Establishing factors towards improved design and build project performance in Tanzania

Few construction and building projects executed using Design and Build (D-B) approach in Tanzania are recorded to have unsatisfactory performance. In efforts to establish the causes of this inadequate performance, this study was designed to assess the performance of previous projects delivered using D-B approach in Tanzania in order to establish factors that influence the performance of these projects. Data for this study was collected from three main parties to these projects namely, Contractors, Consultants and Project Managers who were involved in the execution of such project between year 2000 and 2010.The data collection methods comprised of closed and open ended questionnaire administered by the researcher. Findings of the study were established from analysis of the questionnaire responses of Forty Four respondents from a random sample of Fifty Five respondents.The data analysis was done using qualitative and quantitative methods as well us logical interpritations. The study established that quality performance is mainly influenced by good workmanship, competence of inspection personnel and thoroughness of the inspection process, and clear description of client requirements in the tender documents. It further established that client satisfaction is influenced by quality of works, number of claims and disputes, workmanship, safety and delivery speed. The established improvement strategies for cost performance are enhanced communications, scope management, control of variations and delayed payment while those of schedule performance include payment on time, planning aspects, early site possession and technical and staff competence. This dissertation puts forward the following recommendations: Client’s team should execute the pre-tender and tender obligation properly in order that Client requirements, cost estimate and cash flow planning and evaluation accurately convey to the and construction the expected infrastructure physically and in value terms. Likewise the supervising consultant should be involved right from the beginning of the project in order to be familiar with the contractors work and progress against the client’s requirement.