Factors of Non-Excusable Delays That Influence Contractors' Performance

Delays are among the most common phenomena in the construction industry. During the last three decades delays have occurred in most types of projects, from simple building projects to the most complex projects such as nuclear power plants or tunneling works. Generally, delays may be caused by: the client (compensable delays); the contractors (non-excusable delays); or acts of God or a third party (excusable delays). This paper classifies the main causes of non-excusable delays according to the source of occurrence, then identifies the factors contributing to those causes. It is assumed that the client has more control over the compensable delays and can take action to prevent them. The contractor is expected to have control over the non-excusable delays and, presumably, do more to prevent them. Several studies have discussed the issues relating to these delays, but no major study has been conducted to examine the causes of non-excusable delays in great depth. Understanding the underlying factors that contribute to causes of non-excusable delays would help in identifying and overcoming the problems faced by contractors during the construction process. To assist in identifying the factors contributing to causes of non-excusable delays, the Ishikawa or fish bone diagram has been used as an analytical tool, and a ranking methodology has been devised. As a report of initial findings of the study, which is currently being undertaken at Loughborough University, U.K., this paper identifies materials-, equipment-, and labor-related delays as major causes of contractors' performance delays.