Construction projects: interactions of the causes of delays

What is it about?

This review paper explores the reasons for delays in construction projects and how these causes interact. Understanding these factors can help projects finish on time and reduce waste. We analysed 47 global studies using a systematic review method to identify the causes of delays and their connections. This allowed us to pinpoint the most critical factors impacting construction timelines. We highlighted 65 causes of delays, grouped into eight categories. These causes often influence one another, leading to complex interactions. The top factor identified was contractors facing excessive workloads due to lack of experience or taking on too much. Our findings can improve risk management in the early stages of construction, reducing waste and enhancing sustainability. This research may also provide a framework for understanding delays, benefiting both academic and industry practices. Unlike most studies that focus on individual causes, our research emphasizes the importance of understanding how these causes interact, which is vital for timely project completion. This is the first study to examine these interactions in the context of modern construction projects.

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Why is it important?

Our findings can improve risk management in the early stages of construction, reducing waste and enhancing sustainability. This research may also provide a framework for understanding delays, benefiting both academic and industry practices

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