Critical Delay Factors Affecting Construction Project Performance – A Contemporary Perspective

The construction industry plays a crucial role in India's fiscal targets amid a growing emphasis on infrastructure development. Despite extensive project management knowledge, persistent delays afflict 33% of projects, averaging a 47-month setback as of August 2021. This study seeks to pinpoint Critical Delay Factors (CDFs) in contemporary construction projects, drawing from 59 attributes identified through literature and expert input. A questionnaire survey gauged expert opinions on the impact of these attributes. Factor analysis unveiled underlying constructs, revealing seven CDFs, and the Relative Importance Index (RII) ranked factors by significance. Across professional roles and regional distinctions, ANOVA demonstrated consistent CDF evaluations. These findings are anticipated to guide project stakeholders in prioritizing factors for effective delay management, promoting successful project outcomes.