Institutional-Repository, University of Moratuwa
Welcome to the University of Moratuwa Digital Repository, which houses postgraduate theses and dissertations, research articles presented at conferences by faculties and departments, university-published journal articles and research publications authored by academic staff. This online repository stores, preserves and distributes the University's scholarly work. This service allows University members to share their research with a larger audience.
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Recent Submissions
item: Thesis-Abstract
An Investigation on managing Extension of Time (EOT) claims in infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka
(2024) Madhusanka, BS; Thayaparan, M
Managing Extension of Time claims in Sri Lankan infrastructure projects presents a unique set of challenges due to the complicated nature of the construction industry and the involvement of stakeholders. The study addresses the complexities associated with delays, EOT claims, and their resolution in the context of government-involved projects. Administrative obstacles, funding issues, etc. all contribute to delays and complicate EOT claim resolution. The impact of delays on project outcomes, cost implications, and potential disputes requires a thorough understanding of the various delay analysis methods available. The lack of a standardised approach emphasises the importance of context-specific strategies for delay analysis in construction projects. This mixed-methods research investigates the management of Extension of Time (EOT) claims in Sri Lankan infrastructure projects, aiming to identify causes leading to disputes and assess the effectiveness of various management strategies. The study combines quantitative surveys with qualitative expert interviews to gather comprehensive insights. Quantitative analysis reveals significant correlations between factors such as contractual ambiguity and contractor performance, shedding light on the root causes of EOT disputes. Qualitative thematic analysis of expert interviews uncovers additional complexities, including regulatory delays and communication gaps, which affect EOT claims management. The integration of quantitative and qualitative findings provides a holistic understanding of EOT claims management, facilitating the development of recommendations to enhance processes and mitigate disputes in Sri Lankan infrastructure projects. The study concludes with strategies for improving EOT claim management in Sri Lankan infrastructure projects. Establishing expert teams, streamlined data collection methods, strong risk management strategies, and consistent financial support are all critical steps. It is recommended that training programmes and awareness campaigns be implemented to foster a shared understanding of contract terms and EOT management procedures. Incorporating legal awareness into construction professionals' education and practice is critical for effective EOT claim resolution. In conclusion, the study provides in-depth insights into the challenges and recommendations for effective EOT management in Sri Lankan infrastructure projects. The multifaceted nature of these challenges highlights the importance of a strategic and comprehensive approach to ensuring efficient and effective resolution of EOT claims in Sri Lanka's construction landscape.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Investigation on disputes in public private partnership projects in Sri Lanka
(2024) Zameer, AMA; Devapriya, KAK
This research is based on the disputes and contractual issues of Public Private Partnership (PPP) Projects in Sri Lanka. The main focus is on identifying critical factors that create disputes in PPP Projects and proposing strategic recommendations for their prevention. This research highlights the importance of contract clarity, stakeholder alignment, communication, regulatory compliance and financial risk management in preventing disputes, through a comprehensive methodology, the research identifies challenges in contract formation emphasizing the significance of clear roles, responsibilities and obligations. Recommendations include enhancing contract clarity, fostering effective communication, incorporating clear provisions for risk allocation and change management, establishing robust dispute resolution mechanism, and developing strategies for financial risk management. Research findings point out the necessity of including clear performance indicators and benchmarks in PPP Contracts to measure progress and success. The findings offer valuable insights for professionals involved in PPP Projects, suggesting practical frameworks to improve contract details and reduce disputes. With a considerable participant reach, the research lays the groundwork for future investigations into the effectiveness of proposed changes in real world PPP Projects in Sri Lanka. Overall, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced in PPP Projects and proposes realistic, recommendations to ensure their success.
