in a project that enhance the project success. They later suggested that the best communication strategy to achieve success is through the use of Electronic Document Management System (EDMS). Meanwhile Maslej (2006) from the research carried out in the Greater Toronto area concluded that the best communication strategies to adapt in most of the construction project is the use of phone such as Walkie-Talkie (Radio Massage) and Mike.

The goal of this report will focus on the identification of the best effective communication strategies to adapt for project success in most construction projects.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I wish to use this medium to show my deep appreciation to those who have help me in one way or the other to ensure the success of this research work. First, to my project supervisor, Dr Bassam F Bjeirmi, for his kind gesture and advice throughout the period of this research work. Secondly to Dr Eddy Ochieng for his kindness and support in ensuring that this work is feasible and completed on time. My immense gratitude also goes to my Mother and my elder brother for all their encouragement and support throughout my MSc. program. I will also thank all my friends for all there support throughout the MSc Project management course.

DEDICATION

I dedicate this work to my late father, Mr. Daniel Udoye Eze. Dad, may you continue to rest in bosom of the Lord. I LOVE you Dad.

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Table of Contents
ABSTRACT................................................................................................... ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ................................................................................. iii DEDICATION .............................................................................................. iii PROJECT RESEARCH PLAN .......................................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction.......................................................................................... 1 1.2 Overview of the research........................................................................ 2 1.3 Research Rationale ................................................................................ 3 1.3.1 Academic ........................................................................................ 3 1.3.2 Business ......................................................................................... 4 1.3.3 Personal ......................................................................................... 4 1.4 Aims and Objectives .............................................................................. 4 1.5 Expectation from the Research Objectives ................................................ 5 1.6 Scope inclusion/Exclusion ....................................................................... 6 1.7 Deliverables .......................................................................................... 7 1.8 Constrains/Assumption/Consideration ...................................................... 8 1.9 Methodology ......................................................................................... 8 1.10 Research Outline ................................................................................. 8 1.11 Research Structure .............................................................................. 9 LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................ 10 2.1 Introduction.........................................................................................10 2.2 Overview of Communication in Project ....................................................12 2.3 Importance of communication in construction project ...............................14 2.4 Communication in construction industry ..................................................15 2.5 Relationship between theory and practice of communication strategy in construction projects. .................................................................................18 iv

2.6 Challenges of communication in construction project ................................20 2.7 Process and Procedures of Communication in construction Project. .............21 2.8 Conclusion ...........................................................................................23 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ....................................................................... 24 3.1 Introduction.........................................................................................24 3.2 Research Design Review........................................................................26 3.3 Methodology ........................................................................................27 3.4 Data collection .....................................................................................29 3.5 Ethical considerations ...........................................................................32 3.6 Proposal for carrying out Primary Research ..............................................33 3.6.1 Stage 1 Qualitative Research method ..............................................33 3.6.2 Stage 2 Semi-Structured Interviews ...............................................34 3.6.3 Data Analysis & Verification..............................................................36 3.7 Limitations ..........................................................................................37 3.8 Conclusion ...........................................................................................37 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ..................................................... 38 4.1 Introduction.........................................................................................38 4.2 Conclusion ...........................................................................................38 4.2.1 Evaluation of Project Proposal against Objectives ................................38 4.3 Recommendations ................................................................................41 4.4 Lessons Learned ..................................................................................41 REFERENCES/BIBLIOGRAPHY................................................................... 42 APPENDICES ............................................................................................. 50

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix 1 - Gant Chat for the research work 51 Appendix 2 - Sample of how information flows in construction project. 52 Appendix 3 - Strategic Communication process 53 v

Appendix 4 - Interview outline and Question. 54

List of Tables
Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table 1: Research Objectives........................................................................................................... 5 2: Project Deliverables ............................................................................................................. 7 3: Research Constrains/Assumption/Considerations ................................................... 8 4: Top 5 critical success factors in a construction project ....................................... 11 5. Claimed features of qualitative and quantitative research method. ............... 28 6: Qualitative data collection method .............................................................................. 29 7: Quantitative data collection method ........................................................................... 31 8: Ethical Considerations ..................................................................................................... 32 9: Interview schedule ............................................................................................................. 35 10: Research Work Recommendation .............................................................................. 41

List of Figures
Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: Triple constraint in Project management ................................................................ 10 Literature Review Mind Map. ........................................................................................ 12 Interaction to manage building construction information ................................. 17 Communication Process ................................................................................................. 22 Project Research Stages ................................................................................................ 25 Research Design Plan ...................................................................................................... 27 Primary Research Process Plan ................................................................................... 33

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CHAPTER 1 PROJECT RESEARCH PLAN

1.1 Introduction

According to Sears et al (2008), construction projects are project that are intricate which consists of several phases with a diverse range of specialized services. Construction project can range from small scale, medium or complex depending on the purpose in which it is meant for (Ochieng and Price 2010). There are six types of construction project according to Sears et al (2008), which include; housing, nonresidential building, heavy, highway, utility and industrial. However, construction project are being manage by the project manager and the expertise in various department of the project who make sure that the work done is at a stated quality. Furthermore, among the factors that lead to the success of every construction project according to Chen and Chen (2007) is COMMUNICATION. Gardiner (2005) commented that most of the communication link that usually affects any construction project occurs when there is any communication lapse between two different groups in the project. In other words, it could be suggested that the effectiveness of communication in any construction project depends on the kind of communication strategies adapted. According to Bateman and Snell (1999), in their research reported that only twenty (20%) of information meant for site workers from the top management actually reach to them, and among the key factor that cause that is inappropriate communication strategy. (Cheng et al 2001). For the purpose of this research, more focus will be on how communication is being managed in construction project with special emphasis in building construction project. The target of this research is to provide background and recommendations

for the best strategy to employ for effective communication among all the parties involve within these construction projects in other to achieve project success.

