BA ISAGO UNIVERSITY

Project Report on

CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION DELAYS ON OFFICES:

CASE STUDY OF KWENENG DISTRICT COUNCIL.

Submitted by

KOOTSHEPILE TSOTLHE

STUDENT NUMBER: 01182041912

For Partial Fulfilment of Award of a Bachelor of Commerce in

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT

2020
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction
This chapter gives the introduction to the research study. It highlights the background of
the study and statement of the problem. The chapter provides the purpose of the study,
research questions, the importance of the study and the research assumptions. The
delimitations of the study and limitations of the study are also looked at to ensure
feasibility of the study. In conclusion this chapter gives definitions of key terms which are
used in the study. The chapter ends up with summary.

1.1 Background of the study

The subject of delayed construction projects has been widely researched across the globe in
countries such as Malaysia, Iran, Portugal, Nepal, Nigeria, and lastly but not least Pakistan.
The problem of delays in the construction industry is a global issue. Musa (2012) pointed out
that a projects is deemed delayed when the works are not completed within time or the agreed
period. On the other hand a successful project is defined as being completed within time,
within the budget, with appropriate quality, follow with accordance the specifications and to
stakeholders' satisfaction Musa (2012). Joseph (2004) conducted a study titled Delays in
Completion of Building Construction Projects in the Botswana Public sector and found out
that 100% of the projects experience delays. The author also found out that projects
undertaken by local companies have a higher percentage of delays compared to those
undertaken by non-citizen companies. Failure to achieve , target time, budget cost and
specified quality result in various unexpected negative effect on the project. Aydin and
Mlhlayaina (2018) mentioned that delay of construction projects is a problem that is of
mutual concern in many countries and Botswana is not an exception. Delay of construction
projects in local municipalities is of great concern. The problem of delayed construction
projects is common in the public sector.

The Kweneng district council is faced with the problem of delayed building construction
projects. It is necessary to probe on the problem as understanding the causes of delays in
construction can aid in alleviation of the situation. If the problem persists the government will
continue suffer as more projects will not be completed within the agreed time frames, and
contractors will continue abandoning projects before completion. The public will suffer as
public facilities like clinics, schools will not be available for usage at the agreed timeframes.
District councils were established in accordance to the Local Government District Councils
Act 18, of (2004).The councils include South east, Southern, North, Kgalagadi, Kweneng,
Kgatleng, Ghanzi, Chobe, and Central District council. The Kweneng district council covers
the areas of Molepolole, Mogoditshane, Gabane, Metsimotlhabe, Mmopane, Tloaneng,
Mmokolodi, and Nkoyaphiri.

1.2 Problem statement

Aydin Mlhlayaina (2018) mentioned that delayed construction projects have been a
subject of concern in Kweneng District council, and other councils in Botswana. Building
construction of public projects play's a pivotal role in improving the living standards of
people and diversification of the economy. Not addressing the causes of the delays will
result in more projects not being completed within schedule, contractors abandoning
projects before completion and the community at large suffering as public facilities like
schools and hospitals will not be availed on the expected dates.Therefore this research is
geared towards investigating the causes and effects of delayed construction projects in
The Kweneng District council.

1.3 Purpose of the study

This study seeks to find out the causes and effects of delays in construction of public
buildings in Kweneg District council

1.4 Objectives of the study

1. To investigate the causes of delayed building construction projects in Kweneng District

council.
2. To examine the effects of delayed building construction projects in in Kweneng
District council.
3. To suggest solutions to issues of the delay of construction projects in in Kweneng
District council.
1.5 Research questions

1. What are the causes of delayed building construction projects in in Kweneng District
council?
2. What are the effects of delayed building construction projects in in Kweneng District
council?
3. What are the recommendations needed to address the problem of delayed building
construction projects in Kweneng District council?

1.6 Significance of the study

To Kweneng District Council.

The employees in the council will be aware of the causes of delays in building construction.
This will enable them to preclude any issues that might arise and potentially result in delayed
completion of projects

To the Society

The society will not suffer as projects will be completed within time and be available for
public usage.

