Dire Dawa University Independent Study

Department of construction Technology and Management

Pilot study

Assessment on Causes and Effects of Delay in the

Arberekete to Gelemso Asphalt Road
Construction Project
Semere Zebene (DDU1500230)

Construction Technology and Management, Dire Dawa University, Sabiyan, Dire Dawa, 1362, Dire Dawa,
Ethiopia.

Research topic: Assessment on Causes and Effects of Delay in the Arberekete to Gelemso Asphalt Road
Construction Project
Dire Dawa University Independent Study
Department of construction Technology and Management
Pilot study
Abstract The pilot study on the Arberekete to Gelemso Asphalt Road Construction Project addresses the significant issue of
delays in construction projects. To enhance project management procedures, the study attempts to evaluate the reasons
behind and consequences of these delays. The study uses a systematic methodology, which includes a questionnaire survey,
to identify the main reasons behind delays and the effects they have on the project. Important conclusions from statistical
research show how delays affect project outcomes and progress. The study comes to the conclusion that proactive
approaches are necessary to reduce delays and promote project success. These approaches include putting sophisticated
technology into practice, improving contract management, conducting routine monitoring, improving site management, and
encouraging stakeholder participation. To improve project efficiency and achieve successful outcomes, recommendations
include incorporating IoT and sensors, strong contract management procedures, frequent monitoring, efficient site
management, and stakeholder collaboration. Stakeholders can reduce delays and improve sustainability in building projects
by implementing these recommendations.

Keywords- Construction delays, Project management, Stakeholder collaboration, advanced technologies, Arberekete to
Gelemso

1. Introduction community opposition. The project's successful completion

and long-term viability depend heavily on comprehending
1.1. Background of Arberekete to Gelemso Asphalt these possible roadblocks and creating workable solutions to
Road Construction Project overcome them.
An important infrastructure development project, in
1.2. Importance of studying delays in construction
Arberekete to Gelemso Asphalt Road Construction Project
projects
intends to enhance transportation connections and promote
economic growth in the East Hararghe Zone of the Oromia Construction project delays are a frequent and serious
region of Ethiopia. The project involves the construction of problem that can have a big impact on how the project turns
a new asphalt road that will connect various settlements out, leading to things like overspending, delays in the
along the route and span a significant distance, from timetable, and poor quality. In order to reduce risks,
Arberekete to Gelemso. enhance project management procedures, and improve
overall project performance, it is imperative to comprehend
The region's inadequate transportation system makes it the significance of researching delays in construction
difficult for locals to access opportunities, markets, and projects. Through an examination of the reasons behind
other necessities, which is why this road development delays, their effects, and possible remedies, involved parties
project is necessary. The current road system is frequently can take proactive measures to resolve problems, allocate
unpaved, badly maintained, and prone to destruction, which resources efficiently, and guarantee project completion. This
creates problems for mobility, the movement of introduction establishes the groundwork for discussing the
commodities, and general socio economic development. In importance of researching delays in construction projects
order to address these issues, the Arberekete to Gelemso and the advantages of controlling and reducing their
Asphalt Road Construction Project aims to improve influence on project results.
connectivity between rural and urban communities as well
as important economic centers by building a resilient, all- 1.3. Organizational overview
weather roads. The project aims to improve the local The causes of delays in asphalt road construction projects
population's access to markets, health care, schooling and are determined by analyzing and classifying the several
other essential services by cutting travel times, elements that cause delays into internal and external
transportation costs, and auto maintenance costs. categories. Poor project planning, insufficient resource
allocation, and poor communication are examples of
In addition, it is expected that the building of this asphalt internal variables. Supply chain interruptions, weather, and
road will improve local economies along its path, attracting regulatory obstacles are examples of external factors. The
in investments, opening up job possibilities, and promoting overview "Effects of Delays in Asphalt Road Construction
sustainable development. The project's goals were to lower Projects" looks at how delays affect various areas of
poverty, increase social inclusion, and improve the general construction projects, including lower quality, cost
standard of living for East Hararghe Zone residents by overruns, timetable extensions, and stakeholder
improving the transportation infrastructure. unhappiness. It also looks at side consequences like
worsening traffic jams, deteriorating environmental
The Arberekete to Gelemso Asphalt Road Construction conditions, and weakened safety protocols.
Project, like many other infrastructure projects, could run
into problems with delays, finances, the environment, and

