QUESTION 1.

According to the case study, the key causes of building project failure are:

1. Design Flaws and Engineering Errors: The Hyatt Regency collapse in

Kansas City is a prime example. Contractor-suggested design adjustments
that were missed by design engineers resulted in a deadly structural flaw.
This indicates a lack of careful assessment and confirmation of design
changes.

2. Non-Adherence to Construction Codes and Safety Standards: Building

collapses in India and the Tongaat Mall in South Africa were caused by a
failure to conform to construction norms and a disregard for safety standards.
This is frequently the result of a mix of inadequate oversight and a desire to
save money or time.

3. Substandard Materials and Construction Practices: This is shown in the

Lagos building collapse. The use of inferior materials or faulty construction
procedures, which are frequently motivated by cost-cutting tactics, can
seriously damage the structural integrity of buildings.

4. Inadequate Supervision and Oversight: The fall during renovations at the

Meyersdal Eco Estate indicates a failure to manage the construction process.
Proper supervision ensures that the project follows plans, codes, and safety
guidelines.

5. Lack of Communication and Coordination: The Hyatt Regency disaster

also highlights a breakdown in communication among several players.
Effective communication is critical for ensuring that all stakeholders are aware
of and understand the plans, changes, and any hazards.

QUESTION 1.2

The impacts of these project failures are multifaceted:

1. Loss of Human Life and Injuries: This is the most terrible and immediate
impact, as evidenced by all examples.
 2. Economic Losses: The collapse incurs immediate expenditures as well as
additional costs for legal obligations and rebuilding. Indirect costs include lost
business and a drop in investor confidence.

3. Social and Psychological Impacts: Victims and their families have

experienced trauma, and there has been a broad loss of trust in construction
quality and safety norms.

To mitigate future project failures, project managers should consider:

1. Rigorous Design Review Processes: Victims and their families have

experienced trauma, and there has been a broad loss of trust in construction
quality and safety norms.

2. Strict Adherence to Safety Standards and Building Codes: Enforcing

conformity with local and international construction codes.

3. Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC): Developing solid QA/QC

processes to verify the use of appropriate materials and construction
practices.

4. Improved Communication and Coordination: Providing clear and

consistent communication routes for all stakeholders, including contractors,
engineers, and architects.

5. Regular Training and Education: Keeping the project team informed of the
newest building practices, safety standards, and regulatory needs.

QUESTION 1.3

A Project Quality Plan (PQP) for construction projects includes:

1. Quality Objectives: Clear objectives for the project's quality outcomes.

2. Standards and Specifications: Details of relevant industry standards,

building codes, and material specifications.

3. Roles and Responsibilities: Quality control roles are clearly defined among
the project team members.
 4. Quality Control Procedures: Specific procedures for inspection and testing
of materials and workmanship.

5. Documentation and Records: Procedures for documentation, including how

records will be kept and reported.

6. Communication Protocols: Established methods for internal and external

communications regarding quality issues.

7. Continuous Improvement Process: Mechanisms for capturing lessons

learned and incorporating them into future projects.

For example, in a project like the Hyatt Regency, a PQP would have included
stringent inspection standards for design revisions, ensuring that they were
examined and authorized by trained engineers. In the Lagos building incident, a PQP
emphasizing construction code compliance and regular material quality checks might
have detected and avoided the use of subpar materials.