A mixed-method investigation of the root causes of construction project delays in Afghanistan

Construction projects in Afghanistan are plagued by significant delays, hindering development efforts and incurring substantial economic losses. Currently, a staggering 79 % of projects experience delays, contributing to a critical infrastructure gap in the nation. This research delves into the root...

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Main Authors: Mohammad Basheer Ahmadzai, Kunhui Ye
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-01-01
Series:Heliyon
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844025003032
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author Mohammad Basheer Ahmadzai
Kunhui Ye
author_facet Mohammad Basheer Ahmadzai
Kunhui Ye
author_sort Mohammad Basheer Ahmadzai
collection DOAJ
description Construction projects in Afghanistan are plagued by significant delays, hindering development efforts and incurring substantial economic losses. Currently, a staggering 79 % of projects experience delays, contributing to a critical infrastructure gap in the nation. This research delves into the root causes of these delays, examining their impact on project outcomes and identifying potential mitigation strategies. By considering the perspectives of five key stakeholder groups—clients, consultants, contractors, project managers, and lecturers—the study aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the causes contributing to delays. A comparative analysis with other conflict-affected countries, such as Ukraine, Pakistan, Palestine, and Iraq, reveals both shared and unique challenges that hinder construction projects in these regions. The research findings highlight the significant impact of security challenges, corruption, and logistical hurdles on construction project delays in Afghanistan. Tailored strategies are essential to address these multifaceted issues and improve project outcomes. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking to bolster the performance of Afghanistan's construction sector. A key contribution of this research is its novel focus on security-related causes of construction project delays. By explicitly examining and ranking these causes, the study advances our understanding of how security challenges influence project timelines, a previously underexplored area. Additionally, the comparison with other conflict-affected regions lays the groundwork for broader comparisons and the identification of global best practices. Construction project delays in Afghanistan are influenced by a complex interplay of causes, including security challenges, corruption, and logistical hurdles. Tailored strategies are essential to address these multifaceted issues and improve project outcomes. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking to bolster the performance of Afghanistan's construction sector.
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spelling doaj-art-1b5ab19ff56144b4a47581c735fa428b2025-02-02T05:28:34ZengElsevierHeliyon2405-84402025-01-01112e41923A mixed-method investigation of the root causes of construction project delays in AfghanistanMohammad Basheer Ahmadzai0Kunhui Ye1School of Management Science and Real Estate, Chongqing University, 83# Shabei Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400045, China; Faculty of Engineering, Shaikh Zayed University Khost, Khost Province, Afghanistan; Corresponding author. School of Management Science and Real Estate, Chongqing University, 83# Shabei Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400045, China.School of Management Science and Real Estate, Chongqing University, 83# Shabei Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400045, ChinaConstruction projects in Afghanistan are plagued by significant delays, hindering development efforts and incurring substantial economic losses. Currently, a staggering 79 % of projects experience delays, contributing to a critical infrastructure gap in the nation. This research delves into the root causes of these delays, examining their impact on project outcomes and identifying potential mitigation strategies. By considering the perspectives of five key stakeholder groups—clients, consultants, contractors, project managers, and lecturers—the study aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the causes contributing to delays. A comparative analysis with other conflict-affected countries, such as Ukraine, Pakistan, Palestine, and Iraq, reveals both shared and unique challenges that hinder construction projects in these regions. The research findings highlight the significant impact of security challenges, corruption, and logistical hurdles on construction project delays in Afghanistan. Tailored strategies are essential to address these multifaceted issues and improve project outcomes. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking to bolster the performance of Afghanistan's construction sector. A key contribution of this research is its novel focus on security-related causes of construction project delays. By explicitly examining and ranking these causes, the study advances our understanding of how security challenges influence project timelines, a previously underexplored area. Additionally, the comparison with other conflict-affected regions lays the groundwork for broader comparisons and the identification of global best practices. Construction project delays in Afghanistan are influenced by a complex interplay of causes, including security challenges, corruption, and logistical hurdles. Tailored strategies are essential to address these multifaceted issues and improve project outcomes. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking to bolster the performance of Afghanistan's construction sector.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844025003032AfghanistanConstruction project delaysConflict-affected countriesRoot causesSecurity threats
spellingShingle Mohammad Basheer Ahmadzai
Kunhui Ye
A mixed-method investigation of the root causes of construction project delays in Afghanistan
Heliyon
Afghanistan
Construction project delays
Conflict-affected countries
Root causes
Security threats
title A mixed-method investigation of the root causes of construction project delays in Afghanistan
title_full A mixed-method investigation of the root causes of construction project delays in Afghanistan
title_fullStr A mixed-method investigation of the root causes of construction project delays in Afghanistan
title_full_unstemmed A mixed-method investigation of the root causes of construction project delays in Afghanistan
title_short A mixed-method investigation of the root causes of construction project delays in Afghanistan
title_sort mixed method investigation of the root causes of construction project delays in afghanistan
topic Afghanistan
Construction project delays
Conflict-affected countries
Root causes
Security threats
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844025003032
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AT kunhuiye amixedmethodinvestigationoftherootcausesofconstructionprojectdelaysinafghanistan
AT mohammadbasheerahmadzai mixedmethodinvestigationoftherootcausesofconstructionprojectdelaysinafghanistan
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