The benefits of applying project management methodology on project delay: A study in construction projects in Iraq

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to look after establishing an appropriate solution for the problems in Iraqi construction projects which have been affected in the last years. It aims to evaluate the problems and then fix and/or at least mitigate them properly. It takes a construction project in the petroleum industry as a case study so that it can identify the realistic causes of project problems. In regard to research methodology, this research remarks on the root causes of project delay in the previous studies in Iraq, Oman and Qatar that is realised as a secondary data. Also, primary data is conducted to collect up to date information by using questionnaire. It exposes the main problems in Iraqi construction projects which are project delay, change in design, plan, scope and specifications and project cost overrun. The root cause of project delay is to accept the lowest bidding prices from the contractors and financial difficulty from the contractors. To improve the project management implementation that may require applying one of the project management methodologies in Iraqi construction projects. This research recommends applying PMBoK because it could deal with the project schedule which is the important thing recently and with cost, quality, communication and stakeholder.