Common Delay Analysis Methods and Factors Influencing Selection in UAE

This dissertation, submitted for an MSc in Project Management, investigates common delay analysis methods used in construction projects within the UAE. It examines the various methodologies employed, including Global Impact, Net Impact, As-planned vs. as-built, and Windows Analysis, among others. The research explores factors influencing the selection of these methods, such as project complexity, the experience of the delay analyst, client attitudes, and the availability of time and resources. The study incorporates a literature review, a conceptual model, expert interviews, and case study analysis to investigate current practices and perceived effectiveness. The findings highlight the Windows Analysis method as a generally accepted approach in the UAE, while also emphasizing the subjective nature of method selection based on project-specific factors. The dissertation provides valuable insights for project managers and delay analysts in the construction industry, offering a comprehensive overview of delay analysis techniques and their practical application.

MSc in Project Management - Dissertation
ID:
129976
Common Delay Analysis Methods and
Factors Influencing the Selection of Such
Methods in Construction Projects in UAE
By
Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the
degree of MSc in Project Management
Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
Dissertation Supervisor
June-2015
Common Delay Analysis Methods and Factors Influencing the Selection of Such Methods in Construction Projects In UAE
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MSc in Project Management - Dissertation
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DISSERTATION RELEASE FORM
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Title
Common Delay Analysis Methods and Factors Influencing the Selection of
Such Methods in Construction Projects In UAE
I warrant that the content of this dissertation is the direct result of my own work and that any use
made in it of published or unpublished copyright material falls within the limits permitted by
international copyright conventions.
I understand that one copy of my dissertation will be deposited in the University Library for
permanent retention.
I hereby agree that the material mentioned above for which I am author and copyright holder may
be copied and distributed by The University in abu dhabi for the purposes of research, private
study or education and that The University in abu dhabi may recover from purchasers the costs
incurred in such copying and distribution, where appropriate.
I understand that The University in abu dhabi may make that copy available in digital format if
appropriate.
I understand that I may apply to the University to retain the right to withhold or to restrict access
to my dissertation for a period which shall not normally exceed four calendar years from the
congregation at which the degree is conferred, the length of the period to be specified in the
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MSc in Project Management - Dissertation
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Abstract
Delays are one of the common issues faced in construction projects. While some cases might be
easy to analyse, most of the cases are complex and difficult. In the past century, various delay
analysis methods have been developed and used in the construction industry for the purpose of
analysing the delay, their effects and the liability for their consequences.
With projects varying in nature and complexity and with multiple types of delay analysis
methodologies, conflicts started arising in projects over which delay analysis method should be
used and why. This dissertation examines the common used delay analysis methods in the UAE
and the factors that would influence the decision as to the appropriate delay analysis method
adopted by Contractors.
A conceptual model has been developed after reviewing the available literature on the subject. The
model summarizes the common acceptable delay analysis methodologies along with the common
factors influencing the selection of such methodologies. The conceptual model has been further
enhanced through interviewing three delay analysis experts that have been involved in projects in
the gulf region in the past ten years. An investigation has been carried out in the local market
through analysing the data of five case studies and interviewing the relevant planners and delay
analysts to investigate current practices and perceived effectiveness of the adopted methods.
The main finding of the research is that there is some sort of agreement on the general acceptable
framework of performing delay analysis by Contractors. A clear set of factors for the selection of
the delay analysis methods has been identified. The main identified factors were the attitude of the
Clients, experience of the delay analyst, complexity of the project, time of performing the
analysis, and the available time and cost for performing the analysis. The overall conclusion of the
research was that the windows analysis method is generally considered as the most reliable and
acceptable method in UAE. However, no generalization can be made in terms of the most
appropriate delay analysis methodologies as this remains a discrete subjective decision of the
delay analyst based on his view of the considered factors in each project.
Keywords: Delay Analysis, Extension of Time, Claims, Construction, acceleration, disruption,
concurrent delay, Windows Analysis.
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الملخص
.التأخير ھو احدى القضايا المشتركة التي تواجھھا مشاريع البناء في حين أن بعض الحاالت قد يكون من السھل
.تحليل التأخيرات، فإن معظم الحاالت معقدة وصعبة في القرن الماضي، قد وضعت أساليب مختلفة لتحليل
.التأخير في صناعة البناء والتشييد لغرض تحليل التأخير، واآلثار، والمسؤولية عن نتائجه
مع مشاريع مختلفة في الطبيعة والتعقيد ومع أنواع متعددة من منھجيات تحليل التأخير، بدأت الصراعات الناشئة
.في المشاريع على أسلوب التحليل الذي ينبغي أن يستخدم والسبب في ذلك تبحث ھذه األطروحة في األدبيات
.المتوفرة حول موضوع أساليب تحليل التأخير والعوامل التي تؤثر على اختيار مثل ھذه األساليب تبحث ھذه
األطروحة الطرق الشائعة المستخدمة لتحليل تأخيرات المشاريع االنشائية في دولة اإلمارات العربية المتحدة
.والعوامل التي من شأنھا أن تؤثر على االختيار ألسلوب التحليل المناسب الذي يعتمده المقاولون
.وقد تم تطوير نموذج مفاھيمي بعد مراجعة األدبيات المتوفرة حول ھذا الموضوع ويلخص النموذج المنھجيات
.المقبولة لتحليل التأخير جنبا إلى جنب مع العوامل التي تؤثر على اختيار مثل ھذه المنھجيات وقد تم تعزيز النموذج
المفاھيمي أكثر من خالل إجراء مقابالت مع ثالثة خبراء في تحليل التأخير في مشاريع في منطقة الخليج في
.السنوات العشر الماضية كان قد تم إجراء تحقيق في السوق المحلي من خالل تحليل بيانات من خمس دراسات
.وإجراء مقابالت مع المخططين المختصين والمحللين للتحقيق في الممارسات الحالية وفعالية الطرق المعتمدة
.النتائج الرئيسية للبحث ھي أن ھناك نوع من االتفاق على إطار مقبول إلجراء تحليل التأخير من قبل المقاولين تم
.التعرف على مجموعة واضحة من العوامل الختيار أساليب تحليل التأخير وكانت العوامل الرئيسية التي تم تحديدھا
.ھي موقف العمالء، تعقيد المشروع ، وقت أداء التحليل، والوقت المتاح والتكلفة ألداء التحليل وكان االستنتاج
العام من البحث أن أسلوب تحليل النوافذ يعتبر عموما األسلوب األكثر موثوقية وقبول في دولة اإلمارات العربية
.المتحدة ومع ذلك، ال يمكن إجراء أي تعميم من حيث أنسب منھجيات تحليل التأخير ألن ھذا يبقى قرار ذاتي محدد
.من المحلل بناء على وجھة نظره من العوامل في كل مشروع
الكلمات الدالة:.تحليل التأخير، وتمديد الوقت والمطالبات، البناء، التسارع، والتعطل أو التأخيرات المتزامنة
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Acknowledgements
I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Professor Mohammed Dulaimi,
my supervisor in this dissertation for his constant support and assistance during my studies in the
University in abu dhabi, without-which I may not have reached this point. I also acknowledge the
help and support of all the faculty of University of abu dhabi and all the people that helped me
while completing my post-graduate studies.
I moreover extended my gratitude to my employer for its endless support and understanding
during the period of my part time studies. The fact is that completing the studies has proven to be
easier just because of the experience that I’ve gained through working in my employer’s projects.
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Dedication
I dedicate my dissertation work to my beloved
wife Deema for her constant support, patience
and love and to my daughter Julia for being the
cause of my happiness. I also extend this
dedication, with a special sensation of
gratefulness, to my loving parents, Fawwaz
and Qamar Abdelhadi for their continuous
guidance and motivation.
I also pass my sincere thankfulness to my
family and friends; particularly to my brother
Abdelaziz, sisters Abeda and Asma and cousin
Sadiq Jarrar.

