Delays in construction projects: The case of Jordan

G. Sweisa, , ,

R. Sweisb,

A. Abu Hammadc,

A. Shbould

Abstract
The construction industry is a major player in the economy, generating both, employment and
wealth. However many projects experience extensive delays and thereby exceed initial time and
cost estimates. A host of causes of construction delays in residential projects were identified and
classified according to Drewins Open Conversion System. The most common causes were
evaluated by using both, the data collected in a survey conducted to residential projects
consultant engineers, contractors, and owners, and interviews with senior professionals in the
field. Most correspondents agreed that, financial difficulties faced by the contractor and too
many change orders by the owner are the leading causes of construction delay. Severe weather
conditions and changes in government regulations and laws ranked among the least important
causes.

A comparative study of causes of time overruns in Hong Kong construction

projects

Daniel WM Chan,

Mohan M Kumaraswamy

Abstract
This paper presents the results of a survey undertaken to determine and evaluate the relative
importance of the significant factors causing delays in Hong Kong construction projects. The
survey covered 83 previously identified delay factors, which were grouped into eight major
categories. The main reasons for delays were analyzed and ranked according to different groups
classified on the basis of (a) the role of the parties in the local construction industry (i.e. whether
clients, consultants or contractors) and (b) the type of projects. Results indicate that the five
principal and common causes of delays are: poor site management and supervision,
unforeseen ground conditions, low speed of decision making involving all project teams,
client-initiated variations and necessary variations of works. Differing perceptions as to the
principal causes delaying projects are observed between Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria,
the two latter countries being chosen for purposes of comparison with other countries. It is hoped
that the significant delay factors identified in this survey will provide a basis for strategies to

minimize delays and will also be incorporated into a construction time forecasting model for
Hong Kong construction projects in the future research programme.

Causes of delay in large construction projects

Sadi A. Assaf, ,

Sadiq Al-Hejji

Abstract
A survey on time performance of different types of construction projects in Saudi
Arabia was conducted to determine the causes of delay and their importance
according to each of the project participants, i.e., the owner, consultant and the
contractor. The field survey conducted included 23 contractors, 19 consultants, and
15 owners. Seventy-three causes of delay were identified during the research. 76%
of the contractors and 56% of the consultants indicated that average of time
overrun is between 10% and 30% of the original duration. The most common cause
of delay identified by all the three parties is change order. Surveys concluded that
70% of projects experienced time overrun and found that 45 out of 76 projects
considered were delayed.

Concurrent Delays in Construction Projects

Article History
Published: 01 December 1987

Publication Data
ISSN (print): 0733-9364
ISSN (online): 1943-7862
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
Zaki M. Kraiem, Student Member, ASCE1; and James E. Diekmann, Member, ASCE2
1

Grad. Asst., Univ. of ColoradoBoulder, Dept. of Civ. Engrg., Campus Box 428, Boulder, CO
80309
2

Assoc. Prof., Civ. Engrg., Dept. of Civ., Envir., and Arch. Engrg., Univ. of ColoradoBoulder,
Campus Box 428, Boulder, CO 80309

The time allowed for construction project performance is usually an important consideration for
both the project owner and the project contractor. Yet, it is typical for construction projects to be
delayed. Delays may be caused by the owner (compensable delay), by the contractor
(nonexcusable delay), by acts of god, or a third party (excusable delay), or several different kinds
of delays may happen concurrently. Because of the many sources and causes of construction
delays, it is often difficult to analyze the ultimate liability in delay claims. The original schedule
(asplanned) is known, and, likewise, the actual schedule (asbuilt) is known. What is unknown
is the appropriate schedule when all allowable adjustments to the schedule are taken into
account; this schedule is often called the asadjusted schedule. This paper presents a tool to aid in
analysis of delay claims. The procedure set forth will handle delays and accelerations and will
help in determination of the asadjusted schedule.

Read More: http://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(1987)113:4(591)

Causes and effects of delays in Malaysian construction industry

Murali Sambasivan, ,

Yau Wen Soon

Abstract
The problem of delays in the construction industry is a global phenomenon and the construction
industry in Malaysia is no exception. The main purpose of this study is to identify the delay
factors and their impact (effect) on project completion. Earlier studies either considered the
causes or the effects of project delays, separately. This study takes an integrated approach and
attempts to analyze the impact of specific causes on specific effects. A questionnaire survey was
conducted to solicit the causes and effects of delay from clients, consultants, and contractors.
About 150 respondents participated in the survey. This study identified 10 most important causes
of delay from a list of 28 different causes and 6 different effects of delay. Ten most important
causes were: (1) contractors improper planning, (2) contractors poor site management, (3)
inadequate contractor experience, (4) inadequate clients finance and payments for completed
work, (5) problems with subcontractors, (6) shortage in material, (7) labor supply, (8) equipment
availability and failure, (9) lack of communication between parties, and (10) mistakes during the
construction stage. Six main effects of delay were: (1) time overrun, (2) cost overrun, (3)
disputes, (4) arbitration, (5) litigation, and (6) total abandonment. This study has also established
an empirical relationship between each cause and effect.

Causes of construction delay: traditional contracts

Abdalla M Odeha, ,

Hussien T Battainehb

Abstract
Many projects experience extensive delays and thereby exceed initial time and cost estimates. In
addition to imparting the economic feasibility of capital projects, extensive delays provide a
fertile ground for costly disputes and claims. This paper presents the findings of a survey aimed
at identifying the most important causes of delays in construction projects with traditional type
contracts from the viewpoint of construction contractors and consultants. Results of the survey
indicate that contractors and consultants agreed that owner interference, inadequate contractor
experience, financing and payments, labor productivity, slow decision making, improper
planning, and subcontractors are among the top ten most important factors. It is hoped that these
findings will guide efforts to improve the performance of the construction industry, and will be
useful to international engineering and construction firms seeking a share in the Jordanian and
the regional markets.