Abstract

Construction delay considered as one of the most recurring problems in the implementation of construction projects. It is widely known to have an adverse impact on project success in terms of time, quality, and cost. The effect of construction delay is not only confined to the construction industry but also its influence on the overall economy of a country like Ethiopia. This research was conducted to assess the causes of excessive delays in the completion of road projects during the construction phase due to the failures of Employer, Consultant, and Contractor in Addis Ababa City Road Authority projects. Spearman rank correlation coefficient from the Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis was used to test the agreement between different groups of respondents who participated in the questionnaire survey and to rank the three construction parties according to their responsibility area and importance as perceived by the respondents which factor causing the delay of road projects. This research identified sixty-five (65) causes of delay. There were fifty-one (51) valid questionnaires received back from Contractors, Consultants, and Employer (AACRA). Based on the results, the contractors have the highest percentage of responsibility area that causes the delay of about 40%. While the second was on the part of the Employer, which comprised 26.15%, and the consultant which placed third of 23.08%. On the other hand, there were 10.77% of the respondents attested that the Shared groups (3-parties) have the responsibility area which causes project delay during the implementation phase. About this, the research study identified and ranked the top ten factors causing delays of construction projects in Addis Ababa City Road Authority. Poor financial control of the project ranked 1st with Relative Importance Index (RII) of 0.905. Difficulties in financing projects by contractors ranked 2nd with the Relative Importance Index (RII) of 0.854. Type of project bidding and award (lowest bidder) ranked 3rd with an RII of 0.850. Poor site management and supervision of contractors ranked 4th with an RII of 0.839. Selecting inappropriate contractors ranked 5th with an RII of 0.823. Lack of high-technology mechanical equipment ranked 6th with an RII of 0.819. Inaccurate initial project scope estimate and Ineffective project scheduling ranked 7th and 8th with an RII of 0.803. Weak control of the project progress ranked 9th with an RII of 0.788. And the Contractor’s staff is not adequately trained in professional construction management techniques ranked 10th with an RII of 0.784. Therefore, it concluded that the main party Contractor did not perform properly his duties and obligations leading to the main contributory factor causing the failure of the project. 

Abstract

Proper completion of a public building construction project is dependent on the effectiveness of the construction supervision. However, it has become increasingly difficult to finish construction projects within the specified time, budget, and quality standards due to poor supervision practices. Approaches such as quantitative and qualitative research and descriptive research types were used in this study. Questionnaires survey were issued to 104 respondents, with 11 representing clients, 22 representing consultants, and 71 representing contractors. There were 33 factors identified, which were then divided into seven groups for further analysis. It was discovered that the top-ranked factors that influence construction supervision practice are: supervisors' lack of skills and experience, incompleteness and consistency in the design, lack of appropriate decision making, location of the project, material and equipment costs, a lack of construction materials supply, and effect of weather conditions. The Relative Importance Index was calculated to determine whether or not the parties agreed on the factors and ranked them according to their importance. Most respondents suggested that supervisors should receive proper training, and comprehensive and detailed drawings should be provided on time. In addition, it was discovered that the top three essential group elements affecting supervision practice of the public building project are supervisory, design, and management-related aspects.