In construction Industry, it is very often that we heard the term "project is behind schedule". What does it meant with this term. Project Behind Schedule is when the achieved project progress percentage is less than the planned or targeted percentage for reporting period. This normally happened due to several factors. Among them are;
1. exceptionally incremental weather (of which the weather condition is not as usual or not as previously recorded for that particular area),
2. shortage of the construction material ,
3.insufficient and inefficient of manpower and machinery,
4. cash-flow for the project,
5.instruction by the client to change design and requirement,
6.Delayed in approval (material, method and etc) by client or their representative,
7.legal issue and many other reasons.
In this situation contractor need to study why the project is behind schedule. Some of the delay might have been contributed by the act of client. and if there is any, contractor might want to consider applying for the extension of time to enable them to complete the project beyond the original contract period and also this will help contractor from being penalised due to late delivery of the project. If the extension of time is approved then the contractor have the ground to revised the work program to take into account the approved extended period. the second advantage to contractor is they have the ground to claim for loss and expense due to this event. however to lodge a claim for this is advisable that contract need to study their contract whether this is allowed in the contract.
In the occasion that the delay is due to contractor own fault, than contractor have to come out with the catch-up plan. This mean contractor might need to increase their productivity by engaging more machinery and manpower. The other option is to work around the clock to meet their deadline date.In the event the contractor cannot delivered the project on time, they are at a risk of being penalised or even being terminated from the contract.
To avoid or minimised this "project behind schedule" situation, a good project manager is the key. The project had to be well planned. All aspect need to be consider especially the cash flow, procurement of materials, manpower's, machinery's and weather conditions. With all these explanation, having a good Project Manger is crucial in ensuring project is deliver with in the contract period.
