Meaning
Schedule analysis determines which party is responsible for a project falling behind its planned timeline. The process of delay attribution assigns specific periods of inactivity or disruption to either the contractor, the owner, or external factors like weather. It is used to settle claims for extension of time or liquidated damages.
Root Cause Analysis
Analysts examine the project schedule and progress reports to identify the exact moments when delays occurred. In delay attribution, each event is linked to a specific cause, such as design changes, material shortages, or labor strikes. This requires a detailed review of daily logs and correspondence.
The analysis must prove that the event actually affected the critical path.
Dispute Resolution
Parties to a construction contract often have conflicting views on the causes of delay. A rigorous delay attribution helps resolve these disputes by providing objective data rather than subjective opinions. This analysis is often performed by independent forensic schedulers who act as expert witnesses in arbitration.
The results of the analysis can be used to negotiate a settlement or to present a case in court. This prevents the dispute from escalating into a costly and lengthy legal battle. It provides a clear path forward for both parties.
Risk Allocation
Contracts typically specify how different types of delay are handled. Through delay attribution, the financial consequences are allocated to the party that accepted that specific risk in the contract. This ensures that each party is held accountable for its own actions and decisions.
It encourages better project management and risk mitigation.
