Analysis of change orders in Qatari construction projects

Abstract

Change orders affect the performance of construction projects and may induce significant cost overruns. The paper identifies the main causes/factors that lead to change orders in Qatari construction projects. It also quantifies the cost overrun impact of these change orders in Qatari construction projects. A total of 1122 change orders were collected from 22 Qatari residential and commercial construction projects. The collected data was analyzed using statistical methods such as Pearson correlation and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The analysis results were used to quantify the change order impacts on cost overruns in Qatari construction projects. Regression analysis models were also developed to predict change order cost overruns with respect to project size/contract value. Finally, recommendations were developed to address change order impacts on cost overruns in the Qatari construction industry. 1 2017, 1 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.