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Delay Analysis in Construction and Project Planning and Scheduling Using Primavera P6: A Review

Mr. F.M. Saiyad

, Dr. J. M. Shinde

1 P.G. Student of M.Tech, Dept. of Civil-Construction and Management, Ashokrao Mane Group of Institutions Vathar, Tarf Vadgaon, Dist-Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

2 P. G. Project Guide, Head of Department, Department of Civil Engineering, Ashokrao Mane Group of Institutions Vathar, Tarf Vadgaon, Dist-Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

Abstract - The paper aims on reviewing the journals which are based on delay analysis in construction industry and Planning and scheduling of projects by Primavera P6.Total15 journals were studied. The most of the journals were based on delay analysis in construction projects. The main purpose of the paper is to review various journals and find out the best suited method used for delay analysis and the software use for Planning and Scheduling of the various projects also some methods that are used for the various delay analysis. Delaysin construction projects are a recurring challenge, often leading to significant setbacks in terms of time, cost, and quality. As the construction sector serves as a major driver of both rural and urban infrastructure development, inefficiencies within this industry can hinder broader economic progress. This research contributes by presenting a concise analysis of the principal causes behind cost overruns inconstructionprojects. By identifying these underlying issues, stakeholders can take informed steps to address them and minimize their impact. The study is particularlyaimedatassistingprofessionalsinthe public construction sector to adopt proactive measures for reducing delays and ensuring timely project completion. The construction industry plays a vital role in national development but frequently faces project delays, leading to cost overruns and reduced quality. Thisstudy identifiesthekey causes of such delays and their financial impact. It highlights the importance of consistent funding, skilled financial management, and timely progress payments to ensureproject continuity. By addressing these challenges, stakeholders especially in public sector projectscanimplementstrategiesto minimize delays and enhance overall project performance.

Key Words: Primavera P6, Delay analysis, Stakeholders, Cost over , Scheduling , etc

1.INTRODUCTION

Mostoftheresearchstudieshaveutilizedstatisticalmethods andquestionnairesurveystoidentifytheprimarycausesof construction delays. The Relative Importance Index (RII) was commonly applied for survey analysis, while some researchersalsoemployedSPSSsoftwarefordelayanalysis andPrimaveraforachievingeffectiveprojectmanagement results (Aravindhan et al., 2023). Using pre-structured questionnairesandstatisticaltechniques,conclusionswere

drawn regardingspecific causesofdelays (Sharmila et al., 2024).

As construction projects become increasingly large and complex, efficient communication and timely information exchange become more challenging. At the core of any successfulconstructionprojectlietheprinciplesofproper planning and development. The three critical parameters thatinfluenceprojectoutcomesaretime,cost,andquality. Delayscanadverselyaffectoneormoreoftheseelements. Improperexecutionandinadequateriskassessmentfurther worsenthesituation.

ModernprojectmanagementtoolssuchasPrimaveraP6are highly effective in enabling detailed planning, scheduling, and monitoring of construction activities. The software assists in estimating the start and finish times of various tasks,therebyminimizingpotentialdelays.Moreover,risk anddelayanalysiscanbeenhancedbyintegratingfeedback obtained through structured questionnaires into the planningprocess.

Several studies have focused on the application of Delay Analysis Methods (DAMs), such as the SCL Protocol and AACEInternationalRecommendedPractices.Thesestudies recommend integrating such tools into contractual frameworkstoensurefairandaccurateExtensionsofTime (EOT)(RatheeandKabre,2018).Primaverawasalsousedto compare planned versus actual schedules, revealing the importance of proactive delay management during the construction phase. The study further emphasized developing strategies to mitigate risks throughout the projectlifecycle(MateandHinge,2015).

Variousjournalshavediscussedtheuseofsoftwaretoolsfor time management, such as scheduling with Primavera P6. TechniqueslikeTimeImpactAnalysis(TIA)havebeenused byprojectmanagersformoreaccuratedelayassessments. Severalresearchersidentifiedthatcriticaldelayfactorsoften stemfrompoorplanningandscheduling,aswellasexternal influencesandfinancialconstraints.Delayscausedbysuch factors frequently lead to cost overruns and project inefficiencies.

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 12 Issue: 07 | Jul 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Therefore, effective delay analysis and proper time managementarecrucialtoreducingfinanciallossesinfuture projects.PrimaveraP6playsavitalroleinmanagingday-today and weekly schedules, allowing for continuous monitoring and control. The software has been widely reviewed inacademicliteratureasa reliabletool for realtime project tracking, often in combination with questionnairesurveysandperformancemonitoring.

1.1 Questionnaire surveys

Theobjectiveofthisstudyistocriticallyevaluateprevious researchinordertoidentifythekeyfactorscontributingto time delays and cost overruns in ongoing construction projects.Projectdelaysoftenresultineitherextensionsor accelerated work schedules, both of which typically incur additionalcosts.Todevelopacomprehensiveunderstanding of these challenges, relevant studies from various regions acrosstheglobehavebeenreviewedandsynthesized.

