Root Causes of Disputes in Construction Projects Implemented by Foreign Companies in Yemen
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Abstract
Disputes in construction projects pose a major challenge worldwide, particularly in fragile environments such as Yemen, where they often disrupt key infrastructure development. This study examines the root causes of disputes in foreign-led construction projects in Yemen, using a mixed-methods approach that integrates quantitative and qualitative data. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 212 professionals (199 valid responses), and semi-structured interviews were conducted with five senior Yemeni experts. Nineteen dispute-related variables were analyzed in five dimensions: technical, contractual, administrative, operational, and behavioral. Statistical analyses using SPSS (t-tests and ANOVA) confirmed that all the dimensions were significant and interrelated. The results identified unclear contract clauses, delayed payments, weak coordination, and cultural gaps as the primary dispute triggers. The triangulated findings validate the reliability of the results. The study concludes that disputes arise from multiple interlinked factors and recommends stronger contract governance, effective communication, and proactive project management to minimize disputes in Yemen’s construction sector.
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