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This paper seeks to propose measures to improve management of rainfall‐related disasters in Chile.

This research was carried out as a case study in the semi‐arid region of Chile where above‐normal rainy events occur once or twice during some rainy seasons. Measures to improve management are suggested based on theory, field data, and community participation. The method was based on a review of both the scientific literature and the local media; and a semi‐structured survey that was applied to local parties, including the population affected by past disasters. Also, some participatory activities (i.e. workshops) were organized in order to include the community opinions.

Results show that there have been significant advances during the last decade in Chile regarding disaster management. Yet, improvements need to be done at the local level in order to achieve a holistic, proactive and integrative management, including community participation and sharing responsibilities. A key element is increased coordination and cooperation.

Benefit the communities and public agencies associated with disaster management, through practical recommendations based on theoretical issues and findings derived from fieldwork.

This is one of the very few scientific research efforts done in Chile based on a case study that includes social aspects (e.g. community participation, social vulnerability) and disaster management.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate delay factors within private housing construction in Northern Ireland. Delays are inherent throughout the construction industry and create major difficulties in terms of project performance and client satisfaction. Whilst a voluminous body of international literature has investigated pertinent delay factors within construction projects, there is a relative paucity of research which offers a more delineated exploration of delay factors affecting private housing development schemes, particularly in the UK context.

This study applies questionnaire survey research to examine the relative importance of 75 delay attribute factors for housing construction projects in Northern Ireland. The approach applies both a relative rank and principal component analysis to distil the key factors impinging upon the delay process in housing construction.

The key finding from this research is that delays within the housing construction sector in Northern Ireland can be attributed to deficiencies in site management, ineffective communication strategies and a lack of coordination between key stakeholders involved in the construction process.

The study adds to the existing knowledge base and provides stakeholders with information on factors, which, if properly risk assessed and understood, can improve housing construction performance. The findings are of relevance to construction industry practitioners, policy makers and researchers with lessons learned serving as a basis for future policy development as well as affording an information platform for improving the efficiency and expediency of housing provision internationally.