Sensitivity analysis of construction schedule performance due to increased change orders and decreased labor productivity

In the initial steps of construction projects, contractors plan the construction processes and timetables as accurately as possible; however, a number of change orders are inevitable. It is important for owners and contractors to know which variables more critically violate the project�s process and timing. In this study, a sensitivity analysis was performed to analyze the levels of impact of the variables that affect project performance and duration. The analysis was performed for a typical project plan, to understand how the plan changed with deviations in the variables. The results showed that project duration was the most sensitive variable to project schedule performance. This effect, however, was only seen after a certain reduction in the project deadline. The results of this study can be used by project planners to avoid unnecessary change orders in a construction project.