“Delays in Construction Works on General Civil Engineering Projects:

Causes, Effects, and Mitigation Strategies”

Joshua Joseph C. Llamas

2021102715
RES100-11: Methods of Research

Mapua University

Dr. Dante L. Silva

October 29
 DEDICATION

The pioneers who brought and developed the knowledge of civil

engineering and transportation engineering that allowed their forebears to

pursue the vocation are honored in this research article. The paper also

dedicates this to people who pursue the advancement and continual cultivation

of knowledge, as well as to present and future civil engineers. my is also in

honor of my mother, who enabled me to complete and write my research report.

Overall, this is a dedication to humanity's future because human progress will

never stop and will always have the ability to reach levels of cognition above

those of present-day people.

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researcher would like to acknowledge and extend his sincere gratitude to

Dr. Dante L. Silva, who served as his supervisor and helped make this research

feasible. I completed all of the writing stages of my project due to his direction

and suggestions. Additionally, I want to thank my committee members for their

insightful remarks and recommendations and for allowing my defense to be a

fun experience.

I want to express my gratitude to God for guiding me through all of the

challenges. Every day, I have felt your guidance. I was able to complete my

degree, thanks to you. For my future, I'll continue to put my trust in you.
 ABSTRACT
Delays in construction projects are a common problem that can have

significant impacts on project timelines and budgets. This research paper

focuses on delays in construction works on general civil engineering projects,

including the causes, effects, and mitigation strategies. The study was

conducted through a comprehensive literature review of relevant articles,

reports, and case studies. The research findings indicate that delays can be

caused by poor planning, unforeseen site conditions, material shortages, labor

disputes, weather conditions, and changes in design. The effects of delays

include increased project costs, reduced quality of work, loss of revenue, and

damage to the reputation of the project sponsors. Mitigation strategies include

effective planning, clear communication, early identification of potential delays,

and the development of contingency plans. The paper concludes with

recommendations for construction project managers and stakeholders to

minimize the impact of delays on general civil engineering projects.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER I: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE:

I. Introduction ………………………………………………………………... 1

II. Related Literature ………………………………… ………………………1

III. Theoretical Framework ……………………………………… …………..4

IV. Conceptual Framework …………………………………………….. …...5

V. Significance of the Study …………………………………………. ………7

VI. Statement of the Problem ……………………………………….. ……….7

VII. Scope and Limitation ……………………………………….. …………..8

VIII. Definition and

Terms……………………………………………………..9

CHAPTER II: METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY

I. Introduction …………………………………………. ……………………12

II. Research Design ………………………………… ……………………….13

III. Data Collection ……………………………………… …………………..13

IV. Data Analysis ………………………………………………..……………15

V. Ethical Considerations …………………………………………. ………..15

VI. Limitations ……………………………………….. ……………………..16

VIII. Reference………………………………………………………………17
-------------------------------------Page Break------------------------------------------
CHAPTER 1: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Introduction
The literature review focused on studies and reports related to delays in

construction projects. The findings indicate that delays can be caused by a

variety of factors, including poor planning, unforeseen site conditions,

material shortages, labor disputes, weather conditions, and changes in

design. Poor planning can result in insufficient time being allocated for

certain tasks, poor scheduling, and a lack of contingency plans.

Unforeseen site conditions can include hidden underground utilities, poor

soil conditions, or unexpected obstacles. Material shortages can include

everything from basic building materials to specialized equipment. Labor

disputes can lead to work stoppages and delays. Weather conditions, such

as extreme temperatures, heavy rain, and high winds can all cause delays.

Changes in design can cause delays as the construction team adjusts to

the new plans.

Related Literature

Construction delays in Hong Kong civil engineering projects

The effects of delays can include increased project costs, reduced quality

of work, loss of revenue, and damage to the reputation of the project

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 sponsors. Increased project costs can result from the need to extend

project timelines, hire additional staff or equipment, or pay penalties for

delayed completion. Reduced quality of work can result from the need to

rush to complete the project, resulting in errors or omissions. Loss of

revenue can result from the inability to use the completed facility or the

loss of business due to delays. Damage to the reputation of the project

sponsors can result from negative publicity or the perception that the

project is not being managed effectively.

