Browsing by Author "Wijekoon, W.M.C.L.K."

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    PublicationOpen Access
    An Investigation of Effective Document Management Strategies for Post-Contract Period Used by Consultant Quantity Surveyors in Sri Lanka
    (Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Kahandawa K.A.A.G; Wijekoon, W.M.C.L.K.; Buddhini P.H.Y.
    In the construction industry, efficient document management is crucial for ensuring the successful completion of projects, compliance with regulations, and the delivery of high-quality results. The importance of proper document management becomes even more apparent during the post-contract period, as it governs essential processes such as project handover, maintenance, and future reference. Most studies have examined document management issues from the contractor’s perspective, leaving a gap in understanding how consultant Quantity Surveyors, who manage extensive documentation during the post-contract period, handle these challenges. This gap is critical, as poor practices cause disputes, delays, and weak claim administration, yet little research addresses it. This research aims to explore effective strategies for managing construction documents during the post-contract period by consultant quantity surveyors in Sri Lanka. An extensive literature review was conducted to identify existing document management strategies and assess their effectiveness. Mixed-methodology approach was adopted in this study. Data were collected through preliminary interviews, a comprehensive questionnaire survey, and semi-structured interviews with professionals in the construction industry. The questionnaire survey yielded 50 responses from industry professionals, which were analyzed using the Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis. Qualitative data were obtained from preliminary interviews with five industry experts and semi-structured interviews with an additional five experts, which were evaluated using thematic analysis. The research proposes current best practices for implementing document management systems (DMS) to support construction projects. Key aspects such as the evaluation of existing DMSs, identification of writing strategies, strategy implementation, challenges encountered, recommended solutions, and the effectiveness of document management strategies and standards are highlighted. The findings reveal a strong preference for physical records, driven by concerns over digital durability, security, and familiarity. The study identified for integrate digital DMS to enhance efficiency, security, and long-term accessibility, encouraging a gradual shift towards more sustainable, technology-driven practices in the industry.
  • Thumbnail Image
    PublicationOpen Access
    Effect of Project Duration Decision at the Bidding Process on Cost Overruns of Sri-Lankan Building Projects
    (Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2023-03-25) Kumarathunga, J.U; Wijekoon, W.M.C.L.K.; Kalugala, C
    Cost overruns are a significant issue in the construction industry, particularly from the standpoint of clients. Many studies have been interested in the unpredictable situations that lead to cost overruns, with the primary goal of pinpointing the precise causative factors. There is a knowledge gap about whether cost overruns could be prevented through effective decision-making at a project’s earliest phases. Therefore, the aim of this research was to critically review if the impact of the project duration decision taken at the bidding process could lead to cost overruns of Sri Lankan building projects, and to provide recommendations of preventive measures to be taken. Deductive research approach and qualitative analysis was used to achieve the four main objectives set for this study. The literature review was able to identify the significant causative factors for cost overrun in the construction industry. The analysis of data collected through questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews revealed that there are several causative factors for cost overrun, that stem from the project duration being excessive or inadequate : Claims and disputes, inadequate planning and scheduling, unrealistic work schedule, expense due to completion delay and extension of time, and difficulty in predicting the future. This study was able to identify that there is a relationship between project duration decision and cost overrun, where if the project duration decided at the bidding process is excessive or inadequate, it will be causative of cost overruns. Finally, this study has provided preventive measures to avoid cost overrun at the bidding process when deciding the project duration.
  • Thumbnail Image
    PublicationOpen Access
    IMPACT OF ECONOMIC CRISIS ON EMPLOYEES OF CONTRACTORS’ ORGANISATIONS IN THE SRI LANKAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
    (Ceylon Institute of Builders - Sri Lanka, 2023-07-21) De Silva, S.S.; Wijekoon, W.M.C.L.K.; Kalugala, C
    The construction industry contributes more than 6% of the GDP of the Sri Lankan economy, employing workers at different levels of the value chain. The economic crisis in the country from 2019-2022 has had a significant impact on contractors’ organisations in the Sri Lankan construction industry, resulting in job losses, pay cuts, and reduced working hours. Hence this study aims to investigate the impact of the economic crisis on the employees of contractors’ organisations in the Sri Lankan construction industry, the most affected level of employees, and propose strategies to minimise the impact on the most affected level of employees. This study has been done using the mixed-method approach. Thirty-three (33) employees participated in a questionnaire survey and seven (7) managerial-level professionals were interviewed who are currently engaged in construction projects. This study has explored the levels of employees including technical, supervisory, and similar levels, professional level, administration, and managerial level. Further, this study provides the strategies adopted by the employees and the contractors to overcome the impact of the crisis, including measures to enhance productivity, cost reduction strategies, and access to financial support. The findings of the study will provide insights into the impact of the economic crisis on the construction industry in Sri Lanka and inform policy recommendations to support affected workers and ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry in a resilient way