Multi-criteria decision-making approach using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and analytic network process (ANP) for prioritizing delay factors in construction projects

Construction delays greatly affect the cost, schedule, and efficiency of a project. In this study, it is used AHP and ANP methods to determine and prioritize and the fundamental delays in the building projects. AHP analysis indicates that the most important individual cause of delay is poor planning and control (21.405%), insufficient supervision of the schedule (16.662%), and insufficient availability of workers (16.517%). In contrast, considering interdependence, ANP indicates that top factors are lack of worker availability (30.815%), material delivery delays (19.060%) and inadequate project planning and control (12.734%). The comparison analysis highlights the interconnectedness of factors, showing how labour shortages and supply chain issues have a knock-on effect in delaying projects. The research offers a systematic decision-making process for construction managers to target the most critical delay factors and establish effective countermeasures.