Investigate factors causing deviations in construction project schedules and eliminate the reasons cause to projects delays in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The ultimate goat of a construction firm is to complete a project with expected quality, within the estimated period and the budget. However, many projects in Sri Lankan construction industry experience extensive delays, thereby exceeding budgets in many instances. Schedule deviation is the often lead to costly disputes and claims between parties. Therefore, the aim of this research is to identify principle factors causing construction delays and ways and means of minimizing them. To achieve the objectives, a questionnaire survey was developed and distributed among professionals working in the construction filed. Principle factors that adversely cause delays were revealed as ineffective planning and scheduling of projects, mistakes and discrepancies in design documents and rework to correct errors that occur during construction. The study further identified principle parties that directly contribute for schedule deviation as the client, contractor and the consultant. It also revealed that proper project planning and scheduling, proper site management and supervision, collaborative working in construction, employment of well experienced professional for management and proper cash flow management as key strategies of minimizing such delays.