Cost Overrun Analysis Of Construction Projects In War-Torn Yemen Using Interpretive Structural Modelling

Cost overrun is a common problem in projects all over the world.Although cost overrun is a major issue in developed countries,it is significantly worse in developing countries due to the lack of project management knowledge and the absence of formidable,up-to-date technical knowledge and experience.The construction industry is critical to Yemen’s development,but it is severely plagued by cost overrun.Most projects in Yemen experience cost overrun,which leads to disputes between project stakeholders,and eventually leads to the suspension,termination,and failure of projects.This phenomenon is more widespread in large and public projects due to corruption and lack of experience.Furthermore,the construction industry requires more work than ever before due to the damage caused by ongoing political unrest,particularly following the 2015 civil war.As a result,understanding the causes of cost overrun is critical to the long-term viability of Yemeni construction projects.In the past two decades,studies have focused on compiling a list of the most important factors leading to cost overrun.Nonetheless,no study has attempted to explore the interrelationships between these factors.Therefore,this study attempts to fill this gap by studying these relationships using the Interpretive Structural Modelling(ISM)technique.This study looked at 55 different academic papers from 27 different countries.A 20factor list of the most important factors contributing to cost overrun was compiled through cross-examination and statistical analysis.Due to the large number of questions that needed to be answered,a hybrid of quantitative and qualitative methods was used to study the interrelationships between these factors.Therefore,a questionnaire and then a panel of experts were used.Following data collection and data analysis,an ISM final model was developed.This model serves as a guideline showing the interrelationships between cost overrun factors.According to the model,there are four different clusters:the Governmental Cluster which causes the Economic Cluster that causes the Managerial Cluster which finally causes the Technical Cluster and leads to the failure of projects.These clusters are helpful to understand the logic and relationship between different factors and levels.Furthermore,it aids the process of forming action and mitigation plans.This paper will be useful to academics,practitioners,and decision-makers.Academics will have an insight into the most important cost overrun factors in war-torn societies and the interrelationships between these factors.On the other hand,Practitioners and decision-makers will be able to understand the causal relationships between cost overrun factors and therefore develop strategic plans that will support the successful completion of construction projects,especially in economically and politically unstable countries.