AHP-DEMATEL modelling of consultant related delay factors affecting sustainable housing construction in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Considering the significance of project consultants in the delivery of sustainable housing, it is imperative to recognize the performance of Saudi Arabian-based consultants as a critical factor in the delay of construction projects. However, most of the related literatures focus more on project owners and contractors. Thus, this study examined the relationship between consultant-related delay factors affecting sustainable housing development in Saudi Arabia. The Content Analysis was combined with an expert-driven survey to determine the critical consultant related delay factors while the results were analyzed using the AHP and DEMATEL techniques. Lack of communication between consultant and contractor was the most crucial consultant related delay factor affecting timely completion of mass housing development in Saudi Arabia. The outcomes of this paper are important to practitioners and policymakers to support the establishment of sustainable strategies for mitigating the impact of construction projects delay associated with the consultants and in turn enhance the efficiency of project team members in timely delivery of projects and promoting sustainable housing development in Saudi Arabia. While the outcomes of this study are predominantly based on issues peculiar to the local construction sector, the study findings may perhaps be applicable to construction sectors in other developing countries.