Assignment Help on Role of Delay Analysis Techniques on Contract Scheduling

Abstract

Delays are prevalent in construction projects. They are costly for parties involved if not properly and timely dealt with. However, probing who is culpable for the delays is a difficult task. A number of delay claim analysis techniques exist with varying levels of complexity and results accuracy. This paper elaborates the distinct advantages and disadvantages of each method and other derivative techniques. In the process, a comprehensive understanding of the reliability extent and situational usability of each schedule analysis tool are obtained while identifying gaps that can lead to further research. The time impact analysis (TIA), underpinned by critical path method (CPM), is the widely accepted method mainly because of its high degree of accuracy relative to the other tools. However, this technique is also the most complicated to use. Given so, scheduling software Primavera is invaluable in undertaking the complexity of TIA if properly carried out. Thus, a future research, addressing the identified research questions, on applying TIA with Primavera pragmatically depicting how scheduling is implemented in projects could guide practitioners on meticulous practice of the method.

Introduction

Delays have been a common occurrence in construction projects (Alkass et al. 1995; Arditi & Pattanakitchamroon 2006; Braimah 2013; Zaneldin 2006). Timely completion is difficult to attain due to the complexity, unpredictability, involvement of multiple parties and other uncontrollable factors characteristic of a project (Kartam 1999). In a study conducted by Kumaraswamy & Yogeswaran (2003), of the 67 engineering projects investigated in Hong Kong, about 85% suffered delays. Similarly, Assaf & Al-Hejji (2006) found that 70% of construction projects they have surveyed in Saudi Arabia needed extended period of time to be completed. The same trend was manifested in Jordan wherein almost 82% out of the 130 projects probed went through delays (Al-Momani 2000). These establish the global pattern to which construction projects are implemented against the predefined completion date.

A number of researchers indicate that one of the main reasons for delays is the change order initiated by owners.  Other causes point to inefficient productivity of the contractors and inclement weather (Al-Momani 2000; Assaf & Al-Hejji 2006; Odeh & Battaineh 2002; Zaneldin 2006). Assaf & Al-Hejji (2006) went to dig in further to the extent of tendering stage and reasoned that the engineering conventional practice of awarding the project to the lowest bidder without due regard to the technical capability of the contractor is the cause of delays. For Rooke, Seymour & Fellows (2004), bigtime contractors intentionally submit bids even at a loss if they foresee the likelihood of generating profits from delay claims. In the process, it creates barriers to small and entry-level players because only large contractors can employ personnel expert in managing claims while avoiding own resources to becoming idle.

Project delays result to cost implications for both the owner and the contractor (Alkass et al. 1995; Householder & Rutland 1990). They are aware of the high costs associated in delay claims especially in litigation (Kartam 1999). Different factors contribute to project delays, hence, the need to systematically dissect and identify the type and the culpable party. Owners tend to blame contractors as faulted the delays and vice-versa (Ibbs & Nguyen 2007). A number of delay claim analysis techniques exist with varying levels of complexity and results accuracy (Gothand 2003). However, there is no universally accepted method. The method of use depends largely on the available project information, scheduling software capability and the effort and cost allotted for the analysis (Arditi & Pattanakitchamroon 2006). Though, researchers and practitioners alike concur that the most complicated critical path method (CPM) of time impact analysis (TIA) yield the most accurate delay claims result relative to other techniques.

This paper discusses the different techniques, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages, used in analyzing construction delays delving on plausible gaps that can serve as foundations for future research on similar field.