Research topic: Assessment on Causes and Effects of Delay in the Arberekete to Gelemso Asphalt Road
Construction Project
 1.4. Objectives of the pilot study Dependency on Self-reporting: The study might make use of
1.4.1. General objective project stakeholders' self-reported data, which could include
To evaluate the reasons for and consequences of the asphalt bias or errors.
road building project from Arberekete to Gelemso being
delayed. External Factors: Although they might not be fully covered
in the parameters of this study, external factors like weather
1.4.2. Specific objective patterns or changes in regulations may also affect project
a) To determine the main reasons for the building of the delays.
asphalt road from Arberekete to Gelemso being
delayed. 1.6. Significance of the Research
An investigation into project delays will help identify the
b) To investigate how delays affect the Arberekete to underlying factors contributing to road construction projects'
Gelemso asphalt road construction project's course and inefficiency. The project's stakeholders will be able to focus
results. their efforts and allocate resources to eliminate the
particular limiting constraints and consequently shorten
c) To make suggestions for reducing delays and enhancing project delays once the most important causes causing
the effectiveness of next asphalt road construction delays have been identified.
projects in comparable circumstances.

1.4.3. Questions for Research 2. Literature Review

a) What are the primary causes of the construction of the
asphalt road from Arberekete to Gelemso being 2.1. Introduction
delayed? This literature review summarizes the body of knowledge
regarding the causes and consequences of delays,
b) How do delays impact the overall progress and outcome particularly in asphalt road construction projects. It
of the Arberekete to Gelemso asphalt road construction examines a wide range of variables that can cause delays,
project? such as problems with project management, disagreements
over contracts, difficulties with the environment, and
c) What strategies can be implemented to minimize delays unanticipated events. The overview also looks into the
and enhance the efficiency of similar asphalt road complex impacts of delays on timelines, budgets, quality
construction projects in the future? standards, and project stakeholders as well as overall project
performance.
1.5. Scope and limitations
1.5.1. Scope 2.2. Causes of delays in construction projects
The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the reasons for The main causes of delays in construction projects from
and consequences of the Arberekete to Gelemso Asphalt clients' perspective are poor communication between
Road Construction Project delays. The scope entails contractors and investors, and minimizing these
determining the causes of delays at various project phases dependencies can help minimize the risk of delays (Głuszak
and assessing the effects these factors have on the project & Leśniak, 2015). Delays in construction projects are
schedule, budget, and caliber of construction work. Data caused by factors such as poor communication between
collection for the study will come from a variety of project client and contractor, poor planning, and poor scheduling,
participants, including local government agencies, with potential solutions to avoid delays through existing
contractors, engineers, and project managers. time and cost forecasting methods (Manzur et al., 2017).
Slow decision-making, poor site management, labor
1.5.2. Limitation shortages, changes in scope, and late revisions of design
Limited Sample Size: The pilot study's sample size may be documents are major causes of construction project delays
restricted because of a lack of resources, which could have (Romzi & Ing, 2022). Financial crisis, security situation,
an impact on how broadly the results can be applied. slow pace of work, lack of detailed plan, materials
supplying delays, inaccuracy in time schedules, design
Time Restrictions: The amount of time allotted for gathering
errors, and design changes during execution are the top ten
and analyzing data may be constrained, which could limit
significant factors of delay in construction projects in Iraq
the study's depth.
(Taraziya & Ali, 2020). Delays in construction projects can
Information Accessibility: Restrictions may exist regarding be categorized into three types: unexpected delays, planned
stakeholders and project-related data access, which could delays, and actions not timely (Nagata et al., 2017). Delays
affect how thorough the investigation is. in construction projects in Hargeisa are mainly caused by
payment delays, underestimation of project costs, and work

