RANKING THE PERCEIVED CAUSE AND RISK LEVELS FOR CONSTRUCTION DELAYS IN TRINIDAD

摘要

This research seeks to evaluate the factors responsible for delays in Trinidad's construction sector. The causes of delays were identified and ranked based on the frequency of occurrence and the level of severity. Additional works, inaccurate estimates and poor time management, changes in design, and financial difficulties by the contractor were ranked the top four risk 'affinity' variables with a risk ranked index (RRI) greater than 0.33. Conversely, unforeseen site conditions, shortage of materials, slow inspection of completed works and unsuitable methods of construction were the most risk 'averse' with a RRI of less than 0.17. When all the delay variables were evaluated using the Spearman's Rank Coefficient, the frequency of occurrence was positively correlated to their severity of impact is a fairly good agreement among the contractor, consultant and client with respect to the ranking of the delay variables. The lowest degree of agreement was found between the client and the consultant. Three factors primarily responsible for delays in Trinidad were extracted using principal component factor analysis. These factors were: financial capabilities of stakeholders, incompetency of project team, and poor project management. ANOVA test revealed a significant difference between the construction parties and principal factor 1.