IMPACT OF DISPUTE RESOLUTION TECHNIQUES ON PROJECT PERFORMANCE IN KADUNA

Disputes in construction projects pose significant challenges to project performance, particularly in contexts like Kaduna. The objectives of this study are to identify the sources of disputes in the execution of construction projects in Kaduna state, to identify the impact of dispute resolution on project performance metrics such as time, cost, and quality, to examine the benefits of dispute resolution techniques in building project performance in Kaduna, to determine the factors hindering the use of dispute resolution techniques in Kaduna. Survey results show that delays in payment, poor project management, design errors or changes, and poor communication are identified as primary sources of disputes (mean importance score 4.29). Disputes are also perceived to significantly impair project performance metrics, especially time, cost, and quality (MIS 4.53). Meanwhile, the use of dispute resolution techniques is seen to yield benefits such as stronger stakeholders’ relationships, achievement of project goals, and improved morale (MIS 4.14). Yet, the frequent hindrances to employing dispute resolution include concerns about cost, speed, outcome uncertainties, and issues of openness, neutrality, and fairness (MIS 3.76). Based on these findings, recommendations include improving contractual clarity, communication and documentation; early detection and intervention; capacity building; and leveraging alternative dispute resolution methods, among others.