Cost and time overrun in construction projects: categorization and influencing factors

Cost and time overruns are recurrent challenges in construction projects. This article aims to systematically review the literature on cost and time overruns in construction projects in order to categorize and identify the influence factors that cause such overruns. A systematic literature review (SLR) was carried out in a methodical fashion to ensure it is repeatable and can be scrutinised. Relevant information was extracted from the selected articles and subsequently synthetized in order to categorise and identify the influence factors, which trigger time and cost overruns. Nine categories were identified and defined on the basis of their determinants: governmental relations; contracts; organization; management; financing; design and documentation; scope changes; environmental and economic and activities and equipment. Moreover, 95 influencing factors were identified and classified into different categories. While the literature differs with regards to different situations and global regions, complicating the RSL process, there is considerable support for these factors. Evidence scarcity was detected in Latin America, particularly in Brazil. The literature on time and cost overruns in construction is contrasting, with 92 articles from 46 different reference sources from 1985 to 2014. Most of the research focused on specific influence factors, while this study categorised and synthesised them in order to provide a novel and broader perspective of the phenomenon.