Diagnosing the Causes of Failure in the Construction Sector Using Root Cause Analysis Technique

Abstract

The aim of this study is identifying and diagnosing the causes of construction project failure by using different project management process groups. These groups were initiation process group, planning process group, design process group, contract process group, executing and monitoring process group, and close process group. Also, the relative importance of the causes of construction project failure was investigated. Three techniques were used in this study: Ishikawa diagrams, Pareto diagrams, and 5-why techniques. The results were generally identified and diagnosed thirty-five causes of the construction project failure; however, only twenty-three of the causes were the most important. The majority of causes (thirteen causes) were obtained by using executing and monitoring project management process group. Seven causes were obtained by using contract project management process group. In addition, fewer causes (only three causes) were obtained by using initiation project management process group.

Application of total quality management tools in the risk analysis of pathologies in steel-structured buildings

“…One of its best-known tools is the Ishikawa Diagram, or Fishbone Diagram, because of its shape. Its technique consists of a cause-and-effect analysis [8].…”

“…For effective management, it is imperative to identify the "root causes" and the "main causes" of the problem, which can only be found if there is a proper understanding of the process, using a good experience the innovative tools, and the use of the appropriate techniques [8]. The cause and effect diagram provides a structural approach for searching for possible causes of the problem [9].…”

Diagnoses the causes of cost deviation in Iraqi construction projects

“…The "Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a method that is used to a dress a problem or nonconformance, in order to get the "root cause" for the problem [13]. RCA is a popular technology and is often used to help people answer the why question.…”

“…From Table 5., we note that the highest average weight is the group of design causes, followed by the group of planning causes, and finally the group of execution causes. Figures (12) and (13) shown "Fishbone Diagram" and "Pareto chart" for main group's analysis, respectively. According to the Pareto chart above, the designing causes group (C2) and the planning causes group (C1) are responsible for 80% of the problem.…”

“…Sometimes we can get to the main cause of a problem by means of "3 or 4 Whys" .5 Why is it more effective when the answers are from people who have practical experience in the problem that is being addressed by repeating the question "why" (5), enabling us to reach the root cause of the problem. Figure (13) shown the technique of 5-Whys.…”