To the Government

The research information will act as a guiding tool for decision making; the government will
be able to know the importance of projects being completed on time and selectin the right
contractors who can do the work within the agreed times. The government will also be able to
address the problem across all building construction projects.

To the Learning Institution

The study will benefit the University with valuable information for teaching aid, for modules
like Land policy under the Faculty of Built environment.

To Real estate students

To the real estate students the study will act as benchmarking tool and they will learn more
on the causes and effects of delayed building construction projects within the public sector.
1.7 Research assumptions

The study will be based on the following assumptions. That the research will be finished
within the stipulated time frame on time and also that the population under the study will be
cooperative and accessible whenever a study is carried out to collect information. With
regards to the research methodologies the researcher assumes that they are ethically
acceptable and reliable for the feasibility of the study.

1.8 Delimitations of the study

This research will be carried out in the Kwenneng district council, mainly in the areas of
Molepolole, Mogoditsahne, Gabane and Metsimitlhabe. The research will focus on the causes
and effects of delays in building construction projects in Botswana. The staff of Kweneng
District council will be used as respondents of the study and their response will improve the
validity of the results in line with the study. Open Questionnaires will be used as a method of
collecting data. The study is expected to yield some useful results and lessons which may be
applicable to other District councils.

1.9 Limitations of the study

The study will be limited by time and monetary constraints. The researcher is just a mere
student time to collect data will be limited, to control the situation the researcher will
prioritize to allocate time efficiently so as to make time for research and studying. The
monetary constraints are also going to limit the study; the researcher is required to have the
financial means to ensure success of study, the financing means are needed for printing
research documents, transport purposes to move from one location to another whilst
searching for data which is in line with study, in order to minimize the monetary constraints
the researcher will do a finance budget for the whole research period to monitor spending
patterns and make room for saving.

1.10 Definitions of Key terms

Kweneng District Council: Thearea includes villages of Mogoditshane, Molepolole,

Gabane, Kopong, Mmopane, Metsimotlhabe, and Thamaga.
Delay to the client: construction delay refers to the loss of revenue, lack of
productivity,dependency on existing facilities, and lack of rentable facilitie

1.13 Summary

This chapter provided an introduction to the nature and scope of the study. It outlined the
problem statement, an overview of the research objectives and questions as well as the
significance of the study were given. The next section will examine the theoretical and
empirical literature of the study and also justify the need for the research.
 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

Terre Blanche and Durrheim (2002) defined literature review as identification and analysis of
literature related concepts to the research project. This chapter highlighted the proposed
theoretical literature and the empirical literature of the study. The review is aimed at
providing an insight on key issues relating to the study, it explored the concept of delay on
construction projects, causes of delay and the effects of delay.

2.1 Theoretical literature review.

2.2. Background of the council

Kweneng district council was established by parliament through local government act/
district act (CAP 40.01) of 1965. Its headquarters is located in Molepolole. The council
structure comprises of nine departments which work closely with the community in the
provision of various services such as social services, education, infrastructure, council health
services and others deemed necessary in improving the standards of living and satisfy the
community and stakeholders. It also liaises with other departments to facilitate the provision
of and allocation of human resources skills, competencies and other resources.

2. 3Construction Projects

According to Klein (1999, 3) and Slack et al. (1998) a project is characterized by the
following elements for detailed information see also, for instance, (Shtub et al. (1994;
Spinner 1997) as cited by (
 Objective: Every project has a defined output which is typically referred to costs,
quality
and timing of the project or its activities.
 Uniqueness: A project usually has a one-time character; i. e. it is unique as it
possesses
features which avoid completely reducing its execution to a standardized and always
repeatable process.
 Complexity: The relationships between the various sub-activities performed to
achieve
the goal of the project tend to be very complex.
Additionally, more than one project might be carried out simultaneously which causes a
high interaction between single projects.
 Temporary: Projects have a defined start and end date. This requires a concentrated
use
of resources to carry out the project.
Planning in construction
- Resources: Resources to realize the project are usually restricted. This refers to the
budget, the availability of human resources, and to the equipment.
- Uncertainty: Generally, a project involves a considerable degree of uncertainty.
Although projects are planned in advance they carry an element of risk which is not to
be neglected. Potential causes of uncertainty include variations in the performance of
resources, inadequate or inaccurate data, and the inability to forecast satisfactorily due to
the lack of prior experience.