1.2 Overview of the research

Before now, within the construction industries, a lot of project has been fail due to one factor or the other. These has led to many project management researchers to explore which critical area of the project plan that if not properly managed, will led to project failure. Research has shown that lack of effective communication among the team members in the project are often the cause of project delays, expensive reworking and building defect (Ahuja et al 2008). This was supported by Leung et al (2008) who stated that the most area of communication that often cause delay in a project is between designers and contractors. This is to say that having effective communication is one of the critical areas in the project which the project manager has to plan properly during project planning. Construction industry is one of the areas that encompasses different individual from different cultural background and location. Due to its complexity in nature, most project manager is finding it difficult to coordinate and manage the ways in which information is being disseminated to all the project participants and the consequences of these in construction projects is failure. (Belassi and Tukel 1996). It could also be argued that the strategy in which project information are being communicated accurately to all the project participants determine the effectiveness of communication. However, Sommerville et al (2004), Forcada et al (2007) and

Ahuja et al (2008) concluded in their research that the best communication strategy in a construction project is the use of web base document flow called Electronic Document Management System (EDMS). This EDMS is often used to transfer document through internet to the entire project participant and as well store all the project documents in the company project management database for reference use. (Sommerville et al 2004). It could be argue that most of the project team might not have the basic knowledge of computer or how to access internet since this might not be one of the requirements needed to select all the project team. Similarly, Maslej (2006)
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from the research carried out in a construction project suggested the use of phone such as Walkie-Talkie/Radio massage, Mike and onsite meeting among all the project participants as the best communication strategy to adopt in any construction project. It could also be argue that noise from the heavy duty equipment usually affect the communication when such a strategy are used thereby causing communication lapse to the users. In addition, Cheng et al (2001) reported that face to- face communication strategy (such as meeting and visit) is the best channel to communicate in a construction project. It could be argued that this strategy can be visible only when the project manager is in physical contact with the team. In other word, this strategy will not be visible when managing a virtual project team. What is then the best communication strategy in a construction project? Winch (1998) and Chen and Chen (2007) as well as Pinto and Mantel (1990) has suggested that proper and effective information flow within the project participant still remain the key success factor of the business process in all construction projects. This research will explore the best strategy to put in place in other to achieve effective communication in UK construction project.

1.3 Research Rationale

The research rationale of this report will be divided into three categories: Academic, Business and Personal. 1.3.1 Academic

Before now, there has been so many range of literature on communication in project and the best ways to manage communication in every project in other achieve success. However this research will focus on the best practice and theory of communication in construction industry as well as the best strategic way to develop effective communication in a construction project.

1.3.2 Business

For any organization to carry out any project, they require the service of a project manager and team to carry out the work. It is the responsibility of the project manager to brainstorm with the project team in order to identify who are the stakeholders of the project and the type of information they require to receive at a particular time. The effective management of communication as well as sharing of information among the project team and all the project stakeholders usually leads to project success. (BSI 2003). Project success in an organization bring about profit as well as competitive advantage, where as failure could be devastating to such an organization. It is very necessary that developing effective communication strategy in project should not be ignored. 1.3.3 Personal It is penitent that successful project manager understand the needs to have effective communication in managing any project. As a potential project manager, it is of great important to understand the best communication strategies that should be adopted in any construction project to ensure project success.

1.4 Aims and Objectives

The aim of this research is to identify the best effective communication strategies to adapt in construction projects within UK. The objectives as stated in Table 1 are as follows;

Table 1: Research Objectives

To examine the importance of effective communication strategies in ensuring project success on construction projects. To establish relationships between theory and practice in relation to communication strategies being applied in construction projects. To examine some of the challenges of communication in construction projects. To assess the communication process and procedure in construction projects. To propose recommendation based on the secondary research findings.

1.5 Expectation from the Research Objectives

Objective 1: This will explore the importance of having effective communication in construction projects. Objective 2: This will look into how communication has been used in construction industry both in terms of practice and theory. Objective 3: This will also explore some of the challenges that have been faced for effective communication in most construction industries. Objective 4: This will talk about the process and procedure of how effective communication is being used in construction project. Objective 5: This will talk about the recommendation base on the findings from the above four objectives.

1.6 Scope inclusion/Exclusion

The scope inclusion of this project research will include: Documentary review on the subject area of Identify the effective communication strategies in a construction industry. Provide the primary research plan that should be used as a justification for the secondary research. The scope exclusions include; For the study, the planned primary research plan will not be implemented.

1.7 Deliverables

The expected deliverables for this report as shown in Table 2 is divided into two; internal and external.

Table 2: Project Deliverables

Internal Deliverables A Gantt Chart that shows the period at which each task has to be carried out within the project from start to finish. A detail review of the research topic area. A research report plan that will contain the study background, scope, flow aims and and the objectives, assumptions, considerations, rationale, A research constraints chart showing structure of the report. content of the report. A proposed primary research design A complete research topic report that contain review, an introduction, literature and methodology, conclusion External Deliverable A report made for the organization that will help to enhance further research in the topic area.

recommendations.

1.8 Constrains/Assumption/Consideration

The framework of this research as regards to Constrains, assumption and consideration are highlighted in Table 3 below.

Table 3: Research Constrains/Assumption/Considerations

Constrains Time was the major constraint encountered in the research. This is because the research was carried out simultaneously with the team placement report and personal CPD report. Other constraint is course requirements. Assumption It is assumed that all the information, requires to conduct this research are readily available, accessible and up to date. Consideration The major consideration on this report is that the study is being carried out in both building and heavy engineering construction project within UK, which remains feasible.

1.9 Methodology

This

research

will

focus

on the

use of

sample

to

identify

the

effective

communication strategies and the method in which the information is gathered will be a secondary approach. Meanwhile, the documents gathered which relate to this research will be analyzed through documentation analysis.

1.10 Research Outline

Research schedule plan that will be use to explore all the objectives of this report are presented in a Gantt chart shown in Appendix 1.

1.11 Research Structure

Chapter 1 Introduces what the topic is all about as well as the background of the research topic with clearly stated aims and objectives. Chapter 2 Reviews various related work which has been done by deferent scholars on the research topic as well as presenting summary of the data gathered. Chapter 3 Will look into the research methodology for the data gathered and the analysis done and also present a proposal for primary research. Chapter 4 Will focus on the findings and discussion analysis of the key element of the research. Chapter 5 Will be the summary of the research project and conclusions together with a possible recommendations and also areas for further research.

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

Kerzner (2009) stated project management encompasses both art and sciences and it also involve how corporate resources are being managed and controlled within the constraints of time, cost and performance as shown in Fig. 1 below.

