Causes of time and cost overruns in construction projects: a scoping review

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.

Keywords:

• Delays
• cost overruns
• construction management
• construction projects
• project management
• scoping review
• causes of overruns

Acknowledgement

This research is supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship. Furthermore, Santiago is a beneficiary and thanks the Colombian ‘Pasaporte a la Ciencia’ program.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in figshare at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.22044110.v1 and https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.22043663.v2