Identifying and Analyzing Delays in Port Construction Projects

This research report investigates the multifaceted factors contributing to delays in port construction projects. The study begins with an introduction emphasizing the importance of ports in global trade and highlights the financial implications of project delays. A comprehensive problem statement identifies inadequate project monitoring, poor scheduling, and funding issues as primary causes. The research questions focus on identifying critical delay factors and effective project management tools. The objectives, framed using the SMART framework, aim to specifically identify, measure, and analyze the impacts of these factors, proposing achievable and relevant solutions within a defined timeframe. A thorough literature review synthesizes existing research, highlighting factors such as contractor performance, funding, and planning inadequacies. The methodology outlines the research philosophy (ontology and epistemology), research approach (structured), research design, and data analysis techniques to ensure credible findings. The report concludes with a detailed discussion of the research ethics. This report is a valuable resource for students studying project management and related fields, offering insights into the challenges and potential solutions for improving port construction projects.

Running head: REASONS FOR DELAYS IN PORT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Reasons for delays in port construction projects
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REASONS FOR DELAYS IN PORT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Table of Contents
Introduction..........................................................................................................................2
Problem statement...............................................................................................................2
Research question and objective..........................................................................................3
Research Questions..........................................................................................................3
Research Objectives.........................................................................................................4
Literature review..................................................................................................................5
Research methodology.........................................................................................................7
Research philosophy........................................................................................................7
Research approach...........................................................................................................7
Research design...............................................................................................................7
Research strategy.............................................................................................................8
Time horizon....................................................................................................................8
Data collection.................................................................................................................8
Data analysis....................................................................................................................9
Research ethics................................................................................................................9
Reference List....................................................................................................................11

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REASONS FOR DELAYS IN PORT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Introduction
The chief purpose of the proposed research is to assess the various factors which are
accountable for the delays caused in construction projects. The transport industry is a significant
factor in maintaining the trade of a country (Motter and Santos 2017). In the present context of
globalization, marine trade has become an essential aspect of a country. Import and export of
various good are conducted via marine trades, and it has become a critical aspect of many
countries. Ports are an essential aspect of marine transport, and a lot of countries have spent a lot
of money on making a perfect infrastructure for the ports of the country. In comparison to other
modes of transport, sea transport is comparatively low on cost. So it is quite natural that maritime
transport is a primary important transport system of goods. The position of ports is maintained in
such a way that it becomes more efficient and more comfortable for the carriers to transport
goods from one place to another (Notteboom 2011). However, there are certain circumstances
and problems which are faced during the construction of ports. These problems make it harder to
complete the construction of ports on time. The various delays in the construction of ports result
in the loss in international trade. It is imperative to assess the various elements which cause
delays in the construction of a port. In this research paper, a detailed analysis of the various
reasons due to which problems occur in the construction of ports will be explained.
Problem statement
There is the presence of many factors which contribute to the delays in the construction
project of ports. There is a proper lack of understanding of the various factors which causes
delays in the projects. Factors like inadequate monitoring of the construction projects, presence
of lousy schedule and timing of the various steps in the project, not using the available resources
properly, various changes in the cash flows as well as the failure of the associated bodies in

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funding the project on the schedule contribute to the delays in the construction projects
(TAKAHASHI, KASUGAI and FUKUDA 2014). For a construction project, it is imperative to
assess the schedule and work following it. Construction projects on ports is a huge responsibility
and a big project, every people associated with the project must ensure that they are doing their
part rightly so that the plan is going to be finished on time. Delays in the project cause not only
trade loss for a country but also the country falls behind than others in the aspect of
globalization. The involvement of contractors, shareholders, human resource management and
many other factors are essential in completing a project on time (Shirowzhan, Shanaki, Sebt, and
Toosi 2016). Most of the time, it have been seen that there is an absence of adequate knowledge
in the contractors in completing the projects on time. There is an absence of availability of the
required resources on time. In this research paper, the lack of understanding of the issues stated
for the postponement in construction projects of ports will be discussed.
Research question and objective
Research Questions
The following are the research questions for the research paper:
1) What are the critical factors causing delays in construction projects in Ports?
2) What are the appropriate tools and techniques in project management that could be used to
manage delays in construction projects in Ports?
The various factors which are causing interruptions in the construction project work in
ports around the world will be addressed in this research. It is imperative to assess the various
factors causing delays so that they can are removed and the construction project world can be
improved suitably. The various tools and the techniques which can be applied and used in the

