Determinants of Schedule Delay in Road Construction Project (The Case of Jimma-Agaro-Dedessa road project

Abstract

Construction delay considered as one of the most recurring problems in the implementation of construction projects. It is widely known to have an adverse impact on project success in terms of time, quality and cost. The causes of construction delay are not only confined to the construction industry, but also its influence on the overall economy of a country. The objective of this paper is to examine the causes of road construction delays in Jimma-Agaro-Dedessa road upgrading project. The research approach is qualitative and quantitative research approach. Questionnaire were constructed and used to collect data from 25 experts and professionals drawn from this specific road project active staffs. The research population was drawn from three parties, which participated in this road construction. The sample size for consultant's were 16 respondents, for contractor 5 respondents and for the Owner, 4 respondents requested which included project managers, engineers, team leaders, director and others technical supporting staffs. To get the required sample size, quantitatively using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was applied. In this study contractor’s slowness in site mobilization, Delay in equipment delivery, and Contractor’s poor site management & supervision as the most prominent delay causes of road projects, Unavailability of equipment, Poor managerial skills of contractor, Lack of experience of contractor in decision-making, Contractor’s inadequate planning & scheduling, Inadequate handling of project progress by contractor, Shortage of recent technology equipment, and Large or long lead-time equipment not received as requested are also prominent causes of delay road construction projects. Commitment to project can be evident from all stakeholders; similar studies can also be conducted in this area and stakeholders in construction also take in to account such issues and utilize the findings of such studies. I also suggest that future studies can focus on the magnitude of effects of causes on projects (the extent of delay and the contribution of each cause to delay).