Impact of Workmanship and Vocational Training on Delay of Construction Projects in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

The objective of this explanatory, deductive and quantitative research is to determine whether there exists a relationship between workmanship (skill) and project delay by reviewing the data of construction related projects of Punjab province of Pakistan. Moreover the provision of required Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is considered as a key factor towards the improvement of project team’s workmanship (skill) thus providing a vital link to mitigate the possible project delays related to substandard workmanship. The data on the understudy variables has been collected through structured questionnaire from 68 construction related firms working in construction sector of Punjab, Pakistan. The participants were approached personally and the data has been collected with the use of Google survey forms. For the collected data analysis and inference various statistical tools including normality tests, reliability analysis, ANOVA, correlation analysis, regression analysis, computation of mean & standard deviation and structural equation model have been utilized in this research work. The findings of the study indicate that there exists a significant relationship between the dependent variable i.e. project delay and the independent variable i.e. workmanship (skill) as well as with the moderating variable i.e. vocational training. This research work would be helpful to realize the significance of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), be it on site or through the frame work of TVET, in enhancing the workmanship (skill) of the construction team members (workers) thus reducing the delays caused by human factor in construction projects. The results from this study would provide significant insight to the Punjab Government (P&D Department), the Government of Pakistan (Planning Division) and the construction sector of Punjab and Pakistan to formulate strategies to improve project development related vocational training in Pakistan. It may also help the international donor agencies to select vocational training projects for Pakistan more focused on skills related to project development teams to enhance their workmanship.