The causes of project delay in the ministry of defence, Malaysia

Abstract

Time overrun to complete a project is known as delay. The delay in project implementation is often referred to the third phase of project life cycle, carrying out the work. However, there are also delays during the implementation phase as a result of the earlier stages of the process, namely the initiating or planning stages. Projects at the Ministry of Defence, Malaysia (MOD) are also no exception to the situation. The Auditor General of Malaysia has reported in series of reports that MOD projects often experience delays in project implementation. Projects implemented by MOD are aimed at ensuring that the national defence system can protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Infrastructure development programs for the MOD are very critical as it involves construction projects for military including Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), Malaysian Army (MA), Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), Royal Malaysian Air force (RMAF). Based on previous study, there are ten top factors contributing to the delays in project implementation in the Klang Valley. It was also found that there were problems with the issue of repeated project implementation in public construction project in Malaysia. The causes of delays are specifically are contributed by client / owner, contractor and consultant. This study was conducted using literature reviews, questionnaires and interviews, and the data were analysed using quantitative and qualitative methods to achieve the objectives of the study namely to identify the causes of delays, to analyse the major causes of project delays and to suggest preventive measures to reduce delays. After analysing the data, it was found that the contractor was a major contributor to project delays in MOD. Specialist respondents also provided suggestions on ways to prevent delays.