THE ROLES OF BUILDING PROJECT TEAMS IN THE CONSTRUCTION

INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA

Adenaiya, Olumide . A1 Building Technology Department, School of Environmental Studies.

Federal Polytechnic Ilaro. Ogun State. Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This study was based on the evaluation of the roles of building project teams in the construction

industry in Nigeria. The principal objective of this study were to determine the roles of the

professionals that make up the building construction team and also to investigate the trespass of

the services of construction teams to other cognate professionals and suggest how the trespass

can be avoided among the teams. In order to achieve the objectives of this research, 75

questionnaires were administered to construction firms within Lagos state, from the data

collected. The study was requiring the impact of team work effectiveness among building project

team on project performance. The analysis of the data, shows that majority of the respondents

opined that all the responsibilities outlined are of significant effect in the delivery of building

projects in the industry since their level of agreement is relatively strong. The study then

concluded that there are needs for government policy that will discourage professionals from

trespassing into other roles which can be achieved through thorough enforcement of such policy.

And advisable to engage professionals to help with efficient delivery in Nigeria.

Key words: Construction, Professionals, Project, Roles and Teams

1.0 INTRODUCTION

In the construction industry the crucial roles of the various professional’s team responsible for

project delivery in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. The need for a building construction team

in the building project is of paramount importance as building project are rather complex, and

successful projects is one of the driving forces behind sustainable developments everywhere in

the world (jagboro2011). Olanrewaju and Akinpelu (2014) stated that the construction industry

is as old as human civilization itself. The history of the industry evolves the evolution of human

settlements and culture. As the bedrock of any physical development, the construction industry

parades a host of experts with different but complementary roles whose operation affect every

sector of the economy. According to Anifowoshe (2014) investigated that the awareness of

building construction professionals should be practical to guarantee success in delivery of project

in Nigeria. It is crucial that professional’s team is structured properly from the outset and team

member’s selection should be carried out carefully to give the construction project the best

prospect of success. It is important to understand the term “teamwork” Chan and Tam (2001)

mentioned that project team in the building industry, is a group of construction professionals and

personnel from one or more organization who come together to design, manage, and construct a

product. Various professional institutions in the Nigeria construction industry have done so much

to regulate the practices of their respective profession. However, it is worthwhile to investigate

the validity of cognate professionals.

2.0 Literature Review

2.1 The Roles of the professionals in construction industry

The professionals are the major players that have made the construction works successful. They

represent the clients and take all responsibilities, ensure the project progresses from inception to
the completion stage. The core roles of the professionals in construction industry will be disused

as follows:

1 The Architects: Architects are licensed professionals trained in the art and science of building

design who develop the concepts to structures and turn those concepts into images and plans.

Architects create the overall aesthetic and looks of buildings and other structures, but the design

of a building involves far more than its appearance. Buildings also must be functional, safe, and

economical and must suit the needs of the people who use them. Architects consider all these

factors when they design buildings and other structures.

2 The Quantity Surveyor: Specialized in estimating the cost of construction work. The term

quantity surveyor is derived from the role taken in quantifying the various resources, takes to

construct a given project, such as labour, supervision, plant and materials. The quantity surveyor

prepares a cost plan as soon as the brief is settled which is aimed to guide the client. On the

receipt of designer’s drawing, the quantity surveyor prepares a Bill of Quantities (B.O.Q). The

quantity surveyor must also prepare, with the aid of the contractor’s invoices and other

documents and the final account (Anyanwu, 2013)

3 Builder: A professional builder is an academically trained specialist and statutorily a

registered professional responsible for building production management, construction and

maintenance of building for the use and protection of mankind. A builder is the professional at

the center of the physical construction of buildings. The documents earlier prepared by other

professionals are handed over to the builder, who studies the production information in the

drawings, schedules and specifications and then analyze the buildability and maintainability of

the building.
4 Town planner: Town planner is responsible for the orderliness in the developmental layout to

show the various land use. Master plan, layout etc. prepared by a Town planner normally take

into consideration the population, culture, infrastructural facilities, socio economic, political,

health and other human needs. During the execution stage, Town Planners will also ensure that

the orderliness in the layout is not distorted and that the approval given is also adhered to strictly.

For some building projects, there are needs for environmental impact assessment, which may be

carried out by a town planner who has developed knowledge in this specialized area. (Anyawu

2013)

5 The Estate Surveyor: The surveyor role is paramount for economic and commercial values.

The input of the estate surveyor helps to increase the sales or rentable value of a building after

construction. The professional that manages the estate after completion is expected to have a

major input at the planning and execution of building projects. They should be involved at the

early stage of building development process especially on commercial, residential and other

types of building projects. They advise on current consumer trends, market demands and timing

of entrance of the project into the market.