- Life cycle: Each project passes through a life cycle which often comprises of five
phases: conceptual project design, project definition, project planning, project execution,
and project termination.
2.4 Delays in construction projects

Aziz (2013) pointed out that for a project to be successful t has to be completed within time,
within budget, and in accordance with the specifications agreed upon by the contracting
parties.

Assaf SA. & Al-Hejji S. (2006) highlighted that a project is deemed delayed when the
building construction project is delivered beyond the time frame agreed upon by the involved
parties. This appears to be the norm in most construction projects across the world as 76% of
the contractors have indicated that average of time overrun is between 10% and 30% of
original duration, while about 56% of the consultants specified the same percentage

Delays occur due to fault of either the contractor or the client therefor the project being
completed beyond the contract period Delays can affect both parties negatively as they can
result in discretion of work and loss of productivity, late completion of project, increase time
related cost, third party claims and abandonment or termination of contract. It is important for
project managers to closely monitor th progress of the projects as minimize possible delay
occurrences Obodoh et.al ( 2016).

2.5 Types of Delay

Musa( 2012) stated that delays generally fall into four categories. Delay is considered a major
cause of construction claim. The four types of delay are:

i. excusable delays

ii. Non-excusable delays

Compensable delays

iv. Concurrent delays.

2.5.1Excusable Delays

Excusable delays occur during a construction project due to external unforeseen

circumstances, such as differing site conditions, design problems, changes to the work,
inclement weather, and strikes. Therefore the contractor cannot be held liable for the delay
instead the duration of the project will be extended by a specific time agreed upon by the two
contracting parties.

2.5.2Non-Excusable Delays

According to Musa (2012) stated that Non excusable delays occur due to a default by the
contractor hence the client can claim damages if it stated so in the contract.. The contractor in
this case cannot be granted any time extension as the delay is not due to any unforeseen
external forces. The factor that contribute to the non-excusable delay:

• Delay cause by subcontractor,

• The inefficiency of contractor to manage the construction site.

• The financial of contractor.

• The lack of labour.

• Failure to manage their work according to the contract schedule.

• Always make mistakes or failure to fulfil of owner specification

2.5.3Compensable Delays

This type of delay occurs as result of a fault by the client by making changes to the scope of
work, late supply of owner materials or information, impeded site access, differing site
conditions and failure to provide timely and review shop drawings. The contractor is
“compensated” for the cost of the delay and the time of completion is extended.

2.5.4Concurrent Delay

Musa (2012) states that two or more delays can occur in a construction project, and the
delayed is termed a concurrent delay. Two delays can occur at the same time say the client
makes a change to the scope the projects is delayed for a week, then the following there is
disruptive weather. In this case the contractor will only be compensated for the delay due to
change in scope only

2.6Legal Framework within the Building Construction Environment in Botswana

Musa (2012) also state that the contractor and the client enter into a contract by mutually
agreeing on the works to be done thus legal obligations arise. If one of the parties does not
perform their legal obligation it results in a breach of the contract. If delay occurs as a result
of a fault by the contractor, the building client is protected from the delays by law and
remedies are available for the client. The remedies include:

Cancellation of the building contract

• Claim for damage

Cancellation is an extreme remedy and most of the time the clients usually opt for claim of
damages. Smith J C (2002:217) as cited by stated that the remedies in the form of money are
meant to put the client in the same position as if the contractual obligations were performed.

