A methodology for the development of delay mitigation measures in construction projects

The aim of the present study is to present a methodology for the development of delay mitigation measures in construction projects. The proposed methodology, based on the identification of the underlying causes of delays and the stages of the construction project at which their observed causes take place, comprises four steps namely, questionnaire design, data collection, data analysis and development of delay mitigation measures in a focus group discussion. The application of this methodology in the Portuguese context, based on 94 surveys completed by clients, consultants and contractors, resulted in the identification of six underlying causes of delays in construction that were used to develop a set of mitigation measures. The results, on one hand, confirm the value of the methodology in helping to develop delay mitigation measures; on the other hand, they provide guidelines for the application of the methodology. Thus, this study contributes to the literature on project management by presenting an innovative methodology for the development of effective and practical delay mitigation measures in construction projects.