Abstract
Construction delays are a universal challenge, and South Africa has not been immune to this
phenomenon. To get an overview of this issue, literature review was conducted in developed
and developing countries. Furthermore, research questions and objectives have been
formulated to establish the sources, impacts and mitigations of delays in Gauteng, South Africa.
Moreover, quantitative research methodology was used to assist the researcher to answer the
research questions and objectives. An online questionnaire was used as an instrument to collect
data. The online questionnaire was distributed using emails and LinkedIn to target potential
participants who have experience in construction projects. Furthermore, the research study
applied convenience sampling and to supplement this tactic, a snowball sampling was used to
pass the questionnaire to other potential participants. A sample of 200 participants was targeted
to participate in the research project focusing on key stakeholders namely, Client, Consultants,
Contractors, and Subcontractors. It was important to ensure that before data is collected, ethical
principles are complied with. In addition, the research project focused on public sector projects.
The data obtained, was analysed using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software.
108 responses were received from the data collected, which means they gave consent then they
commenced and complete the survey. Additionally, SPSS software was used to test reliability
of the study by applying the Cronbach Alpha test. The results proved to be reliable with a value
of 0.968. Subsequently, a content validity test was adopted in this study to assesses whether the
instrument measured what was intended to be measured.
The research identified four main causes of delays in construction projects namely: Inadequate
planning, shortage of resources, budgeting, and design issues. Moreover, the four common
consequences of delays include, costs and time overrun, total abandonment and arbitration.
Additionally, the research project discovered four popular mitigation strategies that can
minimize delays in construction projects, they include: identify, assess, and manage risks,
adequate planning, managing resources adequately. Based on the outcome from the findings,
it is recommended that project managers apply the top 4 mitigating strategies from the findings
in public construction projects to ensure projects are delivered successfully with minimal
delays. Furthermore, comprehensive research should be embarked on, by focusing on solutions
to overcome the construction delays with the aim of eradicating this phenomenon.