7 Engineers: Engineers involved in building constructions can be classified into three parts. The

structural engineers provide design drawings which show the locations, sizes, reinforcement and

details of structural elements at their appropriate scales, to enable the fabrication, installation,

and connection of the elements in a reasonable sequence by a reasonably competent general or

subcontractor who is familiar with the techniques of construction for the specified materials.

Mechanical engineers prepare complete, contract drawings using the same scale as that of the

building layout drawings showing the mechanical services needed and their location.
2 Factors Enhancing Efficiency of the construction professionals Team

Measuring performance for construction projects is a complex issue. Every project is unique in

terms of location, design specifications, delivery methods, administration, and participants. If the

most important influencing factors in any contracting organization are identified, measures can

then be taken to apply them in order to upgrade the professional ‘s performance. However, the

Factors influencing professional’s performance is therefore categorized under the following

headings.

3.0 METHODOLOGY

The study was conducted in Lagos because it is an economic and commercial nerve center of the

country. The targeted population comprises private contracting organizations of all categories

(small, medium and large) located in Lagos. A total of 75 questionnaires were distributed to

targeted respondents within Lagos. The questionnaire consisted of closed ended questions. A

five-point likert scale was used in the questionnaire to investigate the quality management

practices of Nigerian registered construction firms in Lagos state with a view to assisting

construction firms to enhance quality management on construction.

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

4.1 Data Presentation and Analysis

This chapter addresses presentation and interpretation of data obtained from the field survey,

analysis of the data and discussion of findings. The data obtained for the research work is

presented and analyzed in statistical form, showing the mean, relative importance index and their

rank.
In order to achieve the objectives of this research, Seventy-five (75) questionnaires were

administered and sixty (60) were properly completed and returned representing eighty percent

(80%) response.

Roles of construction professionals in the Nigerian construction industry

Table 1: Roles of construction professionals in the Nigerian construction industry

Architects N Sum Mean Rank
Prepares application for building
60 292 4.87 1
approval
Acts as clients representative 60 290 4.83 2
Interprets clients brief to design 60 287 4.78 3
Ensure Buildability of the design 60 278 4.63 4
Responsible for contract administration 60 276 4.60 5
Coordination of site meetings 60 273 4.55 6
Coordination of all other project team
60 270 4.50 7
members
Responsible for the selection of
60 256 4.27 8
contractors and/or subcontractors
Source: Field Survey (2020)

From table 1, represented, majority of the respondents expressed that the Architect should be

solely responsible for the preparation of approval documents. Ranking second on the

responsibility table is that Architects act as clients’ representative, interpretation of client’s brief

to actualize design, ensure the buildability of the design from the beginning, responsible for

contract administration, coordinates other project team members while ensuring site meetings are

held and coordinated accordingly. He is also in some instances responsible for the selection of

contractors and/or sub-contractors when the client has empowered to act in this capacity.

Majority of the respondent opined that all the responsibilities outlined are of significant effect in

the delivery of building projects in the industry since their level of agreement is relatively strong.

Table 2: Roles of construction professionals in the Nigerian construction industry

Quantity Surveyor N Sum Mean Rank
 Tendering process coordination and
60 257 4.28 1
contractors selection
Preparation of schedule of labour 60 249 4.15 2
Preparation of preliminary estimate 60 240 4.00 3
Feasibility assessment of building project 60 234 3.90 4
Interim valuation and progress report 60 234 3.90 4
Preparation of final account 60 231 3.85 6
Preparation of schedule of materials 60 229 3.82 7
Acts as clients representative 60 227 3.78 8
Preparation of priced bills of quantities 60 226 3.77 9

Cost planning for building project 60 224 3.73 10

Source: Field Survey (2020)

From table 2, represented, respondents strongly agreed to all the identified roles of the Quantity

Surveyors that is tendering process coordination and contractors selection, preparation of

preliminary estimate, feasibility assessment of building projects, interim valuation and progress

reporting, preparation of final account, preparation of schedule of materials, in some instance

also act as clients representative, prepares the bills of quantities and lastly draw up the cost plan

for the building project.

Table 3: Roles of construction professionals in the Nigerian construction industry

Builder N Sum Mean Rank
Prepares the quality management plan 60 243 4.05 1
Prepares the health and safety
60 241 4.02 2
management plan for site delivery
Preparations of buildability and
maintainability analysis for building 60 238 3.97 3
projects
Coordinates and manages all
60 228 3.80 4
construction document

Produces the construction work program 60 225 3.75 5

Assess the skill of workmanship engaged

60 224 3.73 6
in the building production
 Manages the production process on site 60 223 3.72 7

Responsible for building production

60 222 3.70 8
management
Advices on construction method as well
60 215 3.58 9
as programs
Source: Field Survey (2020)

From table 3, represented, respondents opined that the Builders are solely responsible for the

preparation of the quality management plan as well as prepares the health and safety

management plan for site delivery. They are also needed to prepare both the buildability and

maintainability analysis for building projects, coordinates and manages all construction

document, produces the construction work program, assess the skill of workmanship engaged in

the building production, manages the production process on site, responsible for building

production management while also advices on construction method along with programing of

deliverables.