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REASONS FOR DELAYS IN PORT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
construction project so that the various delays in the construction project can be removed will be
found out in this research paper. The recommendation for the improvement of the construction
projects in the ports will be given, and the various ways by the help of which the problems in the
construction can be eradicated will also be explained in a detailed manner. Clear identification of
the various factors leading to the delays is the main question of the research paper along with this
the identification of the ways by the help of which this problem can be solved will also be
explained in the research paper.
Research Objectives
The research objectives of this research paper will be explained by the help of SMART
objectives:
 Specific: To identify the various factors which are leading to the delays in the projects of
construction in ports will be found out in this research paper. The major factors which are
responsible for the decline in the progress of projects will be identified along with the
various personals who are responsible for the delays will also be identified in the paper.
 Measurable: To examine the impacts of the various factors which are identified will be
measured so that a specific solution regarding the problems will be assessed and
improved.
 Achievable: To analyze the various changes which can be brought about in the
construction projects in the ports will be explained in the research paper. The various
techniques that need to be implemented and the usage of the various tools which are
needed for the improvement in the scheduling of the projects will be explained in the
report.

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 Relevant: To understand the various process by the aid of which the identified tools and
techniques will be implemented in the construction projects will be explained in the
research paper. The specific ways in which the identified elements will be implemented
and the person responsible for the implementation of the tolls will also be explained in
the report.
 Time-bound: To understand the specific time to be set for the implementation of the
various identified tools and techniques for the improvement of the delays in the
construction projects in the ports. This step will be beneficial for future construction
projects and will be very helpful in avoiding the time loss in the construction projects of
the various ports.
Literature review
According to Fujita et al. (2014), it has been seen that the contractors, engineers and the
workers who are associated with a construction project in ports agree with the presence of delay
in initial schedule of the project. It have been found out by Adugna (2015), 30 to 35 % of the
construction project are completed on the scheduled time and the remaining are delayed due to
certain factors. The stakeholders who are associated with the construction projects in the port
needs to be aware of the various factors that are influencing the various delays in the
construction industry. It have been observed by Shrivas and Singla (2018), the location of a port
or the time during which the construction project is being carried on rather it depends on the
grade of the contractor of the project. The employer of the construction project along with the
consultants hold the contractor responsible for the various delays which are caused in the
construction projects of the port. In accordance to Boter (2017), it have been seen that the factor
which affect the construction of a project can be divided into two factors namely the various

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partners who are associated with the project and the external factors. With the absence of timely
delivery of the various resources needed for the construction project, the projects are delayed by
a huge margin. In the present context of business it can be said that if the resources which are
needed for a project are not delivered in time then it becomes hard for the contractor to keep a
smooth flow in the project, With the implementation of better supply of resources by the partners
who are associated with the projects it becomes easier for the contractor as well as the workers to
continue with the work and deliver their work on time.
According to Gonzalez, González, Molenaar and Orozco (2014) it can be said that the
adequate transfer of funds acts a major factor for the conduction of the projects on time. The
employer of the construction project are responsible for the transfer of funds. With the lack of
proper funding on time it becomes very hard for the construction project to be conducted within
the time frame. Lack of favorable quality have also been identified as one of the major aspect
which is needed for the success of a port construction project and completion of it on time. When
a certain project is delayed then it costs a lot to speed up the project and bring it back on track on
the schedule. The various delays in the construction project which might happen due to the
employer are financial problems during the ongoing operation of a construction project, the
issues which are faced in managing the materials. There are also certain problems like shortage
of human resources for a project. For a project to be conducted within the scheduled time it is
very important that there are presence of ample number of workers so that the work can be
completed on time.
According to Shirowzhan, Shanaki, Sebt and Toosi (2016), poor planning which are done
by the contractors leads to the delay of the construction projects. Most of the time it have been
seen that the contractor are not fully aware of the project they are going to conduct and they do

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REASONS FOR DELAYS IN PORT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
not have the idea about the various process by the aid of which the construction project can be
conducted on time. The site management which are done by the contractors are not enough to
finish the project on time and the experience of the contractors plays a chief role in this aspect. If
the contractors of the projects are not adequately trained and the do not have the experiences
about the various steps which need to be taken and the various process which needs to be
followed when certain problems arises during a project then it becomes hard for them to finish
the project on time. Some of the major problems which can happen due to the delays in the
construction projects in the ports are conflict resolution, increased costs, possible total
resignation of the project and even litigation.
Research methodology
Research philosophy
To do a proper analysis and to develop a study properly research philosophy is important.
For the conduction of this research paper it is important to assess the two types of research
philosophy which are ontology and epistemology. Both these process will be used for the
conduction of this research paper to have a vivid description of the various problems which are
causing delay in the construction projects in port. Ontology can be defined as the philosophical
field that will be revolving around the nature of the study and epistemology will be discussing
about the knowledge gained from the study Saunders, Lewis, Thornhill and Bristow (2015).
Research approach
A structured research approach will be selected for the conduction of this research paper.
A selection of proper research design will be selected keeping in mind the topic of the research.
A proper ethical format will be followed along with genuine data so that a proper outcome from
the research paper will be achieved.

