A Strategic Approach to Improving Decision-Making Framework for Integrating the Design Changes in Construction Projects

Abstract

Design changes in construction projects often lead to cost overruns, delays, and compromised quality, particularly in the complex and rapidly urbanizing Indian context. This dissertation aims to enhance decision-making processes for integrating these changes by analysing their causes, evaluating current design management practices, and refining an existing decision-making framework. Key causes identified include client-driven scope additions, consultant errors, and regulatory updates, categorized by predictability, timing, and severity. Current practices like Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and Agile Project Management are assessed for effectiveness, alongside challenges such as inconsistent documentation, delayed decision-making, and resistance to advanced tools. The refined framework emphasizes proactive planning, structured impact assessment, collaborative decisionmaking, and continuous improvement through postimplementation reviews, proposing a dedicated department for managing design changes to ensure accountability and efficiency. This study provides a strategic approach for integrating design changes, suggesting future research to validate the framework across different project types and explore advanced technologies like AI for further enhancement.