Effects of variation works in the infrastructure projects: perspective from main contractor

Variation is trendy and commonly inevitable in all construction projects, primarily in the Malaysian construction industry, including infrastructure projects. It may bring positive, negative, or both effects to the parties involved in the construction project, especially the contractor. This research aims to determine the most significant effects of variation works to the infrastructure projects and ascertain some strategies for the contractor to overcome the in dealing with variation works. This research's objectives are to identify the factors of the variation works in the infrastructure projects, determine the effects of variation works on the infrastructure projects, and ascertain the main contractor's strategies in dealing with the effects of variation works in infrastructure works. To achieve the study's objectives, a survey was conducted by distributing questionnaire survey form to 123 respondents who are Quantity Surveyors, Architects, Civil Engineers, Mechanical & Electrical Engineers, and contractors. All respondents are from G7 Contractor Civil Engineer Companies registered under CIDB and govern the Kelantan areas. The results have been analysed using Google Form, Microsoft Excel 2013, and SPSS 26. The research findings found that the most factors contributing to variation is ineffective communication between parties.