Table 4: Roles of construction professionals in the Nigerian construction industry

Engineer N Sum Mean Rank
Geotechnical confirmation of sub-soil
60 245 4.08 1
structure utilized in foundation design
Sign off on change order before
60 241 4.02 2
execution
Specification of structural members 60 239 3.98 3
Advisory role on the type of foundation 60 239 3.98 4

Preparation and design of electrical

60 236 3.93 5
installation
Coordination of site activities relating to
60 235 3.92 6
structural members

Design production showing detailing of

60 235 3.92 6
construction and structural members

Preparation and design of mechanical

60 233 3.88 8
installation
 Preparation of heating, ventilation and
60 231 3.85 9
air condition details
Source: Field Survey (2020)

Table 4 outlines the respondents’ agreement with the roles of Engineers on building construction

project. The roles are as follows: Geotechnical confirmation of sub-soil structure utilized in

foundation design, Sign off on change order before execution, Specification of structural

members, Advisory role on the type of foundation, Preparation and design of electrical

installation, Coordination of site activities relating to structural members, Design production

showing detailing of construction and structural members, Preparation and design of mechanical

installation, Preparation of heating, ventilation and air condition details.

The Engineers are a diverse professional with various inter-related roles which spans from

geotechnical, electrical, mechanical, HVAC, structural engineers depending on the stage of need.

Table 5: Roles of construction professionals in the Nigerian construction industry

Land Surveyor N Sum Mean Rank

Helps with the size, topography,

60 247 4.12 1
location, features on and beneath the land

Assist with site setting out to ensure

conformity and precision of building 60 246 4.10 2
measurements
Custodian of land information 60 240 4.00 3
Assists with levelling instrument to
determine heights on site to help nullify 60 237 3.95 4
flooding
Source: Field Survey (2020)

Table 5, outlines the respondents’ agreement with the identified roles of Land Surveyors in

building project delivery. The roles are as follows: Helps with the size, topography, location,

features on and beneath the land, assists with site setting out to ensure conformity and precision

of building measurements, Custodian of land information and Assists with levelling instrument

to determine heights on site to help nullify flooding.

Table 6: Roles of construction professionals in the Nigerian construction industry
Estate Surveyor N Sum Mean Rank
Feasibility study which helps in advisory
role even before building project 60 254 4.23 1
commences
Assist with negotiations during letting or
60 247 4.12 2
sales
Development and implementation of
60 245 4.08 3
marketing strategies
Monitoring the effectiveness of the
60 240 4.00 4
marketing strategy selected
Determines the rental value of the
60 238 3.97 5
property
Identification of potential clients to
60 238 3.97 5
procure the building on completion
Determines the value of the property
after completion considering all 60 234 3.90 7
objective as well as subjective values
Mostly acts as representative to the
60 222 3.70 8
clients during negotiation
Source: Field Survey (2020)

Table 6, outlines the respondents’ agreement with the roles of Estate Surveyors' in building

project delivery. The roles are as follows: Feasibility study which helps in advisory role even

before building project commences, Assist with negotiations during letting or sales,

Development and implementation of marketing strategies, Monitoring the effectiveness of the

marketing strategy selected, Determines the rental value of the property, Identification of

potential clients to procure the building on completion, Determines the value of the property

after completion considering all objective as well as subjective values. They act as representative

to the clients during negotiation of rental income as well as property sales.

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECONMENDATIONS

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, it can be inferred that the client’s preference and interactions with the architect

influences the roles of the project team relationship thus a need for client’s orientations of the

need to engage other team per respective roles. Also the need for a review of professional fees

which is a major turn off for the engagement of professionals might be a way to help boost

clients in engaging various professionals. Lastly there is need for government policy that will

discourage project team from trespassing into other roles which can be achieved through

thorough enforcement of such policy and also stringent punishment be put in place for defaulters.

It is advisable to engage professionals who are agile, experienced and with good educational

background to help with the efficient delivery of building projects.

RECONMENDATIONS

Based on the conclusion, the study recommends the followings The council of registered

builders of Nigeria or ASCP should enact laws. Construction professional bodies in Nigeria

should form a forum through which the limits of their profession will jointly redefine the

practices of their respective professions regulated more effectively. The federal government,

through the agency of the local planning authorities, should make a basic requirement for the

approved building plans, and enforce compliance with the approved design during the

construction stages of the project.

The federal government should mandate construction firms to competent professionals that will

improve and sustain project delivery in Nigeria.

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