Assessing the effects of schedule delay analysis in construction projects a case study in Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo and eastern regions of Ghana

Abstract

Completing projects on time is an indicator of efficiency, but the construction process is subject to many variables and unpredictable factors. In analyzing delays, the common used methodologies include time impact and as-planned expanded. The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of scheduling delay analysis in construction projects a case study in Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo and Eastern Regions of Ghana. The research design adopted for this study was descriptive cross-sectional case study and exploratory design using quantitative method. A purposive sampling method was used to select 80 respondents. Opinions of employees were solicited using a structured questionnaire and interview. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.Results from the study showed that the major objectives of scheduling in construction projects in the construction industries include “to expose and adjust conflicts between trades or subcontractors” and to “resolve delay claims”. The major causes of construction delays include construction mistakes, followed by poor supervision, poor coordination on site, changes in specifications, contract modification and, as well as delayed payments. The results from this study also indicated that a relationship exist between time analysis and project scheduling. It was revealed that project scheduling was explained by 67.0% (R2= 0.67) of the variance in time analysis. It was also revealed that construction delays explained the bulk of the variance in asplanned projects (beta= .943, t=, p<.001).The results indicate that there was significant correlation between delays and project planning. In conclusion, the study revealed that scheduling in construction projects is important in finishing projects on time within budgets and ensure customer satisfaction. Again it may be concluded that time impact analysis has an impact on project scheduling and Construction mistakes were the major causes of construction delays. From the study, it is recommended that project should be finalised with all details before tendering the work. Clients should allocate sufficient time and adequate finances for the design of the projects.