Uncovering the Root Causes of Failures in Construction Projects with 5 Whys

Construction projects are complex and dynamic in nature and require meticulous planning and execution to meet time, cost, and quality targets. Despite advances in project management practices, many projects still experience challenges, resulting in delays, cost overruns, and quality issues. A systematic approach is essential to effectively address these issues. In this study, root cause analysis was used to investigate the underlying causes of these challenges in construction projects. In this direction, 5 Whys technique was utilized to investigate 67 issues identified in 5 different construction projects in and around Sakarya, Türkiye. The findings reveal that although time and cost overruns are common symptoms, their root causes are often linked to weaknesses in various project management knowledge areas. In particular, this study highlights the important role of procurement management, communication management, and risk management in contributing to project problems. By uncovering these key underlying factors, this research provides a structured framework for understanding the systemic challenges faced in the construction industry and suggests practical solutions to mitigate future problems. The study further demonstrates the effectiveness of root cause analysis in identifying root causes and guiding professionals towards sustainable project success, ultimately promoting a more efficient and effective construction industry. The study is expected to provide a systematic analysis of root causes and tackle the underlying causes rather than focusing on the common causes. The examples provided in this study reflect the causes from real construction projects, which can further help project managers to revisit their project management strategies.