Consultants’ Performance on District Assemblies’ Common Fund Projects

Authors

  • Joshua Ayarkwa Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
  • Bernard Baiden Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
  • Sabah, Selasi Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22158/mmse.v2n1p43

Abstract

This study sought to examine the performance of District Assemblies' consultants on Common Fund projects in Ghana. The study employed cross-sectional design and quantitative research approach using a structured questionnaire based on a list of roles of building consultants developed by the Hong Kong Housing Authority to collect the primary data for analysis. The questionnaire was administered by postal survey to 80 District Assemblies (DAs) in Ghana. A system of weights and rating were used to assess the importance of each role and how well the consultants had performed in the same roles. The results showed that under project-related roles, the DA consultants performed very well in quality of recommendations, presentation of reports, design solutions and quality of tender documents, and under general roles they performed very well in effectiveness in surmounting problems, relationship with clients and responsiveness. Major roles requiring improvement include final drawings, presentation of drawings and collection of information during the design phase. The overall performance of the consultants in project-related and general roles was each 62% of maximum score. This indicates that more room exists for continual improvement in performance on project-related and general roles. The findings point to the need for regular performance evaluation of consultants of DAs in order to ensure delivery of quality service and value for money. It is also important to regularly train and educate District Assembly officials involved in recruitment of consultants on why evaluation of consultants is so vital in drawing up contracts. The findings are of value to local government entities seeking to obtain greater satisfaction from their consultants, and also to consultants wishing to improve quality of their service and deliver on their roles. District Assemblies, Consultants, Performance, Common Fund Projects.

Author Biographies

Joshua Ayarkwa, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Prof. Joshua Ayarkwa is an Associate Professor and current Head of Building Technology Department at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. He holds BSc. (Hons) in Building Technology and MPhil in Wood Science from KNUST, and a Doctorate in Timber Engineering, from Nagoya University in Japan. He has extensive research experience, and worked as Senior Research Scientist for many years at the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (of the CSIR). His fields of specialisation are Building Construction and Timber Engineering and his current research interests include construction and the environment, building materials and properties, timber jointing and non-destructive testing of wood. He is a member of the Ghana Institution of Professional Foresters (MGIPF), a corporate Member of the Ghana Institution of Construction (MGIOC), an Incorporate Member of the Charted Institute of Building (ICIOB) and a Professional Member of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors

Bernard Baiden, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Dr. Baiden holds a BSc. in Building Technology from KNUST, a Master of Science degree in International Construction Management and Engineering from Leeds, UK and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Construction Management from Loughborough University, UK. He is currently a senior lecturer in the Department. His research interests include construction project management, contract administration innovations, project delivery performance and construction technology, materials and innovations. He is an associate member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, member of the Project Management Institute and a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering.

Sabah, Selasi, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Carl Ben Sabah graduated from the Department of Building Technology, KNUST with an MSC. in Construction Management. He currently works with the 49 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces in Ghana.

Published

2014-04-10

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2014)

Section

Articles