Identifying the Most Effective Delaying Factors Using FCEM-AHP: A Case Study of Pakistan’s Construction Industry

Safi Ullah (), Muhammad Siddiq (), Deng Xiaopeng (), Sun Jun (), Diana R. Anbar (), Chiemela Victor Amaechi () and Muhammad Waqas Ashraf ()
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Safi Ullah: Southeast University, Jiulonghu Campus
Muhammad Siddiq: Southeast University, Jiulonghu Campus
Deng Xiaopeng: Southeast University, Jiulonghu Campus
Sun Jun: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Diana R. Anbar: Southeast University, Jiulonghu Campus
Chiemela Victor Amaechi: Department of Construction Management, Global Banking School (Bath Spa University)
Muhammad Waqas Ashraf: Southeast University, Jiulonghu Campus

Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2025, vol. 16, issue 3, No 93, 13589-13623

Abstract: Abstract This article seeks to identify the most recurrent and significant delay factors during all phases of construction in Pakistan and to evaluate the top effective delay factors in a case study project. Two research approaches were employed to gain the objective of the study. A questionnaire was designed comprised of 42 delaying factors that were grouped into six categories based on their relativity to the consultant, contractor, client, project manager, financial, and external group. Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to rank the delaying factors. A hybrid of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method-analytical hierarchy process (FCEM-AHP) was utilized to evaluate the significance of top-ranked delaying factors in the case study project. The findings of the study show that factors from consultants, clients, and external groups such as improper project feasibility study, poor design, unreasonable constraints to clients, financial difficulties, political benefits, and political involvement were considered the most significant delaying factors in the construction industry of Pakistan. This is the first study wherein identified delay factors are further evaluated in a case study project to validate the findings of the study. The study also provides conceivable recommendations to both local and foreign construction firms engaged in Pakistan that could be attained to reduce the impact of delays in construction projects.

Keywords: Relative Importance Index (RII); Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method (FCEM); Analytic hierarchy process (AHP); Construction industry (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s13132-024-02464-0

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