3
scope changes (Fashina et al., 2021). Adopting factors affecting project. (Hai, 2020) conducted a
communication, management, information systems, law comprehensive review of mainstream works influencing the
enforcement, and financial strategies can effectively reduce factors causing delays in construction projects, emphasizing
construction project delays and impact the industry and the need for a systematic understanding of delay factors.
economy (Abd Aziz et al., 2022). (Panchal et al., 2023) highlighted the prevalence of delays
and cost overruns in residential construction projects in the
(Koshe & Jha, 2016) identified Schedule delays in Surat region of India, indicating the widespread nature of
construction projects are influenced by various factors such these challenges in the industry.
as owner interference, inadequate contractor experience,
financing issues, labor productivity challenges, slow Additionally, (Mahamid, 2017) studied schedule delays in
decision-making, improper planning, subcontractor-related road construction projects in Saudi Arabia, identifying
issues, change orders, poor site management, financial improper planning, poor labor productivity, additional
difficulties, design changes, delay in progress payments, works, rework, and lack of contractor experience as crucial
lack of skilled professionals, and ineffective planning by factors affecting project schedules. (Melvin et al., 2023)
contractors. (Assaf & Al-Hejji, 2006) identified finance, predominantly studied delay factors through surveys,
change orders, and cost overruns as significant causes of emphasizing the importance of empirical analysis for
delay in large construction projects. (Cheng & Darsa, 2021) evaluating schedule irregularities in bore pile foundation
emphasized the importance of construction schedule risk projects. Furthermore, (Vu et al., 2016) focused on
assessment and management strategies, especially for determining schedule delay risk in highway projects in
foreign general contractors working in the Ethiopian Vietnam, providing insights into the specific determinants
construction industry. (Alhajri & Alshibani, 2018) of schedule delays in this context.
highlighted critical factors behind construction delays in
petrochemical projects in Saudi Arabia, shedding light on 2.3. Effects of delay on construction projects
the specific challenges in this sector. In developing Delays in construction projects can lead to cost overruns,
countries, such as Oman, construction delays are influenced time overruns, termination of contract, arbitration, and
by factors such as improper planning, poor site litigation (Gebrehiwet & Luo, 2017). According to
management, and delayed decisions, as indicated by (Islam (Alfakhri et al., 2017), the five most significant factors
& Trigunarsyah, 2017; Latif et al., 2019). Furthermore, the affecting the completion of road construction projects in
management of construction risks, including those related to Libya are utility service delays, budget availability, short
schedule delays, is crucial for building projects, as discussed contract duration, progress payments delays, and subsurface
by (Aljassasi & Dawood, 2021; Perrenoud & Sullivan, conditions. Delays in construction projects can create cost
2016) emphasized the implementation of project schedule and time overruns, and disputes between client and
metrics to identify the impact of delays correlated with contractor (Manzur et al., 2017).
contractors, highlighting the need for effective monitoring
and assessment of delays. Additionally, (Vu et al., 2016) In addition, several studies have also highlighted the impact
focused on determining schedule delay risk in highway of schedule delays on project budgets. For instance,
projects in Vietnam, providing insights into the specific (Roumeissa, 2019) emphasized that schedule delays are
determinants of schedule delays in this context. considered the main cause of cost overrun, time overrun,
disputes, and claims in construction projects, indicating the
(Belay et al., 2021) explored the negative impacts of cost significant influence of delays on project budgets. Similarly,
overrun and schedule delays on various stakeholders (Li et al., 2015) pointed out that schedule delays may lead to
involved in construction projects, highlighting the budget overruns, threatening project time and cost
importance of understanding and mitigating these impacts. objectives.
(Xie et al., 2021) focused on scheduling optimization of
prefabricated construction projects, emphasizing the need to Generally, the factors that lead to schedule delays in
consider influencing factors of precast components for building construction projects have a substantial influence
accurate project scheduling arrangements. (Ji et al., 2018) on project timelines and budgets. Delays caused by various
categorized delay factors of prefabricated concrete building factors such as financial issues, design changes, poor
projects in China based on a literature review and expert management, and inadequate planning significantly impact
interviews, shedding light on the specific challenges in this project schedules and budgets. Understanding these factors
sector. is crucial for effective project management and successful
project delivery within the planned timelines and budget.
Moreover, (Mahamid, 2017) investigated schedule
deviations in road construction projects, identifying political
situations, payment delays, lack of coordination, change
orders, and unexpected ground conditions as significant

