ABSTRACT
One of the most common problems in
the industrial project is delay. Delay in a construction project can be defined
as the late completion of works as compared to the planned schedule or contract
schedule. Construction projects can be delayed due to so many factors. It may
be due to consultant, contractor, material, equipment, finance etc related
factors. The aim of this study to identifying the causes and effects of delays
in industrial projects. This has been achieved by undertaking a critical
analysis of the literature and carrying out a questionnaires survey. The twenty
questionnaire surveys were completed by taking interviews of the respondent,
i.e., consultants and contractors who works on industrial projects. Then the
causes of delay assessed using Relative Importance Index (RII) so as to rank
the factors .Also use the Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient test to
determine significant correlation between contractors and consultants
perspective. The most significant factors of construction delays were
identified as: (1) Local political interference; (2) Inadequate fund
allocation; (3) Improper project planning and scheduling; (4) Delay in progress
payments by client; (5) Escalation of material prices. Also major effects of
delay were identified that are (1) Time overrun; (2) Cost overrun; (3)
Disputes. The results also include the most effective methods for minimizing
construction delays.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the study
The construction industry is a very important
sector for the development and economic growth of developing country (Haseeb et
al., 2011). A construction project is commonly acknowledged as successful, when
it is completed on time, within budget and in accordance with the
specifications (Murat Gunduz et al., 2013). Over many years, delay has been a
popular topic in construction management research, and various delay studies
have been carried out for different purposes (Abdullah AlSehaimi et al., 2013).
Construction projects are infamous for delays and cost overruns. Very few
projects get delivered within time and within cost. The delays and cost
overruns have become hallmark of construction project around the world.
Indeed, very few projects get delivered in
time and on cost. Delays on construction projects are a universal phenomenon.
They are almost always accompanied by cost and time overruns (Sadi Assaf and
Sadiq Al-Hejji, 2006). Project delays have a debilitating effect on all parties
(owner, contractor, and consultant) to a contract in terms of a growth in
adversarial relationships, distrust, litigation, arbitration, cash-flow
problems, and a general feeling of apprehension towards each other (Abd. Majld
and Ronald McCaffe, 1998). Several factors can contribute to delays on a
project and analyzing the causes of delays is an essential task for
ameliorating any potential conflicts or claims (Muhwezi and Otim, 2014).
1.2
Statement of problems
The common
results of delays are late completion of the project, increased cost,
disruption of work, loss of productivity, third-party claims, disputes, and
abandonment or termination of contracts. Therefore, delays in construction
projects give rise to dissatisfaction to all parties involved.
1.3
Objectives of the study
The objectives of the study are to;
·
Identify the delay factors in
construction projects,
·
Categorize the delay factors in
construction projects,
·
Quantify the relative
importance of delay factors and to demonstrate the ranking of the factors and
groups according to their importance with respect to delays,
·
Address the factors and groups
contributing most to delays, and
·
Make recommendations in order
to minimize or control delays in construction projects.
1.4 Research Questions
·
What are the delay factors in
construction projects?
·
What is the relative importance
of delay factors and how do they demonstrate the ranking of the factors and
groups according to their importance with respect to delays?
·
What are the factors and groups
contributing most to delays?
·
What are the ways to minimize
or control delays in construction projects?