An Empirical Study on the Effects of Disputes on Successful Completion of Construction Projects

Disputes are common in construction projects, demanding significant attention in terms of financial resources, time, and manpower to seek resolutions. Conversely, unresolved disputes can create unfavorable effects on project performance. When project leaders recognize the major consequences of disputes, they can formulate strategies to proactively prevent or alleviate such conflicts. This heightened awareness empowers project teams to swiftly identify and resolve disputes, preventing their adverse consequences on successful project completion. The primary objective of this research is to enhance project management practices by providing insights into the effects of disputes, thereby enabling stakeholders to implement proactive strategies for prevention, mitigation, and effective resolution. Utilizing existing literature published between 2019 and 2023, this study critically analyzes 18 selected journal papers sourced from the ProQuest Central database, all of which have undergone rigorous review. This research identified nine major effects that appear due to disputes in construction projects. Further, cost overrun is identified as the major effect of disputes that can impact negatively in project performance and successful completion. This study further identified research gaps that need future studies.