Analysis of Categories That Delay Global Construction Projects

Abstract

Delay in construction projects is a significant issue and concern for most construction companies. Many studies have addressed this issue by identifying the top-ranked causes, which vary according to project type, location, and the research method used. The combined factors of delay/time overrun need further analysis to understand the top-ranked factors considering the project context. We identified 360 delay/time overrun factors of construction projects from articles published in the past 10 years in top-quality journals ranked as per scientific journal ranking (SJR). The factors were then coded and classified into categories based on their impact and the description in NVIVO software. Finally, the categories were analyzed and ranked by the relative importance index using SPSS software to identify the critical ones in global construction projects. In addition, the developed and developing countries affected by these delay factors were determined. The results revealed that the top five important factors are located under the following categories: orders and requirements; experience and productivity; financial problems; planning; and lastly both external and management categories. These categories were the highest ranking among the five top factors found in the reviewed studies and affect both developed and developing countries.