Analysis and prioritisation of critical delay factors in construction projects: A Colombian case

Abstract

The factors causing delays in construction projects continue to be studied, yet Colombia's construction sector remains plagued by excessive deadlines, cost overruns, and disputes among the parties involved. This study aims to analyze and prioritize the critical factors that cause delays in construction projects. The proposed methodological framework begins with identifying delay factors from the literature review. Essential factors are determined using the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) technique, considering expert opinions. Then, a structural analysis of these factors is performed using the Matrix of Cross-Impact Multiplications Applied to Classification (MICMAC) technique to determine the key factors and their driver-dependent correlations. Finally, a multi-criteria analysis is conducted using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) technique to establish the hierarchy of critical factors. The study found that the two most critical factors causing delays in construction projects are schedule adherence and the variation of execution times versus planned times. Additionally, the sequential integration of the three techniques allowed for effectively identifying and prioritizing critical factors, making the proposed methodological framework suitable for application in similar contexts. The results can help project managers focus on these factors, develop realistic plans, and strengthen project stakeholder management to mitigate the effects of delays in future projects.