A comparative analysis on effectiveness of traditional and prism approach in project management on building construction : case of Enabel Uganda

Abstract

Projects integrating Sustainable Methods (PRiSM) approach is critical in successful achievement of sustainability in project management on building construction projects. Building projects face complex challenges of balancing economic, social and environmental factors in their lifecycle for sustainability in constructions. Traditional approach caters majorly economic aspects neglecting social and environmental which are undertaken by PRiSM which is adopted by ENABEL necessitated this study to determine its effectiveness. The study establishes the environmental, social, and economic contribution of the PRiSM and traditional approaches on building construction projects. The descriptive research design with both quantitative and qualitative approach was adopted. The questionnaires were administered to 279 respondents to identify critical factors for Traditional and PRiSM approaches where Spearman was applied. The study interviewed 25 participants to identify strategies for improvement of PRiSM. SPSS version 24.0 developed mean where ranking was done to determine the critical factors using factor analysis. Results indicated that PRiSM approach ensured that employees and suppliers are satisfied with timely completion of project which cater for economic motive with two critical factors of stakeholders’ involvement and time management as well as quality design, environmental aspect was realized through harvesting of rainwater and protection of ecosystem to control pollution, social factors involved uptake of government intervention to prevent HIV/AIDs and provision of good working conditions. Traditional approach emphasizes profits, environment consider occupation management and social factors support use of local material and protection of ecosystem. Other findings indicated that PRiSM and traditional have moderate sign relationship (r= 0.571) on economic motives and negative relationship for environmental and social factors. Construction projects should adopt PRISM with inclusive participation of stakeholders in decision making, monitoring and evaluation and compliance on eco-system conservation regulations under an institutional framework. PRiSM approach emphasizes sustainability throughout project lifecycle with potential shift to reduce risk which lead to long-term value creation in construction industry.