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2.4. Methods for reducing construction project delay 3.2. Data collection methods
According to Daripa and Mangaraj, projects can experience In this study data collection method was
a reduction in construction delays and schedule and expense through questionnaire designed to be specific to certain
overruns by using effective site management, strategic goals, with an emphasis on identifying the main reasons
planning, and clear communication channelling. A higher behind delays of Arberekete to Gelemso Asphalt Road
probability of timely completion is statistically correlated Construction Project was delayed and analyzing their
with the implementation of project time management impact on the project, and putting forward suggestions for
methods in building projects in Mexico (Solís-Carcaño et enhancement. The closed-ended questions in the
al., 2015). Five key components of methods to cut down on questionnaire ensured a methodical and thorough approach
construction project delays are, according to Abd Aziz et al. to data collecting. The project's direct participants were
(2022), financials, information systems and technology, selected through the use of purposeful sampling,
management, communication, and law and order guaranteeing that the information gathered was current and
enforcement. By taking into account stakeholder insightful. The gathered data were analyzed using both
performance, project context, resources, and external thematic analysis for the qualitative data and statistical
influences, digital tools and related technology may help approaches for the quantitative data, allowing for a
construction projects run more smoothly (Sepasgozar et al., comprehensive and comprehensive investigation. A
2019). According to Banobi and Jung (2019), in projects comprehensive and rigorous investigation of the issues at
that were successful, both owners and contractors evaluated hand was made possible by the use of purposive sampling to
comparable reasons for delays and recommended measures target participants who were directly involved in the project,
for mitigating them, such as careful project supervision, ensuring that the data collected was insightful and relevant.
capacity building training, and effective logistics The analysis of the data collected involved the application
management. By emphasizing aspects relating to customers of both statistical methods for quantitative data and thematic
and contractors, the integrated balanced scorecard and analysis for qualitative data, ensuring that any potential
quality function deployment architecture assist in limitations were carefully considered and that the findings
prioritizing and minimizing construction delays (Gunduz & were interpreted with a clear understanding of any potential
Al-Naimi, 2022). Specific delay factors in building projects constraints.
can be addressed by implementing technologies such as
planning, imaging, machine learning, geospatial data 3.3. Sampling technique and sample size
collecting, optimization, and planning (Gurgun et al., 2022). The sampling technique employed in this study was a
By gathering, screening, analyzing, and displaying data systematic approach that targeted 10% of the total
through an Industry 4.0 application, real-time technology population of stakeholders involved in the Arberekete to
like the Internet of Things, sensors, and cellphones can Gelemso Asphalt Road Construction Project. The
drastically change how construction projects manage delays participants included the contractor, the consultant, and the
(Radman et al., 2022). In the planning and design stages of client. With a target population of 80 stakeholders, a
building projects, communication may be a crucial tactic for deliberate effort was made to ensure representation from
resolving significant delays (Halim & Zin, 2016). each group. Ultimately, 8 respondents were selected to
complete the questionnaire, representing 10% of the total
3. Research Methodology target population. This approach allowed for a focused and
meaningful data collection process, ensuring that the
3.1. Research design perspectives of key stakeholders were captured and
The methodology to evaluate organize the reasons for and analyzed in a comprehensive manner.
consequences of Arberekete to Gelemso Asphalt Road
Construction Project delay is the Through a questionnaire 3.4. Data analysis techniques
survey. The main goals were to identify the fundamental The study utilize rigorous data analysis techniques,
causes of delays, assess how they affect the project, and including quantitative approaches for ranking relative
make suggestions for enhancements. Data were gathered importance index and the Cronbach's alpha reliability test.
using a thorough questionnaire that included closed-ended These approaches were used to ensure the accuracy and
questions. Using purposeful sampling, people who were robustness of the results. The ranking relative importance
actively involved in the project were chosen. Statistical index proved easy to identify and prioritize important
techniques were used in data analysis for quantitative data. aspects, while the Cronbach's alpha reliability test assessed
When interpreting the results, consideration was given to the dependability of the study instrument and its internal
acknowledging the limitations of the research, including consistency. Through the utilization of these sophisticated
sample size restrictions and responder bias. The goal of the analytical instruments, the research was capable of deriving
study is to provide critical information about the project's significant insights and making dependable inferences from
delays. the gathered data.