Time

Resources

Performance

Cost

Figure 1: Triple constraint in Project management

In the project management context, Admin (2006) commented that project is said to be successful if the project manager could be able to manage successfully the

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requirement of these triple constraints. However, Greene and Stellman (2007), suggested that project is said to be successful if it meet the following requirements; Delivered under the budgeted cost, Completed within the allocated time frame, Fulfill the need of embarking on the project. If the end user is happy with the project.

Pinto and Mantel (1990), Saquid (2008) and Chen and Chen (2007) as outline in Table 4, rank communication as the top critical success factors in construction project.

Table 4: Top 5 critical success factors in a construction project

Rank
1

Pinto and Mantel (1990) Critical Project Communication and Methodology.

Saquid (2008) Communication system

Chen and Chen (2007) Effective Communication

2 3

Top Management Support Component of project alignment.

Control Mechanism Feedback capabilities

Technical expertise Consistent with objectives

4 5

Proper risk management Project scope definition and management

Troubleshooting Planning effort

Questioning attitudes Commitment to quality

(Source: Pinto and Mantel 1990, Saquid 2008, and Chen and Chen 2007) Isfahani (2008) comment that the most significant out of the stated critical success factors above is effective communication among all the project participants. It could also be suggested that the reason is because, it is only through communication that a project manager can convince the top management the important of the project, obtain the required component a project need for its success, identify risk that is likely to associated with the project so that early response plan can be put in place, and also obtain information from the sponsor about the scope of the project. 11

The detail of this chapter as shown in Fig. 2 will focus on the review of project management literature on communication strategies, its importance in construction project and how it is being used in construction project. It will also provide some of the challenges face in communication as well as identifying the strategies that could be used to establish effective communication among the project participants. The next section of this research will review the concept of communication in a project environment.

6. Process and procedure of communication in construction project

1. Overview of communication in project

5. Challenges of communication in construction project

Research Literature Review

2. Importance of communication in construction project

4. Relationship between theory and practice of communication strategy in construction project

3. Communication in construction industry

Figure 2: Literature Review Mind Map.

2.2 Overview of Communication in Project

According to APMBOK (2006 pp.102 ) Communication in every project is the process of giving, receiving, and interpretation of information. Stevens and APM (2006) describe communication as the process of exchanging information, ideas or feelings within the project participants where as Eppler (2000) define communication as a purposeful way of transmitting and co-constructing insights, 12

assessments, experiences, or skills through verbal or non- verbal information. Similarly, Ochieng and Prince (2010 pp. 451) describe communication in a project as the professional practice where suitable tools and regulations can be applied in order to improve the utility of the data communicated, and is a social process of interaction between individuals. Furthermore, according to APMBOK (2006 pp. 102), communication in project can be convey either through verbal, non-verbal, actively, passively, formally, informally, consciously or unconsciously to all the project participants as project progresses. Base on the above definitions, it could be suggested that the definition of communication could defer from one organization to another depending the nature of project embarks on as well as the communication skills of all the project participants. (Ochieng and Prince 2010). Communication is said to be effective when all the groups involve in a project were able to understand the issues in the project and take an accurate decisions for effective change in align with the project objective. (Brown 2009). In other words, effective communication is a process of clearly transmitting of unambiguous massage from a sender to another person (receiver) in such a way that the purpose of sending the information is achieved. (Juden 2010). However, it could be highlighted that the effectiveness of a communication in a project can be achieve if both the receiver and the sender understand what the information conveyed is all about and use it appropriately in other to achieving project objective . From the above definition of communication, it is quite obvious that communication has no definite meaning as it is said to be multidimensional particularly in this present days project where people of deferent background and culture with different communication skills often make up the project team. This is the reason while communication has different meaning, contexts, forms, and impact to different individual in a project. (Dainty et al 2006). Despite the difficulties faced in defining communication in project, it will be necessary to adopt a particular definition of communication in other to strengthen the analysis of this research. However, for the purpose of this research, the definition of communication adapted is the one put forward by APMBOK (2006) and Eppler 2006 which define communication as a process of giving, receiving, and interpretation of information from one person to another within a project, of which 13

can be convey through verbal or non-verbal, actively or passively, formally or informally, consciously or unconsciously. Therefore, it is necessary that communication should be a two way processes to ensure accurate understanding between the people involve. The next section of this research will review the first objective of this research which is To explore the importance of having effective communication in construction projects.

2.3 Importance of communication in construction project

Dobson (2004) reported that in every project, all forces to ensure project success normally focus on the administration of time, scope and cost usually known as the triple constraint. It is suggested that in order to accomplish these triple constraints in a project, the project manager needs to input numerous skills and techniques in order to articulate all these constraints (time, scope and cost) together. Also according to Buehring (2009), effective management of all these constraints in a project does not always guarantee success in construction project, but Emmitt and Gorse (2003) reported that the heart of every successful project depends on the ability to communicate abstract ideas among all the project participants. Similarly, communication in project play a key role in helping the project team to pull together all the information on the project and see what action that need to be taken in order to achieve project objective. (Cleland and Ireland 2007). However managing people in the project can be suggested as one of the key principles of effective communication. (Dainty et al 2006). This is because projects are being executed by a group of individual and if these individuals dont understand in the project, what they have to do, when they are suppose to do it and of what budget and time constraint and quality specification they are working towards, the project will fail. (Buehring 2009). The importance of communication in a construction project as put together by Armstrong (Dainty et al 2006) is as follows: Achieve quality results This is in relation with people working in a project. Having effective communication in a project often explain the 14

expected task to the team and the project team work together to ensure actualization of the project objective. Manage changes As project progress, changes often occur due to uncertainties of which if not properly manage on time, will led to delay in project. However, putting effective communication strategy in a project often helps the project manager and the team to identify any issue as well as manage the changes on time. Team Motivation Statistics has found out that individual get motivated in a project if their responsibility on the project and scope to achieve the project objective are well communicated on time to them. In addition, according to Shaw (2008), effective communication in a construction project helps to build a strong relationship among all project participants as well as break every barrier that may cause misunderstanding among the project participants. To this effect, it could be suggested that having effective communication in a project creates an avenue of trust between the project manager and the team as well as the stakeholders. This is because, if the stakeholders are receiving appropriate information about the progress of their project at the appropriate time, they will have trust in the project manager as well as the team and thereby create an avenue for project success. It is very important to have an effective communication strategy on every construction project to ensure success. The next section of this research will focus on how this communication has been used in construction project.

