Factors influencing the construction time of civil engineering projects in Malaysia

Abstract

Purpose

The objectives of this paper are to determine the current level of construction time performance of public sector projects; and to identify variables related to project characteristics and variables associated with excusable delay that have significant effects on the construction time performance of public sector civil engineering projects in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a quantitative approach. Original contract duration and actual contract duration of 244 projects were collected from project files to assess current level of CTP. Variables related to project characteristics and excusable delays were then regressed against time performance index using multiple regression analysis to identify variables that had significant relationships with construction time performance.

Findings

The construction time performance of the public projects in Malaysia was found to be affected more by variables related to excusable delays than project characteristic variables.

Research limitations/implications

This study is focused on public sector civil engineering projects limited to irrigation and drainage, road and sewerage projects where building was not included.

Practical implications

Excusable delays were found to be common causes of delay in significant numbers of public projects.

Originality/value

The variables that were found to be significant should be given attention by planners and designers in order to minimize the occurrence of delay in public projects.

Citation

Anuar Othman, A., Victor Torrance, J. and Hamid, M.A. (2006), "Factors influencing the construction time of civil engineering projects in Malaysia", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 13 No. 5, pp. 481-501. https://doi.org/10.1108/09699980610690756