Dynamic scheduling: influential and influenced factors and their interrelationships in the New Zealand construction industry

Purpose The research aims to investigate and analyse various complex interrelationships of positive and negative factors that significantly impact dynamic scheduling (DS) in the New Zealand construction industry and rank them for improved project outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The study used a combination of research methods, including a systematic literature review using PRISMA guidelines and expert consultations. The analysis included pairwise comparison (with steps within the analytical hierarchy process) and degree of centrality calculation to rank the factors affecting DS in the New Zealand construction industry. Findings For the first time, this study identifies the five most prominent strategic and operational-level factors interacting with others. The study’s findings indicate that poor planning, incomplete drawings and specifications/project information, material unavailability/prefabricated product availability, inclement weather and lack of work permits are the primary negative factors that affect DS operationally. On the other hand, cultural heritage diversity, climate change mitigation and adaptation and cultural heritage management have a positive effect. Climate change and resource unavailability/instability are among the top five factors that negatively impact DS strategically. Poor planning is the most influential factor at the operational level, with six out of degrees. At the same time, material availability and incomplete drawings and specifications/incomplete project information were most influenced by three degrees each. Climate change mitigation and adaptation are the most influential factors at the strategic level, and diverse cultural heritage is the most influential factor. Additionally, this paper stands out for its clear distinction between the positive and negative 176 factors within 11 distinct categories, visual representation of 61 formerly identified interrelationships from SLR and 14 previously unidentified interactions from industry consultation that impact DS within the construction industry. Research limitations/implications The research centres around studying English language literature. Using specific databases such as Scopus, EBSCO and Science Direct and searching after 2017 may potentially narrow the scope of global viewpoints. We acknowledge that there are limitations in terms of New Zealand industry consultation. Further studies should encompass non-English sources and incorporate empirical approaches to confirm the detected correlations and implications for DS customised to a specific viewpoint or country. Practical implications This study provides insights for academics and industries by focusing on interrelationships and identifying top strategic and operation-level factors affecting DS. It aids project managers and industry professionals in creating tailored baseline scheduling, risk assessment and project controls. The study also benefits policymakers seeking to improve construction project efficiency, sustainability and dispute resolution through informed DS practices. The DS factors' polarity, interrelationships, CLD and ranking based on DC add to the body of knowledge. Originality/value Numerous literary works have explored the various factors that impact DS, each being analysed for its impact through expert evaluations and surveys. However, they have not considered that the factors act in conjunction with others and their interrelations have a significant impact. This paper takes a unique approach by examining the interrelationships, their network (displayed in the causal loop diagram) and the degree of centrality among these factors. The originality of this study is the distinct categorisation of positive and negative factors that impact DS in the construction industry. The paper’s novelty lies in the rankings based on the interrelations and degree of centrality between these factors. This is significant since the factors often work together instead of in isolation.