Title: Towards improving the planning and scheduling of construction projects in the UAE: a review of the human factor

Authors: Zeed K. Alaiwi; Malik M.A. Khalfan; Amrit Sagoo; Maged Georgy

Addresses: School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia ' School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University, Melbourne VIC 3001, Australia; Department of Civil Infrastructure and Environmental Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE ' School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia ' School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia

Abstract: The agenda of effectiveness, efficiency and economics has dominated business organisations operating in an agile environment where teamwork, accountability, transparency and responsiveness to client are paramount ingredients for business survival. Construction organisations also have to shift their focus to preplanning stages of a project to eliminate or reduce the risks during the construction phases of the project. This paper proposes an integrated conceptual model to enhance planning and scheduling stages. The model, discussed within the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), consists of six main parameters with associated elements include: the project (size, scope and complexity), the organisation (structure, lines of responsibilities, span of control and culture), the human aspects (education, experience and support), the construction methodologies (methods, preferred techniques, resources, out-sourcing, supply chain, health and safety) and the technology (software, tools and support); the contractual framework (obligations, risks legal); and the environment (internal and external).

Keywords: planning; scheduling; human factor; United Arab Emirates; UAE; conceptual model.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBCG.2017.087527

International Journal of Business Competition and Growth, 2017 Vol.6 No.1, pp.28 - 46

Received: 03 Dec 2016
Accepted: 10 Jan 2017
Published online: 17 Oct 2017 *

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