2.4 Communication in construction industry

Most construction projects are often described as a complex entity simply because of the quantity and interdependence of the components that make up the project. (Froese 2010). In a heavy construction project according to Ochieng and Price (2010), the project teams are mostly multicultural and people from different 15

professions and skills. Sommerville (2004) further stated that this highly differing professions and there multi disciplinary skills usually affect the scope of communication among the project team in a project. Similarly both project manager and client always find it difficult to develop a strategy that will be used to overcome this cultural conditions and operation in a project so that effective communication will be achieve. (Ochieng and Price 2010). Indeed, it could be suggested that information flow in construction project needs not only to communicate between the project manager and the project team but among all the project participants that is directly or indirectly affected by the project. Meanwhile communication in project is said to be a professional practice (Cheng et al 2001), and the key individual in a building construction project who often make use of communication in construction project are the project manager, client, contractors and the architect. (Sommerville 2004). Also communication among these parties in a construction project is very crucial for the success of the project. (Sambasivan and Soon 2007). Similarly, Emmitt and Gorse (2003) reported as shown in Fig 3 the key groups that are highly influential in a construction project and how information is being managed and flow among these groups.

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Legislative Bodies

Client Body

Formal Interaction

Building Communication

Interested Parties Informal Interactio n

Contractors and Subcontractors

Professiona l Consultants

Building information and action

Figure 3: Interaction to manage building construction information

(Source: Emmitt and Gorse 2003)

Furthermore, Toor and Ogunlana (2008) pointed out the two major communication skill project manager uses for effective communication; they are frequent stakeholders (consultants, designers, contractors and suppliers) consultation and responsiveness of these stakeholders, and these two factors are naturally complimentary. It could be suggested that the purpose of this consultation is to ensure that what is required from them for the success of the project are accurately understood. Nevertheless it could be advisable to adapt a communication method

17

that will allow for an effective sharing and exchange of information and resources amongst the entire project participant to ensure project success. The next section of this review will explore the second objective of this research which is To establish relationships between theory and practice in relation to communication strategies

2.5 Relationship between theory and practice of communication strategy in construction projects.
In order to understand the way communication are being practiced within the construction project, Masley (2006) suggest that it is necessary to first identify the roles, responsibilities and authorities of all the project stakeholders and the team, and explain how these information will get to them. It could be suggest that the purpose of doing this is to avoid any misunderstanding that might cause delay in the project. Appendix 2 shows example of project participant in a building construction project and the way in which information flow amongst them. The project manager receives information from the sponsor and delivers it to the project team, and as well report to the sponsor the progress of the project and also report any issue(s) from the project. The team leader can also with the permission of the project manager report to the sponsor any issue from the project. However, participation of stakeholders in a building construction projects are usually influenced by the effectiveness of communication and the manner in which informations are disseminated and managed among all groups in project. (Emmitt and Gorse (2003). Some of the communication strategy as being practice in most construction projects according to Emmitt and Gorse (2003) include the use of faceto-face meeting and presentation, which could be inform of formal or informal. It could also take place onsite or offsite for effective clarification of scope of work. Similarly, the use of Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) according to Sommerville et al (2004) is another communication strategy used in construction project where project information is disseminated to all the project participants through internet. This strategy were supported by Leung et al (2008) and (Winch 2010) which suggested the use of wireless technology and Network cameras such 18

General Packet Radio service (GPRS), Bluetooth, and Wireless Local Network (WLAN) as a means of collecting various kind of data in construction project and send it direct to the project management data base where the project participants can have access to it and see the progress of work. These strategies according to Mohamed and Stewart (2003) will; Strengthen coordination between project participants. Facilitate document transfer and handling. Helped keeping and updating records. Enabled immediate reporting and feedback within the project.

It could be suggested that the use of EDMS helps for easy transferring and storing of some of the important project document into the company project management data base for easy access to all the project stakeholders. Also, Masley (2006) suggested the use of Waikie-Talkie/Radio massage and a higher version of it Mike as another strategy in which communication is practice in a building construction project. Adenfelt (2010) agree with this form of communication by stating that both the project manager and functional managers make use of telephone for teleconferences to discuss the progress of work in the project. It could be suggested that these strategies forms the faster way of communicating with the project team for quick solving of any issue that might come up on the project site. Other form of communication strategy as stated by Emmitt and Gorse (2003) in which information are being disseminated in construction project as regards to health and safety include; induction to all the project team, toolbox talks - which explain some brief safety information on site, Videos - which explain the safety information onsite. In addition, it is reported by Ochieng and Price (2010), that due to the fact that most building construction project team are mainly multicultural, and many of those who has experience of working with them are yet finding it so challenging in communication. The next section of this review will explore the second objective of

19

this research which is To examine some of the challenges of communication in construction project.

2.6 Challenges of communication in construction project

In most of the project like the heavy and civil construction project, air port construction, there are meant to be too many challenges that will face communication among the project players. According to Kiisel (2010), among the first communication challenges the project manager will face in this kind of construction project is being able to communicate how the project will help the key stakeholder to achieve their vision when it is completed. In other words, Torrington and Hall (cited in Dainty et al 2006 p.69) summaries some of the communication challenges in construction project. They include; Stereotyping this is a situation where the receiver do things according to their own socio-economic background, profession or perceived deposition. It could be argued that the receiver only end up in doing the wrong thing. However, this situation poses a serious challenge in the use of EDMS as a communication strategy. Individual Frame of reference a situation where the receiver interpret convey massage in such a way that will shape their own frame of reference. In other words, the receiver usually ends up in doing what is not in line with the project objective. Also, this becomes a great challenge in the use of EDMS, Radio massage, and teleconferencing as a means of communication strategy. Cognitive dissonance Because most construction project team are usually individuals from deferent cultural background, the way in which they understand information differs (Ochieng and Price 2010). When some certain information is convey, the pattern in which it is presented might conflicts to some individual beliefs of which they will find it difficult to understand or respond positively to the massage. It could be suggested that this kind of behavior will affect the use of presentation as well as face-to-face meeting as a communication strategy in construction project. Distractions: Distraction from noise going on within the area in which communication takes place can pose serious communication difficulties. It could 20

