Is construction project planning really doing its job? A critical examination of focus, role and process

Abstract

There is growing concern over the failure of construction planning to achieve its goals in spite of the considerable resources allocated to it. Deficient planning techniques are commonly blamed for this state. This view is challenged here following analyses of observations and studies by researchers and practitioners. The paper discusses normative planning vis à vis a deficient reality, and its probable causes. Planning effectiveness can be expected only after management modifies planning policy and prevailing practices are fundamentally changed. Future research should address planning from a wider, holistic perspective to include organizational, human and information-handling aspects, in addition to planning techniques as such.