5
4. Results and Discussion 5. Increased project durations due to delays 0.42 4
result in additional expenses related to 5
4.1. Results labor, equipment, and materials in the
Arberekete to Gelemso asphalt road
4.1.1. Analysis of Questionnaire Responses
construction project.
Using SPSSv20, the reliability index of the data was
computed using Cronbach's Alpha, resulting in a Table 4 Relative Importance index ranks of Mitigation Strategies
commendable outcome. The calculated reliability index 3. Proposing Mitigation Strategies RII Rank
reflects the robustness and consistency of the data, 1. Effective site management and strategic 0.550 4
indicating a high level of internal consistency and reliability. planning can help minimize delays in the
Furthermore, the relative importance of the factors was Arberekete to Gelemso asphalt road construction
determined and ranked, providing valuable insights into project.
their respective significance. This ranking offers a 2. Adopting advanced technologies like IoT and 0.750 1
comprehensive understanding of the impact and sensors can help in better monitoring and
implications of each factor, guiding informed decision- management of the Arberekete to Gelemso
making and strategic planning. asphalt road construction project, thereby
Table 1 Reliability Statistics reducing delays.
Cronbach's Alpha N of Items 3. Close coordination and collaboration among 0.550 4
0.849 15 project stakeholders are essential for timely
decision-making and preventing delays in the
Table 2 Relative Importance Index ranks of Causes of Delays Arberekete to Gelemso asphalt road construction
1. Causes of Delays RII Rank project.
1. Poor communication between contractors and 0.725 1
4. Implementing robust contract management 0.600 2
investors significantly contributes to delays in practices can mitigate delays by addressing issues
the Arberekete to Gelemso asphalt road related to scope creep and change orders in the
construction project. Arberekete to Gelemso asphalt road construction
2. Inadequate project funding is a primary cause 0.375 5 project.
of delays in the Arberekete to Gelemso asphalt 5. Regular monitoring and evaluation of project 0.575 3
road construction project. progress against established milestones can help
3. Late decision-making by project stakeholders 0.5 4 in early identification and mitigation of potential
is a major cause of delays in the Arberekete to delays in the Arberekete to Gelemso asphalt road
Gelemso asphalt road construction project.
construction project.
4. Poor site management practices significantly 0.625 3
contribute to delays in the Arberekete to
Gelemso asphalt road construction project. 4.1.2. Causes of delay in the Arberekete to Gelemso
5. Change orders during project execution often 0.7 2 asphalt road construction
lead to delays in the Arberekete to Gelemso The Relative Importance Index (RII) has been utilized to
asphalt road construction project. assess the perceived significance of various factors
contributing to delays in the Arberekete to Gelemso asphalt
Table 3 Relative Importance Index ranks of Effects of Delays road construction project. The results reveal that poor
2. Examining Effects of Delays RII Ran communication between contractors and investors has been
k identified as the most influential cause of delays, followed
1. Delays in the Arberekete to Gelemso 0.60 2 by change orders during project execution, poor site
asphalt road construction project have a 0 management practices, late decision-making by project
substantial impact on the overall progress stakeholders, and inadequate project funding. These
of the project. findings underscore the critical need for addressing
2. Delays in the Arberekete to Gelemso 0.45 3 communication gaps, managing change effectively,
asphalt road construction project often lead 0 implementing efficient site management strategies, making
to cost overruns. timely decisions, and securing adequate funding to
3. Rushed construction activities due to 0.67 1 minimize delays and enhance the project's overall success.
time pressure often result in substandard 5 By proactively addressing these identified causes of delays,
project quality in the Arberekete to project stakeholders can mitigate inefficiencies and improve
Gelemso asphalt road construction project. project timelines and outcomes.
4. Delayed payments from clients 0.42 4
significantly disrupt the supply chain and 5 4.1.3. Effects of delay on the progress and outcome of the
lead to work stoppages in the Arberekete to Arberekete to Gelemso asphalt road construction
Gelemso asphalt road construction project. project

