A QUALITATIVE EXPLORATION OF THE CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS AND MAJOR DELAY CAUSES IN THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE OF THE SAUDI OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY

The purpose of this study was to explore and identify the critical success factors and major delay causes in oil and gas projects at the construction phase in Saudi Arabia. The study deploys a qualitative phenomenology design with a constructive approach. 15 individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals who have experience in managing projects in the construction phase of the Saudi oil and gas industry. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze the results. Findings suggest six factors that determine project success or delay: experience and competence, leadership, communication and collaboration, resources and manpower, project complexity, and the design quality. Studies on the topic are often of quantitative nature which may result in missing important details that can only be covered through qualitative research. With this in mind, the current study offers a fresh perspective from a qualitative point of view.