Researchers have categorized and analyzed the causes of delays and overruns from different perspectives, emphasizingspecificareasforin-depthexamination.Time andcostoverrunsinconstructionareattributedtoawide rangeofinterrelatedfactors.Inrecentyears,therehasbeen a marked increase in projects experiencing significant delays, often exceeding both their original timelines and budgetaryallocations.

Most of the findings in the reviewed literature have been derived through the analysis of structured questionnaire surveys.Theseinstrumentsweredesignedtoevaluatethe frequency of occurrence, severity of impact, and overall significanceofeachidentifiedcause.

1.2 Primavera P6

smodernconstructionprojectscontinuetoexpandinscale and complexity, the industry is increasingly turning to advancedsoftwaresolutionstoenhanceproductivity,meet stringentdeadlines,andoptimizeresourceutilization.One suchwidelyadoptedtoolis Primavera P6,arobustproject managementsoftwaredevelopedbyOracle.Renownedfor its capability to handle large-scale, multi-project environments, Primavera P6 can manage up to 100,000 activities while effectively tracking resources, costs, and projecttimelines.Itprovidesacomprehensiveframework for planning, scheduling, monitoring, and controlling all phases of construction projects. By enabling more precise and efficient project management, Primavera P6 helps preventdelaysthattypicallyarisefromimproperplanning andscheduling.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

1. Sharmila et al. (2024) conducted an extensive investigationintothecausesofdelaysinconstruction projects.Theirstudyhighlightskeyissuesinproject

planningandschedulingthatoftencontributetotime overruns.Usingprestructuredquestionnairesurveys andstatisticaltechniques,theauthorsanalyzedonsite conditions to identify critical delay factors and suggestedthatproperassessmentoftheseelements iscrucialforeffectiveprojectmanagement.

2. Aravindhan et al. (2023) exploreddelayanalysis usingPrimaveraandSPSSsoftwaretools.Thestudy emphasized that time management plays a pivotal roleinconstruction,equatingtimesavingswithcost savings. Using the Relative Importance Index (RII), the authors prioritized various risk factors influencing schedule delays and evaluated their significance,therebyofferinginsightsintoimproving projecttimelines.

3. Amin Sherif et al. (2023) categorized delay occurrences into three major project phases: mobilization, construction, and closeout. They reviewed several delay analysis techniques and identified Time Impact Analysis (TIA) as the most effective method. TIA’s forward-looking approach allows project managers to better predict and mitigatetheimpactofdelays basedontheirtiming andcontext.

4. Zayyanu Mohammed et al. (2022) presented a systematicliteraturereviewencompassing51peerreviewed journal articles. The research classified studies by geography, methodology, and thematic focus, revealing that Asia contributed the most literatureonthistopic.Theauthorscalledattention togapsincurrentresearchandemphasizedtheneed forimprovedmethodologiestoaddressdelaycauses morecomprehensively.

5. Dixit and Kudari et al. (2021) addressed delay issues prevalent in the construction industry over severaldecades.Theyadvocatedforenhancedproject andtechnicalmanagement,aswellastheintegration of modern technologies. Their study involved a survey-basedassessment,categorizingdelayfactors into seven groups and comparing them based on impactseverity.

6. Paray and Kumar et al. (2021) identified46delay causesfromathoroughliteraturereview,narrowing down to five highly severe ones. Their findings underscoretheimportanceofearlyidentificationand prioritizationofcriticaldelayfactorsthatnegatively influenceprojectperformance.

7. Majnoor and Joy et al. (2020) focusedontwocase studies a healthcare facility and an infrastructure project. Their study stressed the importance of efficient planning and scheduling to reduce costs, avoid disputes, and maintain workflow continuity.

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 12 Issue: 07 | Jul 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

They highlighted the need for technological and human resource improvements in today’s competitiveconstructionenvironment

8. Jayawant and Kudari et al. (2020) performedan in-depthsurveyinvolvingexperiencedprofessionals touncovertheprimarydelayfactorsinconstruction. By employing the RII method, they quantified the impactofeachcauseandprovidedstrategicinsights forprojectmanagersaimingtominimizedelaysand costoverruns.

9. Tosniwal et al. (2018) examined the effects of delays on cost and schedule performance. The researchidentifiedmajorcontributorssuchaspoor planning,laborshortages,andprocurementdelays. Data from experienced engineers helped validate these findings, reinforcing the need for better resourceandschedulemanagement.

10. Rathee and Kabre et al. (2018) focusedondelay analysis methods (DAMs) used in the Indian construction industry. They observed a limited applicationofformalDAMsliketheSCLProtocoland AACEstandards.Thestudyrecommendedintegrating thesetoolsintocontractualframeworkstoensurefair andaccurateextensionsoftime(EOT).

