Assessing the Impact of Change OrdersIn Construction Engineering Sector In The West Bank

The common practice of construction industry is project-based. The nature of these construction projects is complex where many factors and variables play significant roles. So, when change orders occur, all projects performance is strongly affected. This research aims to investigate the impact of change orders on project performance in West Bank, in order to take proactive measures to minimize changes during construction. The main objectives of the study are to identify the main causes of changes that occur in construction projects in the West Bank and highlight the potential effects of change orders on the Palestinian construction industry and assessing the current practices of change orders management within the construction companies in the West Bank. The researcher used combined methodology: quantitative method represented by questionnaire surveys, and qualitative method represented by interviews of many of construction professionals. Results from the study show that change orders in construction industry occurred more frequently in adding new works: increasing the quantities of the work by adding new items. Also results show that the main source of changes in construction projects is the owner; it was found that project owners initiated change orders due to financial problems, changing in mind or non-compliant design with owners' requirements. Consultant initiated change orders due to errors and omissions in designs, specifications or due to conflict in contract documents. Cost and time overrun are the two main effects being noted for change orders; the disputes between parties and degradation of labor productivity are a major concern here. The results also assured that the current situation of change order management in the West Bank needs to be improved; change orders can be minimized if proper planning took place before work starts on site, adequate time and budget allocation, clear scope, close coordination and communication specially in the design stage. A change order management framework was developed by the researcher as the main output of this research. The framework provides processes that enable the different construction participants to manage their change orders effectively.