INVESTIGATING THE USE OF UNCERTAINTY MANAGEMENT TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES WITHIN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR IN NIGERIA

This study investigated the use of uncertainty management tools within the construction sector in Nigeria. The objectives were to evaluate the level of use of uncertainty management tools and techniques and to determine the factors responsible for the low knowledge and misconception of uncertainty within the construction sector. Views from project managers obtained from two sub-sectors, the real estate and the oil and gas was evaluated. Finding of the study revealed low level of use of uncertainty management tools and techniques due to the lack of clear understanding of uncertainty and its management parameters. Further finding identifies the type of project management practice in use, and over reliance on the use of deterministic approach as factors responsible for the low knowledge of uncertainties. The challenge therefore is how to improve the state of misconception among practitioners and to explore refinements to the traditional project management framework. To develop appropriate knowledge about uncertainty management, the notion that uncertainty management is about creating previously unknown information, must be repealed to embrace approaches encouraging information sharing, learning, and competence. The study provides an insightful perspective into understanding uncertainty in projects;and highlight possible refinements to extant project management practice in order to enhance uncertainty management within the construction sector.