Critical construction conflicting factors identification using analytical hierarchy process

The construction industry is dynamic in nature due to increase in uncertainties in technology, budgets, and development processes. Claims and litigation are on a dramatic rise throughout the construction industry. If disputes are not resolved promptly, they tend to drag on and escalate and can cause project delays, lead to claims, require litigation proceedings for resolution, and ultimately destroy business relationships. The purpose of this study is to find out the magnitude of the identified six major construction conflicting factors and responsible parties for those problems. Out of six identified conflicting factors, this study has detected four major factors contributing construction conflict using AHP tool. These four major contributors are: ‘change of site condition’, ‘people interruptions’, ‘change order evaluation’, and ‘defective design’. The survey has also revealed the owner as a more responsible party for these conflicting factors and then followed by the consultant. The paper has suggested taking lead role by the owner to man age the conflicts in the construction sites and driving the project toward accomplishment by best planning. A construction conflict prevention model (CCPM) is suggested.