also be suggested that the noise from heavy duty equipment used in most complex building construction like Olympic stadium project make it difficult for people to hear themselves during onsite conversation. This will also create a big challenge when using Walkie-Talkie/Radio massage and onsite meeting as a key communication strategy. Thought pattern is another form of communication challenges in a building construction project. When a massage has delivered in a particular manner, some people understand it as sensible, rational, logical, and self-evident while some understand it as insensible, irrational, illogical and obscure thereby making it so challenging in using Presentation, Onsite meeting and Teleconferencing as communication strategy in the project. (Loosemore and Lee 2002). However, it could be argued that for communication to manage effectively in any construction project, the project manager should identify both positive and negative stakeholder and ensure that appropriate information are given to them at the appropriate time. Moreover, it could be argue that the process and procedure in which informations are convey in a building construction project will help in establishing effective communication strategy. The next section of this report will explore the third objective of this research which is To assess the communication process and

procedure..

2.7 Process and Procedures of Communication in construction Project.

Communication process in a project is the channel through which informations are disseminated in the project; it can be in the form of verbal or non-verbal (APMBOK 2006). Guffey et al (2010 pp 97) stated that "Choosing the best channel to deliver a massage depends on the importance of the massage, the feedback required, the need for a permanent record, the cost and the degree of formality needed. Moreover, because of the complexity of building construction project, they are prone of changes as work progresses, (Ochieng and Price 2010), and the project

21

manager must endeavor to communicate strategically with both the internal and external members in the project in order to achieve success. (Thakkar 2008). Lizotte (2008) summarizes the element of communication process as shown in Fig 4 below;

Source Encode Massage Medium Massage

Receiver Decode

Feedback

Noise

Figure 4: Communication Process (Source: Lizotte 2008 )

Source(Encode) the person who create the massage which can be either be verbal or non verbal. Massage what need to be communicated which is send by the source and receive by the receiver. Medium the means through which communication is conveyed Receiver (Decode) individuals or team who receive the massage.

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It could be argued that one of the most important aspects in communication process is the feedback which ensures that the massage is understood exactly as intended. In addition, Thakkar (2008) stated about four important communication strategic processes as shown in Appendix 3 that is been practice in a building construction project. They include, 1. Phase 0 which define the core massage and themes. 2. Mission Analysis of the massage 3. Course of action (COA) development 4. Execution (Deliver the massage) Furthermore, information in construction project flows in Upward, Downward and Lateral directions depending on the purpose and group involved. (Charvat 2002) However, it could be suggested that the channel and the medium through which information is delivered in a construction project depends on the stakeholder in whom the massage is meant for.

2.8 Conclusion
Building construction project are times so complex which involve so many participants from deferent culture and language. Basically communication among these project participants is a great challenge to the project manager. However, effective management of this communication will reduce most of the lapses that can cause conflict in the construction site which might result cost over runs and delay in project. (Toor and Ogunlana 2008) The above review has given an overview of what communication is all about in project, its importance in construction project as well as the strategic ways of using it in construction project. The review further emphasis on the comparison on how communication is being used in terms of theory and practice. Some of the challenges face during communication as well as the process and procedure used during communication has also reviewed.

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CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

The purpose of this chapter is to show different types of factors that should be considered during the process of this research. This will also explore the merits, demerits and also some of the limitations of qualitative and quantitative of research methods so that the best suitable method to carry out the research will be identified. The research aim of this report is to identify and understand the effective communication strategies, with emphasis on a sample of building and heavy engineering construction (oil and gas) project management within UK. It will also focus on how communication is being managed among all the stakeholders and how it affects the outcome of the entire project. This chapter will be divided into two parts which will be mainly the methodology used in gathering all the information required to carry out this research. Such information was mainly from UK building construction company documents and books, articles and journals from deferent authors. A Primary research plan which will serve as a guide in carrying out this research as well as help in validating the documentation and analysis will also clarify within this chapter. The flow diagram shows in Fig. 5 outline the stages adopted for this chapter.

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Stage 1

Selection of topic

Selecting the research topic, developing its rational as well as aims and objectives. Review already existing research work that was done on the topic which will assist in analyzing the research problem.

Stage 2

Literature Review

Stage 3

Define Research Problem

Identify the best effective communication strategies in construction industries.

Stage 4

Research Design

Case study on a selected Construction Industries

Stage 5

Choosing Research Method

Quantitative and Qualitative methods

Stage 6

Collection of data for evaluation

Documentaries and SemiStructured Interviews

Stage 7

Findings and Analysis

Summary of key findings base on the data collected

Stage 8

Verification and Validation

Semi Structured interview questions were develop to be administered as a validation of the documentary analysis Presenting the final management report on the research

Stage 9

Final write up

Stage 10

Project Management

Implement findings in the building construction project

Figure 5: Project Research Stages

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3.2 Research Design Review

Saunders et al (2007) describe research design as a general plan of how to address the research question(s) about a topic, which usually contain the clear objectives that derive from the research question(s), specify the sources through which the data should be collected, the constraint expected in collecting data as well as the ethical issues. In addition, Bryman and Bell (2007) agree with these authors by stating that research design is like a framework that connects the research questions together with the data collected and its interpretation. The design research of this report is focus on a single case study of the construction industries, exploring the effective communication strategies in a construction project performance and success. Dul and Hak (2008) describe case study as a process of study either one case or a small number of cases in a real life context that are selected, and the scores obtain from these cases are analyzed based on the visual inspection of the case in contrast to statistical analysis. Also McGivern (2009) agree with Dul and Hak by stating that case study is an in-depth investigation of a case for exploratory, descriptive or explanatory research purposes. The use of case study in this research is to find out how the theory gotten from the literature review will be used to discover the best communication strategy in a selected building construction project within UK. The selected sample case study strategy adapted by the author for this research will help the author to get the full picture of the case and also to achieve an indepth understanding as well as the detailed description of the case. (MacGiver 2009). However, in spite of frequent use of case study, Xiao and Smith (2006) have describe it as a weak approach of research stating that it only focus on exploratory studies, which often leads to illogical conclusions. They also stated that case study strategy should only be used as a method of last resort. Meanwhile, Punch (2005) has countered the statement made by Xiao and Smith (2006) by giving positive reasons that single case study strategy helps to develop a unique case and as well provides an understanding of the important aspects of the research area.

