Essential strategies for value management adoption and implementation in Nigerian construction industry

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the constraints of value management (VM) adoption and implementation in Nigeria’s construction industry with a view to proffering possible measures that could tackle and minimise these constraints and eventually facilitate VM usage in the industry. The study adopts a survey approach. Data collection was based on a structured questionnaire from 300 registered construction professionals across the three most prominent states of northern Nigeria vis: Abuja, Kano and Kaduna States. The data collected were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean score and average index. The study revealed the most-rated constraints as Inadequate knowledge of the benefits of VM; Lack of knowledge and practice of VM; Lack of understanding; and Lack of involvement of specialists from the onset. On the other hand, 39 measures were identified that could tackle the constraints and eventually speed up the adoption of VM practice in the Nigerian construction Industry. The measures were categorised into five groups as related to professionals and professional bodies; government; clients and the community; materials and resources; and construction methodology. The study reveals the three most robust measures capable of tackling the constraints of value management implementation as enforcement of VM techniques by the government on construction projects; anti-corruption campaign; and clients’ emphasis on the inclusion of VM methodologies in their construction projects. This research highlights the constraints of VM adoption in Nigerian construction industry and proffers possible measures that can be taken to facilitate the successful use of VM in the industry. It further categorised the measures as they relate to different stakeholders for easier implementation of actions.