The construction industry plays a crucial role in India's fiscal targets amid a growing emphasis on infrastructure development. Despite extensive project management knowledge, persistent delays afflict 33% of projects, averaging a 47-month setback as of August 2021. This study seeks to pinpoint Critical Delay Factors (CDFs) in contemporary construction projects, drawing from 59 attributes identified through literature and expert input. A questionnaire survey gauged expert opinions on the impact of these attributes. Factor analysis unveiled underlying constructs, revealing seven CDFs, and the Relative Importance Index (RII) ranked factors by significance. Across professional roles and regional distinctions, ANOVA demonstrated consistent CDF evaluations. These findings are anticipated to guide project stakeholders in prioritizing factors for effective delay management, promoting successful project outcomes.

The government of India has increased its focus on investment in infrastructure, allocating US$ 130.57 billion in 2022-23 for the sector. Effective project management is crucial for success. However, despite a huge body of knowledge on project success, project delays persist, with 33% of projects delayed by an average of 47 months as of August 2021. This study aims to identify Critical Success Factors for contemporary construction projects in India, offering guidance for project stakeholders. Forty-five attributes of project success were collated from literature and expert discussions and a questionnaire survey was conducted to solicit the views of experts on the critical impact of these attributes on overall project success. The research posits that these attributes have underlying constructs that cause them. Factor analysis was employed to extract the underlying constructs. Six critical success factors (CSF) were extracted. To comprehend the relative importance of the factors, RII was employed on summated factor scores that were then ranked in order of their importance. ANOVA showed consistent assessments of the CSFs across professional roles and geographies. The findings are expected to aid project professionals in prioritizing key factors for optimal project management and successful outcomes.

Evaluating complexity, in order to manage it effectively, has been stressed by many researchers as one of the key areas of project management.This, as literature shows, has been done using different methodologies and assessing it from different perspectives resulting in measures that differ in their characteristics, their application, and their relevance with respect to location or typography.Since no such quantitative study with respect to Indian construction sector was found in literature, the aim of this research is, therefore, to develop a model for evaluating complexity in projects in Indian construction sector with aim of enabling informed interventions at the planning stage to manage the complexity better.A comprehensive literature study enabled identification of 23 such determinants initially which were grouped under 7 components of complexity, each component representing a different type of complexity.Using a two-stage Delphi process, the determinants were narrowed down to 21 and were weighed using mean rank weightages.The results of the survey were used to develop a framework for evaluating complexity which was further idealized into a model in the form of Project Complexity Index that could provide a single quantitative value of complexity at any stage of the project and highlight the areas of concern.Application of the developed model was demonstrated on two case studies of similar infrastructure projects.The framework made it possible to evaluate the complexity as well as highlight the areas needing attention on the basis of component complexity scores thereby indicating that the framework was robust.

Majority of construction works are carried out through contracts and most of public works in India are modeled on General Conditions of Contract (GCC) formulated by Central Public Works Department (CPWD).Such Public Works Contracts have inherent limitations of being adapted on case to case and thus, are perceived to be rigid and prone to disputes.An attempt has been made to understand and evaluate the relationship between contract conditions and different claims that are usually encountered in construction disputes.An assessment has been done to determine the root cause of various claims with respect to contract conditions with a view of suggesting certain changes in GCC for effective contract management.Twenty two disputes in arbitration from CPWD have been considered and the claims subject to arbitration were studied and analysed.Classification and categorisation of claims was done and frequency of claims, quantum of amount claimed and amount awarded were determined for each type which was then related with the conditions of contract guiding them.Suggestions have been put forward on the basis of limited study as changes that can be made in GCC of CPWD, for avoiding the claims to arise in the first place.

Disputes are common and unavoidable in any construction project. These must be resolved in a timely manner lest they adversely affect time and cost aspects of the project and even affect its economic viability. Arbitration has been used as a means of dispute resolution as it is considered to be a speedier and more cost-effective way of conflict resolution than litigation. However, the arbitration process has often been marred by delays leading to time and cost escalation, thereby failing to meet the very purpose of relevant legislation. With the construction sector undertaking more complex projects, disputes will require an efficient redressal mechanism. The present study has been undertaken to understand and evaluate the effectiveness of the current arbitration procedure in India, specifically those under the public sector. An assessment has been done to determine its adequacy to meet the complexities and challenges of the contemporary construction sector. A total of 22 cases of arbitration from the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) have been considered for the present study. Total times for arbitration and durations between various stages of arbitration have been captured to bring out the fact that arbitration takes longer than desired. The study reveals that appointment of arbitrators and frequent changes in arbitrators are the main reasons for delays in the arbitration process. In addition, submission of claims and counterclaims coupled with an increased number of hearings also result in delays in overall process of arbitration. Recommendations that can assist in speeding up the settlement of issues are proposed on the study. (C) 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.