2.6.1Common Law

Musa (2012) states that common law protects the contractor from possible negative outcomes
of late completion in instances where the delay occurs due to external circumstances, which
are not his fault.
In the agreements between the contractor and the building client there is an express provision
for the contractor to be granted more time to complete the construction project if any of the
instances below occur. Hence the contractor will be expected to complete the project within a
reasonable timeframe

The circumstances include:

Natural disasters such as an earthquake or floods

• Exceptionally severe weather

• Civil disturbance

• Strikes

• Other unforeseeable events

• Acts of the employer, whether acting within his contractual rights, such as ordering
additional work, or in breach of the agreement, such as handing over the site late

The Standard Forms of Building Contracts in use in the Botswana public sector

Schedule and Conditions of Building Contract-Incorporating Bills of Quantities [Ministry of

Works - MOW]

Clause 20 of the standard forms of building contracts includes the following circumstances as
that may result in the contractor being granted additional time to complete the project.

If the works are delayed by force majure: “Force majure” originates from French law an
states that an event, which is unforeseeable, irresistible, and external to the debtor. Also, it
must not have been due to his fault. A natural event such as rain must be of a wholly
exceptional nature; a true calamity never experienced since records have been kept. The
event must be insurmountable regardless of the extra expense to which the contractor may
be put in overcoming the obstacle to the performance of the contract." Such events
include severe floods, earthquakes and or volcanic eruptions, shortage of water for the works
due to long periods of droughts. However the contracting parties should mutual agree upon
contracting as to what constitutes “force majure” Musa( 2012)
2.6.2If the works are delayed by inclement weather:

In this case the contractor os also granted the additional time to complete the project as a
result of delays due to normal weather. The must be a correct definition of what is normal
whether between the two parties, in Botswana normal weather is severe weather conditions.
Hence the weather they may occur at a given time in the construction process must be severe
than the usual weather at the place where the construction is undertaken for the contractor to
be granted additional time due to interferences in the works due to inclement weather.

2.6.3If the works are delayed due to a civil commotion:

The contractor will also be relieved of the contractual obligation of completing the works in
time if the works are interptuted by civil commotion. Civil commotion includes riots (insert
definition. In Botswana this is a rare case as there aren’t many instances of riots or political
unrest.

2.6.4If the works are delayed due to a strike:

Nel et al (2001:110) defines a strike as “the partial or complete considered refusal to work or
the retardation or obstruction of work by persons who are or have been employed by the same
employer or by different employers for the purpose of remedying a grievance or resolving a
dispute in respect of any matter of mutual interest between employer and employee

2.7 Causes of Construction Delays

Poor site management

Dlakwa and Culpin in (1990) as cited by Musa (2012) highlighted that delay in construction
projects have a great effect in the economy of a country and the construction industry. Poor
or lack of site management can cause a construction project to be delayed as this can affect
the work plan and the whole project management. This ca be the case when there is a lack of
experts, lack of technical stuff and long term financial funds Mansfield et al in 1994.as cited
by Musa (2012) Lack in Construction Materials and Equipment Management
Lack of construction materials can also be one of the causes of delay in construction projects.
As observed by Okpala and Aniekwu as cited by Musa (2012) building contractors very
often cite lack of construction materials as an exucuse for delay in completion of the project.
The insufficient construction materials in the market were due to:

• Not enough statistical data related to construction materials in current

market.

• Rise and fall price of construction materials in market.

• Waiting period quite long and uncertain delivery of ordered construction materials.

• Not enough financial sources to pay the order.

• Not enough transportation for construction materials

Fugar et al. (2010) discovered that in Ghana material group factors are the second most
important factors that result in delay of construction projects. The shortage of materials on
sites is due to the contractor not being able to pay the full amount for the materials and the
supplier reluctant to supply the material until the full amount is paid. This then results in a
delay as the contractor can only pay the full amount after the client pays.

Ahmed et al (2005), observed in their study that, building permits approval, change order,
changes in drawings, incomplete documents, inspections, changes in specifications, decision
during development stage, shop drawings approval, design development and changes of
laws/regulations are the most crucial causes of delay in construction projects in Florida,
United States.

