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Identifying the Most Effective Delaying Factors Using FCEM-AHP: A Case Study of Pakistan’s Construction Industry

Author

Listed:
  • Safi Ullah

    (Southeast University, Jiulonghu Campus
    Department of Construction Management, Global Banking School (Bath Spa University))

  • Muhammad Siddiq

    (Southeast University, Jiulonghu Campus)

  • Deng Xiaopeng

    (Southeast University, Jiulonghu Campus
    Southeast University)

  • Sun Jun

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Diana R. Anbar

    (Southeast University, Jiulonghu Campus)

  • Chiemela Victor Amaechi

    (Department of Construction Management, Global Banking School (Bath Spa University)
    Lancaster University, Bailring
    Institute of Sustainable Energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Jalan IKRAM-UNITEN)

  • Muhammad Waqas Ashraf

    (Southeast University, Jiulonghu Campus)

Abstract

This article seeks to identify the most recurrent and significant delay factors during all phases of construction in Pakistan and to evaluate the top effective delay factors in a case study project. Two research approaches were employed to gain the objective of the study. A questionnaire was designed comprised of 42 delaying factors that were grouped into six categories based on their relativity to the consultant, contractor, client, project manager, financial, and external group. Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to rank the delaying factors. A hybrid of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method-analytical hierarchy process (FCEM-AHP) was utilized to evaluate the significance of top-ranked delaying factors in the case study project. The findings of the study show that factors from consultants, clients, and external groups such as improper project feasibility study, poor design, unreasonable constraints to clients, financial difficulties, political benefits, and political involvement were considered the most significant delaying factors in the construction industry of Pakistan. This is the first study wherein identified delay factors are further evaluated in a case study project to validate the findings of the study. The study also provides conceivable recommendations to both local and foreign construction firms engaged in Pakistan that could be attained to reduce the impact of delays in construction projects.

Suggested Citation

  • Safi Ullah & Muhammad Siddiq & Deng Xiaopeng & Sun Jun & Diana R. Anbar & Chiemela Victor Amaechi & Muhammad Waqas Ashraf, 2025. "Identifying the Most Effective Delaying Factors Using FCEM-AHP: A Case Study of Pakistan’s Construction Industry," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 16(3), pages 13589-13623, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jknowl:v:16:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s13132-024-02464-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s13132-024-02464-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zaher Mundher Yaseen & Zainab Hasan Ali & Sinan Q. Salih & Nadhir Al-Ansari, 2020. "Prediction of Risk Delay in Construction Projects Using a Hybrid Artificial Intelligence Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-14, February.
    2. Arshi Shakeel Faridi & Sameh Monir El-Sayegh, 2006. "Significant factors causing delay in the UAE construction industry," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(11), pages 1167-1176.
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