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Data Collection

Research Question

Research Design

Data Analysis

Figure 6: Research Design Plan (Source: The Author)

Figure. 6 illustrates the process of conducting this research. It starts with a research question of the topic i.e. (What is the best strategy to develop an effective communication in a building construction project?). This question is being justified with the help of useful literature by deferent authors as well as collection of deferent data through documentary analysis and interviews as a method of empirical validation for the research question.

3.3 Methodology

Research method as describe by Kumar (2008), are all those methods or techniques used by the researcher for conducting research operation. The methodology is thus the study of the various steps that are generally adopted by a researcher in studying the research problem along with the logic behind them. 27

(Kumar 2008). area.

In other words, methodology is basically the study of the

procedures that is used to gain an in-depth knowledge about the research topic

In addition methodology compares both the qualitative and quantitative methods of this research and the best method suitable for data collection will also be identified. It could be suggested that the research method adopted by any researcher depends on what the researcher is trying to find out. In addition, qualitative method basically deals with exploring peoples life histories or everyday behaviors where as quantitative method make use of statistical techniques and mechanics in survey research. (Silverman 2004). The differences in qualitative and quantitative features are shown in Table 5. below. Table 5. Claimed features of qualitative and quantitative research method.

Qualitative Method
Soft Flexible Subjective Political Case study Speculative Grounded (Source: Silverman 2004)

Quantitative Method
Hard Fixed Objective Value- free Survey Hypothesis testing Abstract

Owing to the nature of scope of this research topic, together with the features of the research methods detail above, qualitative research method is adapted as the best research strategy for this research. This is because it entails the use of inductive research, in-depth case study approach as well as documentary reviews. In both qualitative and quantitative method, the only factor in which they have in common is data collection and the details of how it is use on both methods are explored in the following section.

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3.4 Data collection

According to National Statistics (2005), data collection simply means how information about a particular research is gathered. It is also enable for the robust development of the research area. However, in other to find out the best suitable means for data collection of this research, it is suggested that the various data collection methods that are associated with both qualitative and quantitative research strategies be reviewed.

Table 6: Qualitative data collection method

Method Interviews Purpose Open-ended question to small samples Merit a, It gives opportunity to ask in-depth question about the research area. b, It provides opportunity to access the social cues of the interviewer. c, Tape recorder can be used to gather accurate information. d, It create room for flexibility in order of question or approach to questioning. Observation Fundamental to understanding another culture. a, It provide information previously unknown to researcher that is crucial to the topic. b, It can be relatively a, It is time consuming. b, Documentation relies on memory, personal discipline REJECTED: Due to the fact that this method is time consuming; it is not feasible to this research as the duration allocated for it is Demerit a, It is expensive when compare to other method. b, Transcription of data collected is time consuming. c, It need high skills in other to get accurate information needed. Rational & Outcome ACCEPTED: The author needs indepth and robust information that will corroborate the theoretical aspect of the research. A faceto-face interview research method is adopted. The interview will be between the author and the project manager and project team.

29

unstructured. c, It allows insight into contexts, relationship and behavior. Transcripts/ Used to Documentary understand how participants organize their talk and body movement. Focus group a, It is easily accessible. b, It does not intrude into peoples lives. c, It is inexpensive. d, It has high level of accuracy. Understanding a, It allow good participants interpretive validity. categories. b, It allow probing. c, It allow quick turnaround. d, It allow study of how participants react to each other.

and diligence of researcher. c, It is mainly subjective. a, Any script that lost might jeopardize the research. b, Bias in selection of transcript. a, It is dominated by one or two participants. b, The measurement validity is possibly low. c, Focus group moderator might be possibly biased.

limited.

ACCEPTED: This method will help the author to explore in details, all the documents available to the research area. REJECTED: Because that several participants are involve and the validity of data is low, this method is rejected due to time constrain and the nature of the research area.

Source: (Dew 2006; Family health international 2004; Opdenakker 2006; Silverman 2004 and Tashakkori and Teddlie 2003)

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Table 7: Quantitative data collection method

Method Survey Purpose Mainly fixed-choice questions to random samples. Merit a, It allows greater objectivity and accuracy of results. b, It is relatively inexpensive. c, It can be administer from anywhere irrespective of the location. d, It is reliable and easy to obtain. a, It is cost effective. b, It is easy to analyze. c, It reduces interviewers biasness. d, It gives respondent opportunity to answer questions at their convenient time. Demerit a, It involves large amount of samples to reply thereby making it tedious and time consuming. b, The participants may find it difficult to tell the truth about any controversial question. a, Response from the respondent are relatively low b, Respondents may answer superficially if the questions are too many. c, It lacks probing of the research area. d, It is time consuming. a, It requires excellent skills and knowledge before use. b, The process is complex and rigid. c, It is time consuming. a, Can be expensive if test must be purchase for each research participant. b, It can be biased against to some Rational & Outcome REJECTED: Irrespective of the fact that it contain standard question, it is best suitable for primary research due to time constrain.

Questionnaire

Used infrequently to check the accuracy of interview records.

REJECTED: This method is best adopted for primary research which is out of authors scope.

Structured Observation

Preliminary work.

a, It is very systematic b, It helps to compares between settings and situations c, It shows reliability and applicability of data

Textual analysis

To measure attitudes, personality, self perception and performance.

a, Its data can be easily analyze. b, It has high validity measurement. c, Can provide good measures of many 31

REJECTED: Because this method is complex and also takes time to carry out, it is better off in primary research which is out of the authors scope. REJECTED: This method will require a particular skill in other to use it effectively. This will take the

characteristics of people. certain people. author more time d, The response rate is c, It posed to have to acquire. high. non- response error to selected items on the test. (Source: Cohen et al 2007; Colorado state university 2010; ONeill 2006; Silverman 2000 and Tashakkori and Teddlie 2003) Tables 2 and 3 shows the various methods that are associated with both quantitative and qualitative research methods, there advantages and disadvantages as well as the rational for adoption or rejection. From the above tables, methods through which the data collections were made are justified. The documentary gathered was review and employed to understand the effect of effective communication in a construction projects. Gathering of data and information were done through exploration, review and examination of some construction company documents and reports, journals, articles and books from deferent authors. All these were carried out to explore the best effective communication strategies to adopt for successful execution of construction project.