11. Upadhyay, Gupta, and Pandey et al. (2016) emphasized the importance of experienced contractors and design teams in preventing delays. Their Gwalior-based case study illustrated how mismanagement in planning, scheduling, and subcontractor coordination can adversely affect projectdelivery.

12. Meena and Babu et al. (2015) found recurring delay causes such as labor shortages, external disruptions, and financial issues. Their analysis revealed that contractors contribute most significantly to delays, followed by clients and consultants. The study highlighted resource allocationasakeyareaforscheduleoptimization.

13. Varghese and Varghese et al. (2015) conducteda surveyinCochintoidentifythemostcommondelay factors.TheyemployedtheFrequencyIndextorank causes,enablingprojectteamstofocusonmitigating thetoptendelaydriversidentifiedinthestudy.

14. Mate and Hinge et al. (2015) usedPrimavera to compareplannedandactualschedules.Theyfound that delays often stemmed from indecisive management during construction. The study recommended that mitigation strategies be developed collaboratively by all stakeholders to reducerisksduringtheprojectlifecycle.

15. Kolhe et al. (2014) analyzed time and cost overruns in residential projects, noting that larger budgets often experience more significant delays. Their findings linked delay to increased financial claimsandfluctuation-relatedexpenses,stressingthe economic implications of inefficient time management.

3. CAUSES OF CONSTRUCTION DELAYS REVIEW

The findings of this study reveal that changes in project plans often lead to several negative outcomes, including increased project costs, project abandonment, delayed payments, additional compensation to contractors, and missed completion deadlines. A delay is defined as the failure to complete project activities within the scheduled timeframe.Theanalysisidentifiesthefivemostsignificant causesofconstructiondelays,whichareexploredindetailto help mitigate their impact on project performance. Cconstruction delays frequently arise from multiple interrelatedfactors.Theseincludepoorplanningandproject mismanagement, incomplete design documentation and delaysindrawingapprovals,shortagesoflabororworkforce strikes, and adverse weather conditions. Additionally, frequent design changes during construction, ineffective communicationamongstakeholders,anddelaysinmaterial deliveriesorequipmentmalfunctionsfurthercontributeto schedule overruns. These issues often lead to increased projectcosts,extendedtimelines,contractorclaims,andin severe cases, project abandonment. Understanding these rootcausesisessentialfordevelopingeffectivestrategiesto minimizedelaysandenhanceoverallprojectperformance.

4. EFFECTS OF CONSTRUCTION DELAYS

Constructiondelayscanhaveseriousconsequencesforall project stakeholders. The six major impacts typically observedinclude:

1. Timeoverruns

2. Costoverruns

3. Legaldisputes

4. Arbitrationproceedings

5. Projectabandonment

6. Litigation

These outcomes often lead to deteriorating relationships among clients, contractors, and consultants. Moreover, prolonged and unresolved delays can diminish investor confidence and threaten the overall financial feasibility of the project, ultimately affecting the broader economic landscape.

5. IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING AND SCHEDULING

Effective planning and scheduling are fundamental to successful construction project management. They help engineersandprojectmanagersdeliverprojectsontimeand

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 12 Issue: 07 | Jul 2025 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

within budget. Construction involves not only physical executionusinglabor,materials,andequipmentbutalsothe full project lifecycle from initial concept to completion. Strategic planning at each stage ensures optimal resource utilization, minimizes risks, and improves overall project efficiency.

6. CONCLUSIONS

The review indicates that delay analysis in construction projectsismostcommonlyconductedusingquestionnairebased surveys. These surveys typically engage key stakeholderssuchasconsultants,clients,owners,architects, supervisors,contractors,andlabours,whilealsoconsidering externalinfluencesthataffectprojectschedulesandbudgets. A consistent finding across various studies is that cost overrunsareoneofthemostsignificantoutcomesofproject delays.Amongtheprimarycauses,inadequateplanningand ineffectiveschedulingarefrequentlycited.Toaddressthese challenges, project management tools like Primavera P6 haveproveneffectiveintrackingprogressagainstplanned timelines,helpingtoidentifyandmitigatedelaysearlyinthe process. Overall, delay analysis plays a critical role in the constructionindustry,asongoingdelaysnotonlyincrease project costs but also impede organizational growth and operationalefficiency.

REFERENCES

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[3]Mr.AminSherif,Mr.AhmedMohamedAbdelalim,”Delay AnalysisTechniquesandClaimAssessmentinConstruction Projects” International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)Vol.10,Issue 2,March 2023, pp: (316-325),

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[5].Mr. Rohan Dixit,Prof. Shashank, U. Vanakudari” delay analysis in construction International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science Volume:03/Issue:09/September-2021 pp -(857-864)

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