PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Answer to Question 1.1

The primary reasons contributing to the failure of building projects, as evident from
the case study, include:

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

Kansas City is a classic example. The design modifications suggested by
contractors and overlooked by design engineers led to a fatal structural
weakness. This points to a lack of thorough review and validation of design
changes.

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

cases of building collapses in India and the Tongaat Mall in South Africa, the
failure to adhere to construction codes and negligence in following safety
standards were significant factors. This often results from a combination of
inadequate oversight and the pursuit of cost or time savings.

3. Substandard Materials and Construction Practices: This is highlighted in

the Lagos building collapse. The use of inferior materials or improper
construction practices, often driven by cost-cutting measures, can significantly
undermine the structural integrity of buildings.

4. Inadequate Supervision and Oversight: The collapse during renovation in

the Meyersdal Eco Estate suggests a failure in monitoring the construction
process. Proper supervision ensures that the project adheres to plans, codes,
and safety standards.

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

also underlines the failure in communication between different stakeholders.
Effective communication is vital to ensure that all parties are aware of and
understand the plans, changes, and potential risks.

Answer to Question 1.2

The impacts of these project failures are multifaceted:

1. Loss of Human Life and Injuries: This is the most tragic and immediate
impact, as seen in all the examples.
 2. Economic Losses: There are direct costs associated with the collapse and
additional costs in terms of legal liabilities and rebuilding. Indirect costs
include loss of business and a decline in investor confidence.

3. Social and Psychological Impacts: These include trauma for the victims
and their families, and a general loss of trust in construction quality and safety
standards.

To mitigate future project failures, project managers should consider:

1. Rigorous Design Review Processes: Implementing thorough checks and

balances for design changes, involving multiple levels of expert review.

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

compliance with local and international construction standards.

3. Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC): Establishing strong

QA/QC processes to ensure the use of appropriate materials and construction
practices.

4. Improved Communication and Coordination: Ensuring clear and consistent

communication channels among all stakeholders, including contractors,
engineers, and architects.

5. Regular Training and Education: Keeping the project team updated on the
latest construction techniques, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

Answer to Question 1.3

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

1. Quality Objectives: Clearly defined goals for the project’s quality outcomes.

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

building codes, and material specifications.

3. Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly outlined responsibilities for quality

control among the project team.

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 maintained 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
rigorous inspection protocols for design changes, ensuring such alterations were
reviewed and approved by qualified engineers. In the Lagos building incident, a PQP
emphasizing compliance with construction codes and regular material quality checks
could have identified and prevented the use of substandard materials.