3.5 Ethical considerations

The ethical issues that will be considered in carryout this research work are shown in Table 8

Table 8: Ethical Considerations

The Participants should have the right to be informed of the purpose of this study. Participants may withdraw at any time during the research. All information should be treated as strictly confidential. Participants should be debriefed after the research program. Interviews will be conducted with informed consent and interviewees will be respected and have the right to anonymity. Copyright law will be respected.

(Gratton and Jones 2004)

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3.6 Proposal for carrying out Primary Research

Due to the fact that the scope of this research restricts the author only to carry out secondary research, a primary research plan will be drawn to serve as a way to justify the documentary review. The Fig. 7 below shows the suggested primary research plan adopted by the author as regards to this research.

Stage 1
RESEARCH METHOD
(Qualitative research method of data collection)

Stage 2
Data Collection (Semi-structured
Interviews and documentary)

Stage 3
Findings & Analysis (Summary and analysis

Stage 4

Report presentation (Final presentation of findings and management report)

of key findings)

Figure 7: Primary Research Process Plan

(Source: The Author)

3.6.1 Stage 1 Qualitative Research method

The methodology adopted to conduct this research plan is qualitative research strategy. An open ended, semi-structured face-to- face interview will be adopt to carry out this research. Also, it is suggested that the use of tape recorder during the interview should be adopted but only with the permission of the interviewee. This is because it will give the researcher the opportunity to get an in depth and unbiased detail of the research question. (Opdenakker 2006)

33

3.6.2 Stage 2 Semi-Structured Interviews

In this type of interview, the details of what the researcher is trying to find out within the research topic area should be written down; this will serve as a guide during the interview. Meanwhile the interviewer has the discretionary powers and can ask question as the interview progresses. 3.6.2.1 Interview Question Purposes

The purpose of asking this interview question as shown in Appendix 4 is to explore more on the importance of communication on project success delivery in a construction company, how communication has been practice among the project participant in a construction project, some of the challenges project managers faces when communicating in construction project, and process and procedures that has been used when communicating in a construction project. Sample Series of interviews are to be conducted with all the key project players within at least 30 selected construction projects. (20 Building construction project and 10 oil and gas construction project within UK.). These selected construction projects will represent the entire construction project within UK. The schedule for the interview is shown in Table 9.

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Table 9: Interview schedule

Company Name
A

Company Type
Oil and Gas Construction Oil and Gas Construction Building Construction Building Construction Building Construction Oil and Gas Construction Oil and Gas Construction Building Construction Building Construction Oil and gas Construction

Interviewees Interviewer Position

Project Manager Author

Date of Interview

Architect

Author

Project Manager Author Quantity Surveyor Supply Chain Manager Supply Chain Manager Logistic Coordinator Project Manager

Author Author

Author

Author

Author

Civil Engineer

Author

Project Manager

Author

Source: Author Interviews with project team: About ten (10) one-on-one interviews will be conducted randomly among the project team members in deferent location of construction project, who has at least ten (10) years working experience in a construction project. The interview should be in an open- ended question that is related to communication strategy on construction project. The purpose of this interview is to confirm the experience, views, concerns and expectations of the team towards the best communication strategy in construction project. 35

Interviews with project manager: All the project managers in at least ten (10) deferent construction projects with at least five (5) years working experience, who also are responsible to plan and manage a minimum of ten (10) successful projects, were to be interviewed. Each interview should last about 45min to 1hr. This interviews is to be conducted for them to share their views about communication issues they have encountered in their past project as well as how they will go about to correct this issues in their subsequent project. They will also give their views base on their personal experience, the best strategic method to set up an effective communication strategy for the success of most construction project.

3.6.3 Data Analysis & Verification

Stage 3 Data Analysis About twenty (20) interviews were to be conducted among the project players in selected construction project within UK; (10 project team members) and (10 project managers). Also documentation analysis technique were to be used to gather information require for this research as well as reviewing most construction industry documents, journals and textbooks. The interview conducted with both the project team and project manager will help to verify the information from the review documents. In addition all the information gathered were to be recorded, transcribed verbatim and then analyze using qualitative analysis software package NUDIST Nvivo. (Ochieng and Price 2010). This software will help the researcher to compare, contrast and synthesis opinions as regards to communication in construction project. The result generated from the data will serve as a verification tool for the documentary analysis carried out.

36

3.7 Limitations

One of the greatest limitations of this research is the usage of the qualitative data analysis software as the author requires in-depth knowledge and skill to use it. Also time factor is another limitation that faces this research because the project requires observation in order to develop a robust solution to the research area. Due to the fact that the author is not allowed to carry out primary research, information gathered from journals, text books and Construction Company will not be enough to validate the research area. Unavailability of enough related work on the research area (identifying the best communication strategy in construction project) was as well another form of limitations encountered.

3.8 Conclusion

This section has explored in details, the evaluation of research methodology, the suitable method of data collection and the rationale in which it is being adopted. It has further explored some of the advantages and disadvantages of various method of data collection. The chapter also provides the details of how best the primary research will be carried out. The next chapter will explore on the last objective of this research work by gathering together all the research work done for this project by concluding and proffer recommendation base on the findings as well as highlighting the lessons learned

37

CHAPTER 4 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

4.1 Introduction

This chapter will bring together all the objectives acknowledged for this research work to give a relevant overview of the research work carried out. This chapter also concludes this research work by stressing the significant findings as it relates to developing effective communication strategies in a construction project. The conclusion of this research work will focus on how communication have been used in terms of theory and practice within construction project, some of the communication challenges, as well as the communication process and procedures within construction project. In all, this chapter thus gives a summary of the research structured in accordance with the achievement of objectives 1-4.