Figure 1. Summary of previous studies on causes of delay in construction

industry

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 Many researchers have conducted surveys and study on the causes

of delay in the construction industry; some of these are summarized

in Fig. 1. A preliminary investigation was conducted in early 1994 to

examine the primary reasons for project delays in one-hundred eleven

(111) building and civil engineering projects in Hong Kong that were

concluded between 1990 and 1993 (Kumaraswamy & Chan, 1995) It was

observed that only 40% of government buildings, 25% of private sector

building, and 35% of civil engineering works were completed within

schedule, with the average overrun time exceeding 20% (Chan and

Kumaraswamy 1995)

The Construction Industry Review Committee (CIRC 2001),

headed by Mr. Henry Tang, was appointed by the Chief Executive of

HKSAR to review the construction industry's current state and

recommend measures for improving quality and performance. The

Committee looked over the entire construction-delivery process and

sought radical changes to help produce quality products delivered on time

and within budget. The report suggested a vision for the growth and

development of an integrated construction industry capable of continuous

improvement toward excellence in a market-driven environment. It aimed

at cultivating a modern, safe, innovative, efficient, environmentally

responsible, and client-oriented construction industry that could support

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 the further development of our economy in the 21st century and provide a

better living environment. To solve the critical problem areas of the Hong

Kong construction industry, the Committee made 109 recommendations

for improvement (CIRC 2001)

Theoretical Framework

The theoretical framework for the research on "Delays in Construction

Works on General Civil Engineering Projects: Causes, Effects, and

Mitigation Strategies" comprises several interrelated concepts. Firstly, it

is essential to understand the nature and causes of delays in construction

projects, which can be attributed to various factors such as technical,

financial, organizational, and environmental issues. Secondly, the

framework should consider the impact of these delays on the project

schedule, budget, quality, and safety, as well as on the stakeholders

involved. Thirdly, project management theories and practices, including

planning, scheduling, monitoring, and control, can be used to mitigate the

risk of delays and improve project performance. Fourthly, the framework

should also consider the role of technology and innovation in enhancing

construction productivity and reducing delays. Fifthly, the framework

should explore the legal and contractual aspects of delays, including the

allocation of risk and responsibility, and the use of dispute resolution

mechanisms.

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 Lastly, the framework should take into account the context of general

civil engineering projects, which involve complex and dynamic systems

of interrelated activities, resources, and actors. By incorporating these

concepts, the theoretical framework can provide a comprehensive and

systematic approach to analyzing and addressing delays in construction

works on general civil engineering projects, while also identifying

opportunities for improving project performance and innovation.

Conceptual Framework

In this part, will serve as a roadmap that guides the entire research

process specifically in the causes of delays of in the field of engineering

construction. It is a set of interconnected concepts, assumptions, and

theories that define the research problem, inform the research questions,

and guide the analysis and interpretation of data.

Data analysis

The relative relevance of the various delays was assessed using the

RII technique by Kometa et al. (1994) and Sambasvian and Soon (2007).

This study used the same methodology. RIIs are determined for each

factor according to the equation below:

5
 ∑ w =5 ¿
n 5+¿ 4n4 +¿ 3 ¿
AN n3+¿
2
n2+¿ 1
5N
n1
¿
¿

where W is the weight that respondents have assigned to each element

(ranging from 1 to 5), A is the factor with the highest weight (in this

example, 5), and N is the total number of respondents. The RII rating

ranged from 0 to 1; the greater the RII, the more significant the cause of

delays was. RII values were used to order the causes. We were able to

determine the most common delays from the ranking given to each cause

of delays. significant determinants or delays in the Iranian building

sector.

Analysis of Variance

Every sevenfold cause has been scored using these scores and the

rate of their being under the effect on the projects has been prioritized

using ANOVA to generate the average ratings achieved by construction

industry specialists provided to each of the causes of delay (i.e. RII).