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REASONS FOR DELAYS IN PORT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Research design
For performing a research it is very significant to understand the various kinds of
research designs which are best for the outcome of the research. According to Abbasi, Sarker and
Chiang (2016), the three kinds of research designs are explanatory, descriptive and exploratory.
With the help of a research design it evaluation and proper understanding of a paper is
conducted. Descriptive approach to research paper helps in understanding the design process of
the paper, exploratory approach helps in understanding the initial stages of the research. For the
conduction of this research paper the usage of explanatory research design will be used as it
helps in understanding the link between the dependent and independent variable.
Research strategy
For the conduction of this research paper secondary data collection will be conducted.
The various articles which will be related to the various problems causing delays in the
construction projects of ports will be selected. The various other articles which will not be
related to the research topic will be deleted. A proper timeline will be set for the conduction of
the research and the time schedule will be followed for the completion of the research paper.
After the collection of the data from the reliable sources the data analysis will be done to get a
better understanding on the topic. Research ethics will be followed to ensure that the research is
being conducted in a proper way and the result which will be achieved at the end of the research
paper will be correct.
Time horizon
Research
activities
Time in weeks
Literature
review
0-2 weeks
Data collection 3-6 weeks

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REASONS FOR DELAYS IN PORT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Data analysis 7-8 weeks
Final business 9-10 weeks
Data collection
Primary and secondary are the two kinds of data collection method. The data collection
by primary method is done by the help of surveys and interviews. Data collection by secondary
method is the process by the help of which the data which is collected from the journals and
articles from the internet. Secondary data collection gives the scope of gathering information
from a plethora of articles and journals. For the conduction of this research paper the data will be
collected from sources such as articles and journals.
Data analysis
The data which will be composed from the articles and journals are will be related to the
various problems which are faced by the construction projects in ports. The information which
will be collected from the wide range of articles and journals will be converted in graphs and
charts so that a better understanding of the problem will be done Treiman (2014). The qualitative
data which will be
composed for the research paper will be undertaken under the thematic approach. Among
all the articles which will be selected initially, the articles which will be related to the problems
faced by the construction projects in the ports will be selected for the collection of data and the
remaining papers will be rejected.
Research ethics
In accordance to Ryen (2016), it can be said that during the conduction of a research the
data which will be composed from the secondary bases such as journals and articles will be

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genuine. The data which will be composed for the research paper must be genuine so that the
conclusion which will be drawn from the research paper will be accurate. According to Mockler
(2014), the data which will be collected from the journals and articles will not be changed so that
the ethical standards will be maintained. During the conduction of the research the ethical
standards will be shadowed by the researcher. During the conduction of the investigation it will
also be ensured that there is no conduction of plagiarism as it will be going against the ethics of a
research paper.

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Reference List
Abbasi, A., Sarker, S. and Chiang, R.H., 2016. Big data research in information systems: Toward
an inclusive research agenda. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 17(2), p.3.
Adugna, N.T., 2015. A study of causes of delay and cost overrun in office construction projects
in the eThekwini Municipal Area, South Africa (Doctoral dissertation).
Boter, B., 2017. A Study of Causes of delay in Construction Projects: Case Study of Modjo Dry
Port Construction Project (Doctoral dissertation, Addis Ababa University).
Fujita, T., Yoshizuka, Y., Kaneda, T., Fudo, M. and Date, S., 2014. Features and Problems of
Function Conservation Project in Fishing Port Facilities. International Journal of Engineering
and Technology, 6(5), p.409.
Gonzalez, P., González, V., Molenaar, K. and Orozco, F., 2014. Analysis of causes of delay and
time performance in construction projects. Journal of construction engineering and management,
140(1), p.04013027.
Mockler, N., 2014. When ‘research ethics’ become ‘everyday ethics’: The intersection of inquiry
and practice in practitioner research. Educational Action Research, 22(2), pp.146-158.
Motter, A.A. and Santos, M., 2017. The importance of communication for the maintenance of
health and safety in work operations in ports. Safety science, 96, pp.117-120.
Notteboom, T. ed., 2011. Current issues in shipping, ports and logistics. Asp/Vubpress/Upa.
Ryen, A., 2016. Research ethics and qualitative research. Qualitative research, pp.31-48.