4.2 Conclusion

4.2.1 Evaluation of Project Proposal against Objectives 1. To examine the importance of effective communication strategies in ensuring project success on construction projects. Chapter 2 explores all the breadth and depth of all the resources and materials that is review on the topics of effective communication strategy in a construction project. Construction industries require developing effective communication strategies for successful executing of their project. This is because in other to mange effectively the triple constraints or any factor(s) that determines the success of a project, the 38

project manager should ensure that all the abstract ideas about the project are communicated effectively to all the project participants just as Emmitt and Gorse (2003) has suggested. However, the needs for having effective communication strategies in a construction project should not be understated because it create an avenue for all the project participants to develop trust, build a strong relationship among themselves thereby working together in achieving coordinated results, manage changes effectively in project as well as get motivated on the project to ensure project success. 2. To establish relationships between theory and practice in relation to communication strategies being applied in construction projects. To communicate effectively in a construction project, it is necessary to understand the key roles and responsibilities of all the project participants in order to avoid any misunderstanding among different groups. Appendix 2 highlighted major groups in a building construction project where most of the communication strategies that are often practice among the groups are face-to-face meeting and presentation which could be onsite or offsite. However, when managing a complex project, the project manager should adapt the strategy of using Electronic Management System (EMDS) to capture, store, send images or project documents into the project management database where the project participants can have access to it. In addition, the use of automated device such as mobile phone, Waikie-Talkie and Mike has to be introduced for all the project participants who are working in a less noisy part of the project. Similarly, the use Skype for teleconferencing among the virtual project team from different location should be encouraged. 3. To examine some of the challenges of communication in construction projects. Challenges of communication in a construction project are factor that is inevitable. Because of complexity nature of most construction project which attract people of different cultural background to form part of the project team. The first challenge a project manager will face is first, how to communicate the impact of the project in line with the organization goals, to the key stakeholders. The Second is how to 39

tackle the issue of stereotyping, individual frame of reference, cognitive dissonance as well as distractions when communicating in the project. The project manager should ensure to use different thought pattern by adapt on daily bases, onsite faceto-face meeting in the morning before work commence in order to avoid challenges of distraction of noise from heavy duty equipment. 4. To assess the communication process and procedure in construction

projects. In communicating to sponsor or project board in a construction project concerning any issue or risk in project, the project manager should ensure to use project weekly status report, face-to-face meeting or email in other to strengths the buy-in from top management. Also, when communicating laterally for example to contractors which often need diplomacy and tact, the project manager should ensure to use E-mail and statement of work. Similarly, in communicating downward for example, to project team, which also needs diplomacy, the project manager should use E-mail, issue log and verbal exchanges. However, in ensuring an effective communication process in a construction project, the project manager should, define his/her core massages and themes, define target and audience, develop detailed strategies and tactics, develop and implement a detailed communication plan, as well as monitor progress, adjust strategies and tactics. The project manager should also try and avoid overuse of slangs or acronyms when communicating to avoid confusion.

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4.3 Recommendations

The research work was aimed at exploring the best effective communication strategies and the way in which they are practice in the construction industries within UK. Base on the research findings from the review literature which is from books, journals, articles and construction companies reports, the following recommendations as outline in Table 10 are proffered;

Table 10: Research Work Recommendation

Since this research was limited in scope to a secondary review and research, it recommended that the primary research is conducted in order to serve as a validation process for the secondary review and analysis. It is recommended for further research to carry out on the level of computer literacy of the entire project participant in construction industries. It is recommended that further research should be conducted on the processes of developing communication skill by the project manager for effective communication in a construction project. It is recommended for further research to carry out on the best approach of communication skills to a virtual project team.

4.4 Lessons Learned

This research has thought me great things in the project management principles both in theory and practice. The important things i learn from this research are; How to critically review, criticize and analyze literatures from other authors. How to go about in choosing the right methodology for any chosen topic research 41

How to narrow down a research topic as well as the goals and objective identify in solving the problem.

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APPENDICES

50

Appendix 1: Gant Chat for the research work

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Appendix 2: Sample of how information flows in construction project

Project Sponsor

Project Manager

Builder

Civil Engineer

Architect

Legal Surveyor

Utility Consultant

Municipal/ Provincial Authority

Landscape Architect

Prime contractor

Municipal service contractor

Soil consultant

Utility Contractor

Surveyor

Surveyor

Subcontractor

Subcontractors

Subcontractors Suppliers Suppliers

Suppliers

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Appendix 3: Strategic Communication process

Define core massages and themes based on the program objective.

Conduct Research and Evaluation

Phase 0

Define target and audience.

Develop detailed strategies and tactics to reach your targeted audience with your intended massages and themes.

Mission Analysis

Develop and implement a detailed communication plan that incorporates your program objective, massage theme, target audience, strategies/tactics, and in-depth research and evaluate result.

Course of action (COA) development

Monitor progress, adjust strategies and tactics and report results.

Execution

(Source: Thakkar 2008)

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Appendix 4 Interview outline The following framework will serve as directives in conducting semi-structured interviews with the project managers and project team leaders within the construction industry. The conversation will be on a one on one meeting with mainly open-ended questions. The purpose of this interview is to ensure that all the essential points as regards to the research topic are explored. Interview Questions Question 1: Could you please confirm your position and job title in the company? Question 2: How long have you being working in a construction project? Question 3: How long have you being working in a project based environments? Question 4: Are you: Actively involved in all the stages of the project delivery? OR Involved only in technical details? OR Involve in implementation of the project? OR Involve in initiate or terminate projects based on their ability to contribute to company strategy? Question 5: How many projects on average does this company execute in a year? Question 6: What will you consider as a successful project within your company? Question 7: Can you tell me the factors in a construction project that you think that contribute to project success if manage properly? Question 8: How do you rate the effect of communication in any construction project success you have been involved in? Question 9: Can you share with me some of the importance of communication in any construction project you have managed or work on that you think that led to project success? 54

Question 10: How many communication strategy have you ever used in a construction project and what are they? Question 11: Among all of them, which one do you choose as the best strategy for an effective communication in a construction project? Question 12: What are the challenges you have ever encounter in managing communication in any construction project and how have you be able to resolve the challenges? Question 13: What are the processes you have used or do you think has to be use in order to establish effective communication strategy in a construction project?

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