6
The Relative Importance Index (RII) has been calculated The Relative Importance Index (RII) has been utilized to
and ranked to assess the effects of delays in the Arberekete rank and propose mitigation strategies for addressing delays
to Gelemso asphalt road construction project. The RII ranks in the Arberekete to Gelemso asphalt road construction
provide valuable insights into the perceived significance of project. The interpretation and discussion of these
various delay-related factors, guiding the interpretation and mitigation strategies, based on their RII ranks, reveal
discussion of their implications. significant insights. Firstly, the adoption of advanced
technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) and sensors
Rushed construction activities due to time pressure (RII has been ranked highest (RII Rank: 1, RII: 0.750). This
Rank: 1, RII: 0.675): The high RII rank of rushed approach can enhance project monitoring, data collection,
construction activities underscore the potential compromise and decision-making processes, thereby improving project
in work quality, posing safety and structural risks. visibility, efficiency, and quality control, ultimately
Managing time pressures effectively is crucial to upholding reducing delays and enhancing project outcomes.
quality standards and ensuring the long-term functionality of Additionally, implementing robust contract management
the road. practices (RII Rank: 2, RII: 0.600) can address issues
related to scope creep, change orders, and contractual
Delays in the project impacting overall progress (RII Rank: disputes, streamlining project execution and mitigating
2, RII: 0.600): The significant impact of delays on project delays. Regular monitoring and evaluation of project
progress highlights the potential for cascading disruptions progress (RII Rank: 3, RII: 0.575) can help identify
and challenges in meeting objectives within the planned potential delays early on, while effective site management
timeline. Proactive measures to address delays are essential and strategic planning (RII Rank: 4, RII: 0.550) and close
for maintaining project momentum and achieving timely coordination among project stakeholders (RII Rank: 4, RII:
completion. 0.550) are also crucial in minimizing delays and improving
project efficiency. By implementing these proposed
Increased project durations leading to additional expenses mitigation strategies, project stakeholders can proactively
(RII Rank: 3, RII: 0.425): Extended project durations due to address the root causes of delays, enhance project
delays can result in heightened costs related to labor, efficiency, and improve overall project outcomes in the
equipment, and overhead expenses. Efficient delay Arberekete to Gelemso asphalt road construction project.
management is vital for controlling project budgets and Leveraging technology, effective contract management,
avoiding unnecessary financial burdens. continuous monitoring, strategic site management, and
stakeholder collaboration can help mitigate delays and drive
Delayed payments disrupting the supply chain (RII Rank: 4,
RII: 0.425): The disruption caused by delayed payments can project success.
impact the project's cash flow, leading to work stoppages
and logistical challenges within the supply chain. Timely 4.2. Discussion
payments are essential for maintaining a smooth project 4.2.1. Implications of Findings
flow and stakeholder relationships. Proactive approaches to resolve construction project delays
are critically required as indicated by the implications of the
Delays leading to cost overruns (RII Rank: 5, RII: 0.450): pilot study's results on the causes and effects of delays in the
Project delays often result in increased costs, straining Arberekete to Gelemso Asphalt Road Construction Project.
project budgets and profitability. Proactive delay Project teams can effectively mitigate delays, improve
management is critical for controlling expenditures and project efficiency, and ultimately achieve successful project
ensuring project viability. outcomes by prioritizing the adoption of advanced
technologies, implementing robust contract management
Addressing these delay-related effects through proactive practices, ensuring regular monitoring of project progress,
project management strategies, quality control measures, improving site management, and fostering close
efficient resource allocation, timely payment schedules, and collaboration among stakeholders.
cost monitoring mechanisms is essential for mitigating
negative impacts and enhancing the overall success of the
Arberekete to Gelemso asphalt road construction project.
5. Conclusion
These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing
effective delay management to ensure project efficiency and 5.1. Summary of Key Findings
success. The key findings from the pilot study on the causes and
effects of delay in the Arberekete to Gelemso Asphalt Road
4.1.4. Mitigation Strategies for Arberekete to Gelemso Construction Project are as follows:
asphalt road construction project to determine the
effects of these delays on the projects Identified Primary Causes of Delays: The study pinpointed
various internal and external factors contributing to delays,