item: Thesis-Abstract
A Study of contractor's delay claims in public sector building projects in Sri Lanka
(2024) Manivannan, S; Ramachandra, T
This research aims to examine the nature of contractors’ delay claims in public building projects in Sri Lanka. Delays in public sector building projects pose significant challenges to the timely completion and overall success of infrastructure development in Sri Lanka. These delays often lead to contractor claims for Extension of time (EOT) and cost. For this study, the contractor's delay claim documents are examined together with the client's and consultant's responses. Further cost related details are collected from Payment certificate certified by consultant. Twenty public sector building projects are examined for this study. This is a mixed-approach method. A case study is based on documents that the contractor submits to the consultant to evaluate the delay claim. The quantitative method drives the findings. Most of the project requests extensions of time for variations, adverse weather conditions, and delays caused by authorities, 82% of projects, the contractor didn’t show interest in the delay-associated cost claim. Only those projects express interest in securing a time extension. Additionally, they make this request close to the scheduled completion date.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Adopting to online dispute resolution to resolve disputes in Sri Lankan construction industry
(2024) Chathurangi, BNM; Sandanayake, YG
Dispute is an outcome of a problem which emerged when the minds are not met. Disputes are unavoidable in construction industry due to its inherent characteristics. Both litigation and ADR approach is deployed to resolve disputes in Sri Lankan construction industry. With the development of information and communication technology, electronic based ADR become popular among the companies as well as the construction industry. When considering the Sri Lankan construction industry, it requires a faster and cost-effective ADR practices than before with the gradual increasing of the complexity and number of construction projects. There is therefore a pressure to accelerate the system digitalisation since the technology can also handle more complicated disputes in Sri Lankan construction industry. Hence, this research was conducted with the aim of investigating the possibility of adopting ODR to resolve disputes in Sri Lankan construction industry. Accordingly, a comprehensive literature review was conducted followed by semi-structured interviews with 15 construction industry dispute resolution experts selected through purposive sampling method under the qualitative research approach. The collected data was analysed through manual content analysis. According to the findings, adjudication, arbitration, negotiation, mediation, conciliation, expert determination and amicable settlement are the ADR practices used in Sri Lankan construction industry. However, most of the respondents were not satisfied with the current ADR process since they were unable to receive the expected outcome from them. Besides, all the respondents were aware about the ODR concept and most of them considered ODR as conducting ADR practices through online. Sri Lankan construction industry require ODR since to address increasing number of claims, cost effectiveness, quick resolution, switching to novel working arrangement and to minimise deficiencies in current mechanism. Respondents stated that ODR is highly applicable for arbitration, adjudication, DRB and pre- trials in Sri Lanka. The benefits of ODR includes virtual presence, global accessibility and convenience. Key challenges to implement ODR in Sri Lanka includes lack of awareness of ODR concept, privacy and confidentiality issues and lack of trust. Development of approachable platforms, training programs, designing trustworthy platforms are some of the strategies that can be taken to support ODR implementation in Sri Lanka. The findings of this research will assist the Sri Lankan construction industry to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of ODR.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Mitigating construction disputes through effective claim management in large scale construction projects in Sri Lanka
(2024) Jayawardana, WPKR; Thayaparan, M
Given its diverse work disciplines, numerous stakeholders, and complex procedures, disputes are frequently encountered in large scale construction projects (LSCPs). Disputes significantly impact the project success, both in terms of time and cost when not properly managed. Therefore, it is prudent to identify the most common claims based on past experiences and their underlying causes for effective claim management. This study aims to investigate ways to improve the claim management process to mitigate disputes in LSCPs. In achieving the aim this study intended to review the causes of disputable claims, assess the impacts of such claims, investigate the challenges in effective claim management and proposes suitable strategies. Adopting a qualitative research approach, semi structured interviews were conducted with experts who have experience in LSCPs, thereby eleven (11) semi structured interviews were carried out. The collected data was analysed in terms of manual content analysis. Findings of the study revealed that, “variation orders” are the most frequent cause of claim. “Delay in completion of work”, “poorly written contracts”, “poor communication” and “unclear risk allocation” were also identified as significant causes of claim. “Poor record keeping system”, “queries due to the ambiguities of notices”, “poor presentation of facts” and “disagreements arising during negotiations” were the main challenges faced in management of claims. Thus, the analysis revealed the need of “concise and unambiguous contract documents”, “maintain proper documentation system” “proper communication” and “minimum variations” as the main strategies to mitigate construction disputes