Exploring the Delays in Construction Projects: An Empirical Study

of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana

By

Ransford Kwabena Awuku-Gyampoh, MPA, MSc, B.Th.

Central University of Nicaragua

Submitted as partial fulfillment of the requirement for the

degree of Doctor of Philosophy

To: Dr Thomas Grisham

October 2020
 A PRAGMATIC STUDY ON CHURCH PROJECTS DELAY IN PCG

Abstract

Delay has been one of the most prevailing challenges within church construction projects,

especially in the orthodox churches. Despite construction challenges and project delays

within most orthodox churches, there is still a lack of empirical evidence on unearthing the

factors that lead to church construction delays. This quantitative study aimed at exploring

church construction delays within the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. After extensive

literature and theoretical review, a proposed construct was generated with a structured

questionnaire and distributed using the online survey tool, MikeCRM. Out of the 480

questionnaires distributed, 402 were completed and returned, representing a response rate of

84.8% which include, 39.3% for Other Positions, 21.9% Resident Pastors/Agents, 18.9%

Managers, 9.95% Project

Managers, 5.90% Consultants, 1.99% Site superintendents (foreman), and 1.99% Electricians.

The sample data were analyzed statistically using Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory

Factor Analysis, Cronbach’s Alpha, Pearson correlations, and AMOS for reliability and

validity and for measuring the suitability of the proposed constructs. The study confirmed six

factors to be responsible for the church construction delay with Material related being the

highest influential factor and Client/Owner related as the least. The other four factors include

Project-related, Quality related, External related, and Church Organizational Structure. The

findings will help academicians, building contractors and church stakeholders with the

awareness of church construction delays. Theoretically, it will contribute to the existing body

of knowledge in the research area of church construction delay from the perspective of

developing countries.

Keywords: Construction in Ghana, Construction, Delay Factors, Ghana, Presbyterian Church

of Ghana, Infrastructure, Material delivery

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