Gómez-Cabrera, A; Gutierrez-Bucheli, L and Muñoz, S (2024) Causes of time and cost overruns in construction projects: A scoping review. International Journal of Construction Management, 24(10), pp. 1107-1125. ISSN 1562-3599
Abstract
This scoping review aims to enhance construction project management practices by identifying the key factors contributing to time and cost overruns. More than 300 articles were studied, out of which 73 were relevant to this review scope. Following the methodological recommendations proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and the PRISMA checklist, this scoping review explores research trends regarding the geographical and temporal contexts, the nature of projects analyzed, the research approach, and the main causes of time and cost overruns. Moreover, current research gaps within the field have been identified. Findings suggest that the volume and breadth of research on causes of time and cost overruns have grown over the years. Regarding geographical contexts, Asia and Africa have consistently contributed to the literature, while a notable absence of research is observed in Europe, America, and Oceania. In addition, a tendency among articles to replicate research approaches and methods has been identified. Lastly, this study reveals that the project execution phase emerges as the primary stage where cost and time deviations occur, emphasizing the crucial role of project management practitioners. Hence, results attest to the critical role of prioritizing more effective project management practices to mitigate unexpected time and cost overruns in construction projects.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | causes of overruns; construction projects; cost overruns; delays; project management; scoping review |
| Index terms: | cost overrun, deviation, prioritizing, Africa, Europe, project management, construction project management, overrun, project management practice, practitioner, Asia, construction project |
| Subjects: | physical geography and landforms, project management theory and practice, production management, decision analysis, project controls, practitioner, regions and continents, financial and cost management |
| Topics: | Time Control, Geographical Context, Project Management, Cost Management, Roles and Professions, Risk Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 2 PC |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here