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Table of Contents
Abstract..................................................................................................................................................................3
Acknowledgements................................................................................................................................................5
Dedication...............................................................................................................................................................6
List of Figures.......................................................................................................................................................10
List of Tables........................................................................................................................................................11
Abbreviations.......................................................................................................................................................12
CHAPTER ONE–INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................13
1.1 Background and Statement of the Problem...................................................................................13
1.2 Aims and Objectives...........................................................................................................................14
1.3 Scope of the Research.........................................................................................................................14
1.4 Research Structure.............................................................................................................................15
CHAPTER TWO – LITERATURE REVIEW..............................................................................................17
2.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................................................17
2.2 Some Delay Related Terminologies.................................................................................................17
2.2.1 Critical Path Method (‘CPM’) and Project Float.................................................................17
2.2.2 Delays in Construction Projects...............................................................................................18
2.2.3 Causes of Delay and Effects......................................................................................................19
2.2.4 Extension of Time (EoT)...........................................................................................................20
2.2.5 Acceleration and Mitigation.....................................................................................................20
2.2.6 Disruption....................................................................................................................................20
2.2.7 Concurrent Delays......................................................................................................................21
2.2.8 Forward and Backward Path Calculations Methods...........................................................21
2.2.9 Complex and Simple Methods.................................................................................................22
2.2.10 High and Low Level of Detail...................................................................................................23
2.3 Delay Analysis Methodologies (DAM)............................................................................................23
2.3.1 Global Impact Technique..........................................................................................................23
2.3.2 Net Impact Technique...............................................................................................................24
2.3.3 As-planned vs. as-built schedule analysis...............................................................................25
2.3.4 Impacted as-planned schedule analysis..................................................................................26
2.3.5 Collapsed/ ‘But for’ as-built schedule analysis.....................................................................27
2.3.6 Windows/ Time impact analysis (TIA)...................................................................................29
2.3.7 Total float management/ Float Mapping................................................................................34
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