Assessing the role of construction management techniques in construction delay mitigation.

Abstract

This research report consists of five chapters showing the assessment of the role of construction management techniques in delay mitigation. The time for performance of a certain project is usually very important to the employer and the contractor, this has made it quite crucial for contracting companies to analyze project delays for purposes of making correct decision on potential time and cost compensation claims (liquidated damages). Delays in construction industry have always been there and have resulted into time overruns and consequently cost over runs. In Uganda, a number of projects have been carried out and some have been successful while others have not. This research was aimed at showing that somewhere somehow the difference is basically managerial. The obvious benefit of improved management is the delivery of projects on time. This research basically analyzed field data to draw conclusions on the numerous causes of construction delays in their various respective categories (client related, contractor related, consultant related and external factors) and ranked them. The research went ahead to examine the performance of management techniques being used in the field and also resulted into the development of a risk assessment matrix for the management related causes of delay. The research discovered that the most crucial management related issues to look out for were improper inspection, staffing problems and delay in mobilization of materials, machinery, workforce and their management. The report further provides strategies for the reduction of critical management related causes of delay and other construction delays. This research was motivated by the fact that delay claims are a major source of conflicts in construction and are also the most difficult to solve.