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Article Title:
A Comparative Study of Causes of Change Orders in Public Construction Project in Nigeria and Oman
by Ijaola, I.A and Iyagba R.O

Abstract:
The construction process is a complex one and is associated with various changes. These changes usually lead to issuance of change order. Identifying the causes of change order is vital in order to avoid potential changes in future project. The research aimed at comparing change order in construction project in Nigeria and Oman, vis-a-vis the causes, effect, benefits and remedies. This was meant to compare the scenario of change order in both countries and subsequently determine areas for improvement in Nigeria. Questionnaire survey was use to elicit information. The questionnaires were analysed using Relative Importance Index. The result indicated that the client's additional works and modification to design were the most important causes of change order in both Nigeria and Oman, the most important effects of change order are variations result in claims and disputes in Nigeria while delay in completion date of project and cost overruns were the most important effects in Oman. The contractors were believed to the party benefiting the most from change order. It was recommended that a specialized Quantity Surveyor/ cost controller and project manager should be assigned to large construction project in Nigeria while in Oman registration of the consultant company should be reviewed to reflect its technical capabilities was the most important remedy.

Keywords: changes, change order, cost overruns, delay time, Nigeria, Oman.

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