Revisiting critical delay factors for construction: Analysing projects in Malaysia

Although construction delays have been subjected to a considerable amount of research, this perennial problem continues plague the industry globally. For reason, study contributes theory and practice schedule management by identifying primary delay causes projects uncovering underlying factors involved. Following meta-analysis 52 common identified from literature review, 20 highly-cited are categorised under client-, contractor-, consultant-, labour equipment-, material- others-related. A field survey was employed acquire views 148 Malaysian practitioners client, consultant contractor organisations. These prioritised according an importance index that integrates both frequency severity indices, five leading as lack proper planning scheduling, too many change orders clients, competent site supervision, sub-contractors financial problems contractors. Spearman’s rank correlation tests reveal good consensus between respondent groups further corroborate findings. factor analysis identifies principal managerial capabilities influencing be competency management, communication coordination risk management. findings helpful for praxis critical reflection in production construction. This provides international community with valuable insights revaluate realign project strategies ensure timely delivery projects.