An Analysis of the risk factors associated with construction projects (A case of Chase Contractors, Harare) · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Makwangudze, Patrick

Title

An Analysis of the risk factors associated with construction projects (A case of Chase Contractors, Harare)

Abstract

The construction industry plays a pivotal role in economic development, yet its success is often undermined by multifaceted risks that lead to cost overruns, schedule delays, and safety incidents. This study examines the risk factors associated with construction projects, focusing on CHASE Contractors in Harare, Zimbabwe. Through a mixed-methods approach, including questionnaires distributed to 75 workers (96% response rate) and interviews with three key informants, the research identifies and evaluates critical risks, their impact on project outcomes, and the effectiveness of existing risk management practices. Findings reveal that high-severity risks such as falls from heights, equipment accidents, and trench collapses pose significant threats, with strong correlations to cost overruns (ρ = 0.74–0.81), schedule delays (ρ = 0.76–0.82), and quality compromises. Chronic risks like noise exposure and chemical hazards, though less immediately visible, contribute to long-term health issues and project inefficiencies. Despite moderate compliance with basic safety measures (e.g., PPE enforcement), systemic gaps in incident reporting, training, and safety culture were identified, particularly in managing high-impact risks. Inferential analysis confirmed a negative correlation (ρ = -0.762) between risk severity and management effectiveness, indicating that the most dangerous risks are inadequately controlled. The study underscores the need for a holistic risk management framework tailored to Harare’s context, emphasizing technology-driven solutions (e.g., BIM integration), strengthened protocols for high-risk activities, and a cultural shift toward proactive safety practices. Recommendations include enhancing workforce training, improving supervisory ratios, and adopting predictive tools to mitigate both acute and chronic risks. By addressing these challenges, CHASE Contractors and similar firms can enhance project resilience, worker safety, and overall performance, contributing to sustainable growth in Zimbabwe’s construction sector

Date

May 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

CHASE Contractors

Construction Projects

Supervisor

Mr. D. Dzvene