Impact and Prevention of Delays in Project Management

IMPACT OF DELAYS IN PROJECT COMPLETIONS:

Project Delay is an unplanned and unexpected deferment of a project because of some event or occurrence that impedes the project’s commencement or continuation. It is the length of time that extends the project duration and causes a disruption in the delivery of project goals and objectives.  

Project delays are often caused by circumstances that create barriers to launch and further implementation of project activities.  

·      When projects are delayed, contractors, consultants and clients could put their publicv reputations at risk  

·      Disputes can lead to court cases for resolution especially when large penalties are at stake.  

·      When project delays are unexpected, they are uncontrollable and have rather av negative impact on project activities and results.  

·      An unexpected delay extends the overall duration of project activities and entails an increase in project costs.  

·      It generates time-associated cost effects that increase resource consumption andv require more time for reaching project success.  

·      Delays can instigate negative effects such as increased costs, loss of productivity and revenue many lawsuits between owners and contractors and contract termination.

In order to prevent the negative impact of project delays, it is reasonable to establish delay allowance at the very beginning of a project.

Delay allowance is the length of time included in the project schedule in advance to cover unpredictable contingencies and expected minor delays. It is a mechanism of increasing project safety through preventing activity disruptions and creating time buffers.

PREVENTION OF DELAYS:  

·      Plan/Analyze the requirements in detail.

·      Map available resources

·      Perform training and knowledge transfer

·      Identify risks.

·      Estimate and allocate

·      Modularize work

·      Escalate issues