Lifecycle-Based Analysis of Construction Dispute Causes: A Semi-Automated Systematic Review

Construction disputes remain a major barrier to project success, particularly in international contexts characterized by diverse stakeholder expectations and high uncertainty. Although numerous studies have examined dispute causes, existing research is frequently limited by regional focus, phase-specific analysis, or delivery-method constraints. This study addresses these limitations by developing a lifecycle-based understanding of dispute causation through a semi-automated systematic literature review. A total of 6603 records were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science, and after applying PRISMA-aligned screening and citation tracking, 52 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 were included. Bibliometric analysis was used to map publication trends, geographic distribution, journal contribution, and keyword networks, while content analysis supported the identification and consolidation of dispute causes across lifecycle phases. The results show that early project stages are dominated by unfair risk allocation, ambiguous contract documents, design errors, and unclear technical specifications, whereas the Execution phase is driven by variation orders, payment delays, ineffective communication, and unforeseen site conditions. Disputes in the Close-out phase remain underexplored, indicating a clear research gap. By linking dispute causes to specific lifecycle stages, the study provides a structured foundation for proactive dispute-prevention strategies and supports more effective management of construction projects worldwide.