In the realm of educational infrastructure, a significant challenge persists: the underperformance of school construction projects, despite substantial government investments. A recent study published in the *Journal of Engineering* (translated from Arabic) sheds light on the critical factors affecting the performance of these projects, offering insights that could reshape how we approach educational building initiatives.
Led by Zahraa Abdul Kadhim Jawad from the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Baghdad, the research identifies key areas that significantly impact project performance. Through a comprehensive literature review and a targeted questionnaire distributed among specialized engineers, Jawad and her team uncovered that the most influential factors fall under two main categories: “project manager” and “planning.”
The study highlights that inefficiency, poor management, and slow decision-making by project managers are among the top contributors to project underperformance. “When project managers struggle with these issues, it creates a ripple effect that can derail the entire project,” Jawad explains. Additionally, factors such as funding versus work completed, management support, and a hostile environment were noted as critical within the senior management category.
Planning emerged as another crucial area, with weak and unstable planning, non-compliance with contract terms, and changes in design and quantities cited as major hurdles. “Effective planning is the backbone of any successful project,” Jawad emphasizes. “Without it, projects are prone to delays, cost overruns, and ultimately, poor performance.”
The research also delved into site-specific factors, including the availability of skilled labor, construction methods, coordination between parties, machine setup, construction errors, material-related factors, and human resource experience and training. Monitoring and evaluation were also scrutinized, with issues related to budgets and planning for these activities identified as significant challenges.
Based on these findings, Jawad and her team developed a framework aimed at improving the performance of educational projects. This framework could serve as a valuable tool for policymakers, project managers, and engineers, helping them to navigate the complexities of educational building initiatives more effectively.
The implications of this research extend beyond the educational sector, offering insights that could benefit other areas of construction and infrastructure development. By addressing the identified factors, stakeholders can enhance project performance, ensuring that educational facilities are not only built on time and within budget but also provide a conducive environment for learning.
As the global focus on education intensifies, the need for well-executed educational projects becomes increasingly paramount. Jawad’s research provides a roadmap for achieving this goal, highlighting the importance of effective management, planning, and monitoring in the successful completion of educational building projects.
In the words of Jawad, “This research is a call to action for all stakeholders involved in educational projects. By addressing these critical factors, we can ensure that our educational infrastructure meets the high standards required for the development of society.” With this study, the path to better educational projects is clearer than ever, paving the way for a brighter future in education.