Investigating the Causes and Effects of Construction Project Failure at a Public University in the Central Region of Ghana

The issue of construction project failure has become a subject matter for researchers the world over since a lot of construction projects fail. Universities in Ghana need a lot of infrastructure development such as building of lecture theatres and halls of residence to enable them admit more students who apply every year in search of higher education. Construction projects at the university require a huge capital outlay to execute. It is therefore worrying that money is lost through construction project failure depriving the university of the needed development. The study therefore selected a particular university in the Central Region as a case study because the university has several failed construction projects. The study set out to examine the causes and effects of construction project failure on stakeholders of the university. Information gathered through literature review was used to prepare detailed questionnaire for a quantitative study. The questionnaire was used to collect data on construction project failure. The data collected was analyzed using tools such as Microsoft excel and structural equation models. Several causes of construction project failure were identified and grouped under four themes as leadership, administration, external factors and resources. Similarly, several effects were identified and discussed under four themes as monetary effects, public image, lack of development and effects on teaching and learning. The study recommended that the university must improve upon project planning and re-examine all stalled projects and focus on completing them one at a time instead of starting new ones. The study also recommended that project technical officers must map out a strategy for effective supervision of construction projects.