7
including poor project planning, inadequate resource industry, focusing on identifying, assessing, and mitigating
allocation, regulatory hurdles, weather conditions, and project risks effectively to prevent delays, cost overruns,
supply chain disruptions. and quality issues.

Effects of Delays on Project Progress: Delays were found Comparative Studies: Conduct comparative studies across
to result in cost overruns, schedule extensions, reduced different construction projects and regions to analyze
quality of work, and stakeholder dissatisfaction, with common delay factors, best practices, and lessons learned,
secondary effects such as increased traffic congestion, facilitating knowledge sharing and benchmarking for
environmental degradation, and compromised safety continuous improvement in project management practices.
measures.
By exploring these future research directions, scholars,
Mitigation Strategies: Recommendations were proposed to practitioners, and policymakers can further advance the field
address delays, including the adoption of advanced of construction project management, drive innovation in
technologies like IoT and sensors, robust contract infrastructure development, and contribute to the successful
management practices, regular monitoring of project delivery of construction projects with minimized delays and
progress, effective site management, and stakeholder enhanced sustainability.
collaboration.
6. Recommendations
Importance of Proactive Measures: The study emphasized
the significance of proactive measures in mitigating delays, Based on the pilot study's findings on the causes and effects
improving project efficiency, and driving successful project of delay in the Arberekete to Gelemso Asphalt Road
outcomes in asphalt road construction projects. Construction Project, the following recommendations are
proposed:
By understanding these key findings and implementing the
recommended strategies, project stakeholders can Implement Advanced Technologies: Embrace technologies
effectively address delay factors and enhance the overall such as Internet of Things (IoT) and sensors to enhance
success of construction projects. project monitoring, data collection, and decision-making
processes, improving project visibility, efficiency, and
5.2. Future Research Directions quality control.
The pilot study on the causes and effects of delay in the Strengthen Contract Management Practices: Establish
Arberekete to Gelemso Asphalt Road Construction Project robust contract management procedures to address issues
suggests several future research directions to further related to scope creep, change orders, and contractual
enhance understanding and address challenges in disputes, streamlining project execution and mitigating
construction projects: delays.
Advanced Monitoring Technologies: Investigate the Regular Monitoring and Evaluation: Conduct frequent
integration of advanced monitoring technologies, such as monitoring and evaluation of project progress to identify
Building Information Modeling (BIM) and real-time project potential delays early on, enabling timely interventions and
tracking systems, to improve project visibility, decision- adjustments to keep the project on track.
making, and proactive risk management.
Enhance Site Management and Planning: Focus on
Stakeholder Engagement Strategies: Explore innovative effective site management practices and strategic planning
approaches to enhance stakeholder engagement and to optimize resource allocation, streamline workflows, and
collaboration throughout the project lifecycle, aiming to ensure smooth project execution.
streamline communication, resolve conflicts, and align
project goals for improved project outcomes. Foster Stakeholder Collaboration: Promote close
coordination and collaboration among all project
Sustainable Construction Practices: Examine the stakeholders to facilitate communication, resolve issues
implementation of sustainable construction practices, promptly, and align efforts towards common project goals.
including green building materials, energy-efficient design
solutions, and environmentally friendly construction By implementing these recommendations, project teams can
methods, to minimize environmental impacts and promote proactively address delay factors, enhance project
long-term sustainability in infrastructure projects. efficiency, and improve overall project outcomes in the
Arberekete to Gelemso Asphalt Road Construction Project
Risk Management Frameworks: Develop comprehensive
risk management frameworks tailored to the construction

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7. References