Levene's test determines that this test's significance is greater than 0.05, at

which point parametric tests like ANOVA can be applied. ANOVA is a

group of statistical models that is utilized to examine the variations in

group means. When using ANOVA, the observed variance

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Statement of the Problem

The main objective of this research study is to determine and

investigate the foremost reasons for such construction delays occurring

on civil engineering projects in Hong Kong. The specific aims of the

study are as follows:

1. Gather the perceptions of civil construction practitioners.

2. Determine how significant are the causes of delay.

3. Investigate whether the suggestions of the Construction Industry

Review Committee are applicable and effective at mitigating the

corresponding delay.

Significance of the Study

The study on delays in construction works on general civil

engineering projects holds great significance for the industry as it aims to

identify the causes and effects of delays in construction projects. By

understanding the reasons behind the delays, the construction industry

can take proactive measures to mitigate them, which can help to improve

project efficiency, reduce costs, and increase overall productivity.

Additionally, this study can be used as a reference point for stakeholders

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 such as project managers, contractors, and clients to develop strategies to

reduce delays and improve project success rates. Ultimately, the

significance of this study lies in its potential to positively impact the

construction industry by improving project delivery times and reducing

costs, which can ultimately benefit society as a whole.

Scope and Limitation

The scope of the research on delays in construction works on

general civil engineering projects is to provide a comprehensive

understanding of the causes and effects of delays in construction projects.

The research will focus on identifying the most common causes of delays,

such as design changes, material shortages, and labor issues.

Additionally, the research will explore the effects of delays on various

aspects of construction projects, such as cost, schedule, and quality.

However, it is important to note that the research has its limitations.

Firstly, the research will be conducted in a specific geographic location,

which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other regions.

Secondly, the research will rely on data collected from a sample of

construction projects, which may not be representative of the entire

industry. Lastly, the research will not be able to take into account

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 unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters or political instability,

which can also cause delays in construction projects.

Despite these limitations, the research holds great value in its potential to

identify common causes of delays in construction projects and to

recommend effective strategies for mitigating these delays. By

understanding the causes and effects of delays in construction works, the

research can help to improve project efficiency, reduce costs, and

increase overall productivity.

Definition and Terms

1. Construction works: refers to the process of building or assembling

structures, such as buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure.

2. Civil engineering: the branch of engineering that deals with the

design, construction, and maintenance of the built environment, including

roads, bridges, buildings, and other infrastructure.

3. Delay: a period of time during which progress is delayed or slowed

down due to unforeseen circumstances or other factors.

4. Schedule: the timeline or plan for completing a construction project,

including the start and end dates for each phase of the project.

5. Cost: the total amount of money required to complete a construction

project, including labor, materials, and other expenses.

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6. Quality: the degree to which a product or service meets the desired

specifications and standards.

7. Project manager: the person responsible for planning, organizing, and

overseeing a construction project from start to finish.

8. Contractor: a company or individual hired to perform construction

work on a project.

9. Client: the person or organization that hires a contractor to perform

construction work on a project.

10. Design changes: modifications made to the original design of a

construction project during the construction process.

11. Material shortages: a lack of materials required to complete a

construction project, which can cause delays in construction works.

12. Labor issues: problems related to the availability or performance of

construction workers, such as strikes, turnover, or lack of skill.

13. Change orders: written requests for changes to the original scope of

work in a construction project, which can cause delays and increase costs.

14. Force majeure: an event or circumstance beyond the control of the

parties involved in a construction project, such as a natural disaster or

political instability, which can cause delays and other problems.

15. Critical path: the sequence of activities in a construction project that

must be completed on time in order for the project to be completed on

schedule.

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16. Float: the amount of time by which an activity in a construction

project can be delayed without affecting the project's overall completion

date.

17. Baseline schedule: the original schedule for a construction project,

against which progress is measured and delays are identified.

18. Resource leveling: the process of adjusting the schedule of a

construction project to ensure that resources, such as labor and materials,

are used efficiently.

19. Earned value analysis: a method for measuring the progress of a

construction project, based on the value of work completed relative to the

project's budget and schedule.

20. Risk management: the process of identifying, assessing, and

mitigating risks that could impact the schedule, cost, or quality of a

construction project.

21. Construction management software: computer programs designed

to assist with project management, scheduling, and other aspects of

construction projects.