A study by Al-Kharashi and Skitmore (2009) on the causes of delays in Saudi Arabia public
sector construction projects revealed That lack of lack of qualified and experienced
personnel is the main cause of delays in construction projects. The oauthors further grouped
the p the possible causes of delays into seven groups: caused by client, contractor, consultant,
material, labour, contract and relationship related issues

Al-Tabtabai (2002) categorized the causes of delays in construction projects in Kuwait into
eight major groups Client administration and organizational, client site supervision,
contractor related, labour related, quality related, design related, project management and
contractual related. The overall findings highlighted that delays are result of poor project
management

Chan and Kumaraswamy (1996) as cited by Obodoh (2016) conducted a study seeking to find
out the causes of delays in construction projects I Hong Kong. The findings of the study
revealed that there a five common causes of construction delays. The delays are:

: • Poor site management and supervision

• Unforeseen ground conditions

• Low speed of decision making involving all project team.

• Client initiated variations.

• Necessary variation of works.

The authors categorized the causes into eight groups

: • Project – related factors include project characteristics, necessary variations,

communication among the various parties, speed of decision making involving all project
teams and ground conditions.

• Client-related factors include those concerned with client characteristics, project financing,
their variations and requirements, and interim payments to contractors.

• Design team-related factors include design team experience, project design complexity, and
mistakes and delays in (producing) design documents.

• Contractor related factors include contractor experience in planning and controlling the
projects, site management and supervision, degree of subcontracting, and their cash flow.

• Materials related factors include shortage/materials changes, procurement programming

and proportion of off-site prefabrication.

• Labour related factors include: labour shortage, low skill levels, weak motivation, and low
productivity.

• Plant/equipment related factors include: shortages, low efficiency, breakdowns and wrong
selection.
• External factors include: waiting time for approval of drawings, test samples of materials,
environmental concerns and restrictions.

In india the most vital causes of delay as indicated by the respondent are delay in material
delivery by vendors, non-availability of drawings on time, financial constraints of contractor,
increase in scope of work and obtaining permissions from local authorities. Doloi et al.
(2012)

From ninetynine factors of delay found in two studies by Aziz (2013), Marzouk and El-Rasas
(2014) delay in progress payments, different tactics patterns for bribes, shortage of equipment
were highlighted as the most pcommon delays in construction projects in Egypt. Finance and
payments of completed work by owner, variation orders/ changes of scope by owner during
construction, and effects of subsurface conditions were the most important delay factors
Marzouk & El-Rasas (2014).

2.8Effects

Delays can give rise to disruption of work and loss of productivity, late completion of project,
increased time related costs and third party claims and abandonment or termination of
contract. Aibinu and Jagboro (2002) as by Oboodoh (2016) studied the effects of
construction delays on project delivery in Nigerian construction industry. The six effects
identified were: time-overrun, cost-overrun, dispute, arbitration, total abandonment and
litigation.

Haseeb et al ( 2011) highlighted that the most common delay of construction projects are
time overrun, cost overrun, abandonment, negotiations and court cases, and disputes. Time
overrun is the effects that arise when the contractor does not complete the project within the
agreed project time frame thus the construction project being delivered late.

Cost overrun refers the additional costs that arise due to the project being delayed; the costs
include increased costs of labor, working force, materials and equipment. The costs can be
incurred when there are mistakes in the contract, changes in drawings

Construction delays can result in the project being abandoned temporarily or permanently,
Projects can be abandoned when are organizational changes, regulatory changes, financial
crisis, natural disasters, organizational
.Negotiations and court cases take a long time to be solved at the court of laws thus delaying
construction projects. Negotiations and court cases arise when there are late or no payments
for completed work or ongoing work, change orders.

Disputes between the contracting parties result in delay of construction projects. The disputes
can arise when are slow or late payments for completed or ongoing work, client
interferenceHaseeb et al ( 2011).

