An Assessment of Schedule Risk Management Strategies in Afghanistan Construction Projects

Abstract

This study assesses schedule risk management strategies in construction projects in Afghanistan and examines their relationship with project schedule performance. A quantitative, exploratory, and correlational research design was adopted, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 58 construction professionals with relevant project experience. The questionnaire assessed 15 schedule risk factors, 10 schedule risk management strategies, and four schedule performance indicators using five-point Likert scales. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Relative Importance Index (RII), Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings indicate that poor resource management (RII = 0.814), improper planning and scheduling (RII = 0.810), and shortage of skilled workers/low productivity (RII = 0.800) were the highest-ranked schedule risks. The overall use of schedule risk management strategies was moderate (mean = 3.57), whereas their perceived effectiveness was relatively high (mean = 4.28). Realistic and detailed scheduling was the most frequently used and most effective strategy. In contrast, Risk Register use was relatively low (mean = 2.98), despite its high perceived effectiveness (mean = 4.17). Overall strategy use was positively and significantly associated with schedule performance (r = 0.339, p = 0.009). Proactive strategy use also showed a significant positive relationship with schedule performance (r = 0.348, p = 0.007), while reactive/recovery strategies did not show a statistically significant relationship (r = 0.154, p = 0.249). Multiple regression analysis showed that proactive strategy use was a significant predictor of schedule performance (B = 0.330, p = 0.015), with the model explaining 12.4% of the variance in schedule performance. The study concludes that greater emphasis on proactive and structured schedule risk management can contribute to improved schedule performance in Afghanistan construction projects. Strengthening realistic scheduling, continuous monitoring, resource and procurement planning, early risk assessment, and formal Risk Registers is recommended. Reactive measures such as fast-tracking or adding resources should primarily serve as recovery mechanisms rather than substitutes for proactive risk management.