Dynamics of Pertinent Project Delay Variables in the Thai Construction Sector: Mathematical Analysis

Project completion behind schedule is a struggle for the construction sector, affecting time, cost, and quality. This investigation has been necessitated by the lingering nature of project delay risks despite many extant analyses. This study collated expert opinions from the Thai construction sector on salient construction delay variables and their influence on each other for DEMATEL-SD analysis. The collated data were analysed and found consistent with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.939. Then, the DEMATEL technique was used to establish the influence weight of factors for the System dynamics (SD) analysis. It was discovered that minimising the design error at the preconstruction stage significantly reduces the magnitude of delay. Increasing values of design error and change order increase the rework profile. Besides, the project delivery within the scheduled 232 weeks can be ensured by minimising the threat of design error, design change, change order, rework, productivity problem, and by improving project management. This study adopted a hybrid mathematical system to holistically examine the construction delay risk by comprehensively exploring the dynamics of influencing variables and investigating their impact on the project scheme. The system helps project stakeholders to arrive at an effective decision in overcoming delay risks, thus minimising the cost overrun and improving the project quality.