FACTORS CAUSING VARIATION ORDERS IN BUILDING PROJECTS IN KHARTOUM STATE- SUDAN

The optimum project performance would be achieved if the work invariably flows smoothly within time limits and anticipated budget. Variation orders result in time delay, cost overrun, quality defects, and other associated negative impacts. The main objective of this study was to analyze the factors causing variation orders in Building projects in Khartoum state-Sudan. The investigation process comprised a 10 cases analysis study coupled with a questionnaire survey for a sample including 130 participants: 47 consultants, 53 Contractors, 23 owners and 7 project managers. 28 causes of variation orders were recognized from literature review. The study results identified the top ten most significant factors that cause variation orders in the building project in Khartoum state – Sudan. They included (1) Lack of stability of prices and the exchange rate change , (2) New government regulations (3) Non availability of construction manual and procedure for construction project in Sudan , (4) Errors and omissions in design ,two factors in the same ranking (5) Owner fails to make decisions or review document at the right time and Owner's needs during the design stage are not well-defined or variably , (7) Owner's financial problems ,two factors in the same ranking (8) Contractors financial difficulties and The lack of coordination between consultant and contractors and subcontractors and (10) Non-use value engineering in design stage to find the best alternatives and providing cost . In general, the study showed an agreement among owners , consultants , contractors , and project managers regarding the ranking of factors