22. Lean construction: a set of principles and practices aimed at

improving the efficiency and productivity of construction projects.

23. Supply chain management: the process of managing the flow of

materials and information from suppliers to customers, which can impact

the schedule and cost of a construction project.

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 24. Value engineering: a process for reducing costs and improving the

value of a construction project, without sacrificing quality or

performance.

25. Performance metrics: data and measurements used to evaluate the

performance of a construction project, including schedule, cost, quality,

and safety.

CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY

Introduction
Delays in construction works on general civil engineering projects

have been a major concern for decades due to their impact on the overall

project timeline and budget. To address this issue, extensive research has

been conducted over the years, aimed at identifying the root causes of

delays and developing effective strategies to mitigate them. In this

context, the methodology adopted for the research plays a crucial role in

ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the findings. In the following

sections, we will discuss the methodology of the research on delays in

construction works on general civil engineering projects in detail.

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1. Research Design

The research will employ a descriptive research design to explore the

various factors that contribute to delays in construction works on general

civil engineering projects.

2. Data Collection

Both primary and secondary data will be collected for this study. Primary

data will be collected using a structured questionnaire that will be

administered to contractors, clients, and project managers involved in

general civil engineering projects. Secondary data will be collected from

published literature, reports, and online databases.

This section is divided into two distinct sections: the nature of process-

based techniques used to analyse delays and their compliance with SCL

protocol; and refers to the methods used to assess the perceptions of

clients, consultants, and contractors on the relative importance of delays

in the construction industry.

Experts’ perception of causes of delay

To determine how persons working in the Iranian construction

business feel about the relative significance of delays, a questionnaire

was created. Professionals with extensive expertise in the construction

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industry, such as project managers, site managers, technical office

managers, technical office engineers, procurement managers, and

technical consultants, then completed the questionnaire. The RII approach

was used to analyze the data that had been gathered. The respondents

were asked to categorize their responses to 78 widely acknowledged

construction delay reasons the academics had discovered. The following

seven main categories were used to classify these causes. The causes that

are related to the client (with 19 factors), the contractor (with 13 factors),

the consultant (with 9 factors), the design (with 8 factors), the material

(with 8 factors), the labour and equipment category (with 8 factors), and

the external (with 13 factors) causes. To quantify the significance of

delay causes, a five-point Likert scale with a range of 1 to 5 was used. A

brief interview with 15 clients, 15 consultants, and 15 contractors was

held with industry specialists prior to the distribution of the

questionnaires.

The norm of process-based methodologies

This document includes all process-based delay analysis methodologies

and organizes them into 11 categories. With the help of clients,

contractors, and consultants, a thorough analysis was undertaken to

uncover the nature of these strategies in order to understand their benefits

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 and drawbacks. The second phase, which is among the most crucial for

conducting a successful delay analysis, is choosing the most suitable

technique based on the limitations and unique circumstances of each

project. The authors followed the SCL procedure and the Association for

the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACEI) standards

for all process-based delay analysis approaches. The procedure provides

guidelines on whether various methods of retrospective delay analysis are

suitable in certain evidential scenarios.

3. Data Analysis

The collected data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics such as

frequency distribution, mean, and standard deviation. Inferential statistics

such as correlation and regression analysis will also be used to establish

the relationship between the variables.

4. Ethical Considerations

The research will adhere to ethical considerations such as obtaining

informed consent from the respondents, ensuring confidentiality, and

ensuring that the research does not cause harm to the respondents.

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5. Limitations

The study may be limited by the availability of data, time constraints, and

geographical scope. However, efforts will be made to ensure that these

limitations do not affect the validity and reliability of the study.

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 Reference

Construction Industry Review Committee (CIRC. (2001). Construct for

excellence, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong.

Lo, T. Y., Fung, I. W. H., & Tung, K. C. F. (2016, December 19). Construction
delays in Hong Kong civil engineering projects. Journal of Construction
Engineering and Management.

Kumaraswamy, M. M., and Chan, D. W. M. (1995). “Determinants

ofconstruction durations.”Constr. Manage. Econom.,13(3), 209–217.

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