Analysis of Time Delays in Projects - Application to Iran and Emerging Countries

Numerous projects are underway in emerging countries, such as Iran, where technology transfer and economic expansion are the primary national objectives. However, majority of these projects either fail, according to world class standards, or faced with significant time delays. An initial analysis of selected projects reveals that over 60% of causes belong to organization factors, while environment and personal causes are less than 40%. The overwhelming evidence points of lack of proper project management and education within organization factors. Some prescriptive interventions are proposed to counter organization deficiencies and overcome consistent time delays. A planning stage using project management methodology is essential in this proposal. A proper assessment and treatment of risk should be included in the model. Further analysis is underway to conduct statistical test and dynamic analysis of a larger portfolio of projects. Particular attention is given to effects of company culture, organization structure, top management involvement, and education, all of them of concern to emerging countries