The emergence of new tasks in construction planning : causes, consequences, and improvement actions -

Abstract

The construction environment is highly uncertain, projects undergo many changes to attain their final completion state and the process includes delays and wastes that must be minimized. Therefore construction planning plays an important role in directing projects and controlling them to increase the efficiency of the system. The success of construction planning depends on many factors. In this study ‘new tasks’ emergence in construction planning is studied, its causes and consequences are examined to advice ways on improvement. Four case studies are examined in Lebanon and Japan to observe the planning system and behaviors of people when ‘new tasks’ emerges. An ABC (Antecedent Behavior Consequences) model is developed to explain the emergence of ‘new tasks’. Additionally, the different antecedents, behaviors, and consequences are listed to show the possible situations that can be faced on site. Finally, improvement actions and suggestions are recommended based on the planning behaviors that were observed to improve the construction planning system.