Deterring delay factors affecting project success: An empirical study of 500kV power transmission line project

Power demand is driven by the economic growth and sustainable power supply which provide security to the power transmission network. This is worldwide phenomenon. Sarawak’s economy growth has seen leaps and bounds with its gross domestic product increased. As a result of the growing energy needs, the demand for power in the state is projected to rise to about 8,000 megawatts by 2030 from about 1,200 megawatts in 2012. Based on the increase demand, it is imperative that the PTLP system in place with the correct capacity and capability to transmits the generated power to the end-user. The success of the PTLP also play important roles in ensuring the success of power deliveries. This paper presented the empirical study on delay factors in power transmission line project (PTLP) i.e internal factors and external factors and a combination with wayleave delay factors adopted from the wayleave workshop. A questionnaire survey was distributed to the respondents i.e client, consultants and contractors (3Cs) that involved in 500kV PTLP in Sarawak, Malaysia. A total of 33 personnel involve in 500kV PTLP from the group of 3Cs have participated in this study. Data was collected through self- administer survey questionnaires. The result, therefore, analyse and ranked to determine the most delay factors affecting the project success. Statistical package for social science (SPSS) and partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) are the main statistical technique used in study for data analysis purposes. The result indicated that internal related issues (owner related, administration, contractor) and wayleave related issues are the factors that need special attention. Ten most delay factors are unrealistic contract duration, delay in document approvals, objection on the line route, improper planning and scheduling, progress payment to contractor, poor communication, poor control over subcontractor, poor financial capabilities of contractor and uncertainties in authorities’ decision especially involve political and NGO’s interferences. The study also analyses the relation between the internal, external and wayleave delay factors to the project success. The results show that internal delay factor have significant relationship with the project success, however external related factor having positive relationship while wayleave has negative and weak relationship to project success. The study also reveals that, higher level of project manager’s influences on internal delay factors will increase its relationship with project success. Finally, based on the finding, the practical recommendations such as adopting land acquisition process instead of exercising Electricity Ordinance and involvement of project manager in front-end processes, project was finally completed in December 2022. Lesson learnt from this study outcome are useful for improvement in project execution.