2.9Empirical Literature

2.9.1Causes

In a study by Haseeb et. al (2011) which was conducted with the main aim of finding out the
causes and effects of delays in Large on construction projects in Parkistan. Questionnaires
were distributed to government employees, private clients and lanor persons working in large
construction projects. The study revealed that 80% of the construction projects were
completed behind schedule and only 20% of the projects were completed within time. Delay
caused by finance and payments was ranked first followed by inaccurate time estimation. The
authors that found out that time overrun is the leading effect of construction delays followed
by cost overrun, disputes, and lastly negotiations and court cases

In another study by Towhid Pourrostam and Amiruddin Ismail (2012) which sought to
identify the main causes and effects of delay in Iranian construction projects. The findings of
the study collected from 100 consultants and contractors revealed that that poor site
management, change orders by client during construction, delay in progress payments by
client and slowness in decision making process by client are the most common causes as they
were highly ranked. The causes were ranked using the relative importance index.

2.9.2Effects

In another study by Aydin Mlhlayaniar (2018) which sought to find out the causes and effects
of construction projects delays: case study of in Edirne City Centre, Cyprus. The main of the
study was to determine the cases and effects of delays in the building construction sector in
Edine. Delay in obtaining permits from municipality and change in government regulations
and laws were ranked the highest causes of delay with the relative importance index of
0.800.Bad reputation, time overrun and cost overrun were ranked the highest effects of
construction. The delayed construction project affects the construction company’s reputation

Another study by Sha et. al( 2017 )conducted with the main aim of exploring all the
important factors contributing the cost overrun and identifying the critical factors of cause
and effect of delay in construction project in Nepal. Questionnaire were handed to consultants
and clients to complete. The findings of the study revealed that time overrun and cost overrun
were the most common effects of delays in construction projects in Nepal as the latter was
ranked first and second. Dispute was ranked third, total abandonment fourth, arbitration fifth,
and litigation last of the common effects.

2.9.3Possible solutions

In a study by Obodooh and Obodooh (2017) conducted with the main objective of The main
aim of the study was to identify the major causes of construction project delays, the effects of
delays and methods of minimizing delays in construction projects. Data was collected
through questionnaires and analyzed using Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient. It is
important to identify the causes of delay and minimizing the delays hence the study revealed
the most effective methods to be to ensuring adequate and available source of finance until
project completion, competent project manager, availability of resources, frequent progress
meeting, award of bids to the right/experienced consultants and contractors, use of
experienced subcontractors and suppliers, multidisciplinary/competent project team, accurate
initial cost estimate, competent and capable client’s representative and use of appropriate
construction methods.
 CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This section provides a clear and detailed description of the research methodology applied.
The subject covered include the proposed research design , population , sampling , sample
size, research instrument , data collection procedure, data analysis , reliability and validity as
well as ethical considerations.

3.1 Research Design

Zikmund (1994) defined a research design as a complete layout or master plan of how the
requisite information will be collected and analyzed; clearly specifying the methods and
procedures to be used. The study seeks to employ a descriptive research design and a case
study. Kothari and Gaug (2014) are of the percept that a descriptive research design is that
which is concerned with description of the characteristics of a particular individual or group.
Zikmund et al (2010:66) adds that a research problem will determine the procedures and
methods to be used, the data collection instruments, sampling procedure and the analysis of a
proposed study. The descriptive research design was used in this study on the basis that it
seeks to find out the causes and impact of construction delays in Kweneng District council.
The researcher’s investigation will mainly focus on the causes and effects of construction
delays. A case study of Kweneng district council will enable the research to focus on a
smaller population of the overall district council population in Botswana and resultantly get a
deeper understanding of the impacts of the causes and effects of construction delays in
Kweneng district council.

3.2 Approach

Kelly et al (2003) sates that there are several research designs that can be adopted when
conducting social research. The common approaches to a research can either be qualitative or
quantitative designs. This study adopts a qualitative research approach. Neils (2012)
opinioned that a qualitative approach involves in-depth understanding of human behavior and
reasons that govern human behavior through investigation of the why and how of decision-
making.

