Abstract
Construction schedule overruns are not uncommon on construction projects
world over and the South African construction industry has not escaped the
challenges of failing to deliver projects on time. In order to find mitigation measures
of schedule overruns, the first step is to identify the causes of these overruns.
Therefore, this paper assesses the causes of construction projects schedule overruns
in the South African construction industry, a case of the Gauteng Province. The data
used in this paper were derived from both primary and secondary sources. The
secondary data was collected via a detailed review of related literature. The primary
data was collected through a well-structured questionnaire which was distributed to
construction professionals, who include: Architects, quantity surveyors, civil
engineers, construction mangers and project managers. Out of the 200 questionnaires
sent out, 146 were received back representing a 73% response rate. Data received
from the questionnaires was analysed using descriptive statistics procedures.
Findings from the study revealed that slowness in decision making process, reworks
due to errors during construction, delay in approving major changes in the scope of
work, delay in material delivery, shortage of skilled equipment operators, low
productivity level of workers, delay in obtaining permits from municipalities and
workers risky behaviour on sites were the major causes of construction projects
schedule overruns in Gauteng, South Africa. The study contributes to the body of
knowledge on the subject of the causes of construction project schedule overruns in
Gauteng, South Africa.