APPLICATION OF DELAY ANALYSIS FOR AWARDING EOTS IN GOVERNMENT PROJECTS

ABSTRACT

Government projects and delays, are more often than not, synonymous with each other. When

public projects are delayed, tax payers are always the ones having to bear the loss.

Contractors of delayed public projects frequently submit applications for extension of times

(EOTs), which they are contractually entitled to, in an effort to avoid being penalised for the

delays. The problem lies in the way in which these applications for EOTs are evaluated. Flimsy

project schedules and shoddy documentation are submitted for consideration, with no evidence

of proper Delay Analysis. Regrettably, these applications for extension of times are frequently

being approved with arbitrary extension periods. This research is aimed at examining the way

in which these EOT applications are processed and ultimately to determine the level of

competency of government project practitioners with regards of CPM usage and Delay Analysis

Techniques in evaluating or application of EOTs and delay claims.

A literature review was carried out to review the background of these issues, following which, a

questionnaire survey was administered to respondents that are involved in evaluating claims of

EOTs. This includes government professionals, consultants and contractors that have been

involved in government projects. Data was then analysed using frequency distribution and mean

score methods and illustrated graphically for ease of understanding.

The result of the research revealed that, while most government project practitioners are

competent in using CPM as a scheduling tool, they are hopelessly unaware of the available

Delay Analysis Methods. Organisational thrust and educational strategies are proposed to
improve the awareness and effectiveness of CPM and Delay Analysis Techniques in

Government projects