33 Population of the study

Mugenda and Mugenda (2003) defined a target population as an entire population of

individuals, events or objects having the same common observable characteristics. The target
population of the study is the employees of the council managing the building projects and
the contractors.

Kweneng district council was established by parliament through local government act/
district act (CAP 40.01) of 1965. Its headquarters is located in Molepolole. Kweneg District
council, mainly in the areas of Molepolole, Mogoditshane and Metsimotlhabe. The council
has around 80 employees dealing with construction projects.

3.4 Sampling Procedure

Churchill (2002) is of the opinion that, a sample consists of the elements of the population
that the researcher has invited to participate in the final study. For the study, the researcher
will be using a probability sampling technique. As observed by Stark (2012) there are many
of probability sampling methods but the commonly utilized methods for social research
include simple random, systematic, stratified, quota and cluster sampling.

Probability Sampling was used in selecting the respondents in this research. Probability
sampling is where by elements of the population has an equal chance of selection. The
elements are randomly selected but by some mechanical process. Simple random sampling
was used in selecting the participants in the study. The simple random sampling was based in
Botswana.
The students and the landlords were selected as they are the relevant respondents of the study.

3.4.1Dertermination of sample size

The sample size was calculated using the Raosoft sample size calculator. Raosoft sample size
is scientific approved software to calculate the sample size. From a total population 80
employees dealing with constructions in areas under the council , a sample of 56 respondents
was used in the study with a confidence level of 90%, with a margin error of 5%.

A self-administered closed and structured questionnaire was self-administered to the

respondents at the in Molepolole . The questionnaire tool was given to 56 employees of the
district council. The information was collected from employees that deal with construction
projects. The employees were given ample time to complete the questionnaire, but some were
assisted in completing without any duress. The employees were given a week’s time to
complete the questionnaire.

For clarity purposes, the researcher took time to explain to the respondents all the elements in
the questionnaire. The wording used was clear and concise hence the respondents could
understand and respond accordingly without any problems that can arise due to the use of
technical terms.

3.5 Instrument

The data collection instrument utilized for this study was a questionnaire which was
designed by the researcher. Onyongo (2000) stated that a questionnaire is a data collection
instrument including questions that are administered to a number of targeted respondents to
collect data. Questionnaires were used because they are fast and an economical way of
gathering data from geographically dispersed respondents.

The questionnaire to students was entitled “Causes and effects of delays in construction
projects in Botswana”. It consists of two parts; the first part covers the personal details of
the employees whilst the second part covers questions on the causes and the effects

The s second part of the questionnaire included questions structured in the Likert scale
fashion, of a 4 – point scale, ranging from “strongly agree” (SA), through “agree” ( A),
“disagree” ( D) to “strongly disagree” ( SD ). Subjects were then instructed to respond to
their degree of agreement with the statements contained in the instrument
The Likert scale developed by, Rensis Likert (1932) as cited by Mange’eli (2013) is the most
used in questionnaires. It is used to measure attitudes by asking respondents of a study a
series of statements on the topic of study with the end response of how one agrees or
disagrees to the statements. The scale is based on the assumption that strength/intensity of
experience is linear from strongly agree to strongly disagree.

3.6 Data analysis and presentation

Data collected was analyzed using the IBM SPSS 22 software when written in full stands for
(Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Salkin (2008) highlighted that SPSS is a widely
adopted package for data analysis that converts unprocessed data into useful information that
can be easily be understood and interpreted. Microsoft Excel was also used for the charts.

3.7 Ethical considerations

Research ethics of the highest standard were adhered to in this study; the respondents were
politely asked for consent prior to filling the questionnaire. The respondents were not under
any duress from the researcher on how to answer the questionnaire, they answered freely. The
author communicated to the respondents that data collected is strictly used for academic
purposes only and will not be shared with any third parties.

3.8 Validation and reliability of instrument

The instrument will be tested by the supervisor before it is administered to the respondents

Chapter summary

This chapter covered the population of the study, sampling procedure, sampling technique,
ethical considerations and lastly the data collection instrument to be used in the study.