Uncovering the Root Causes of Failures in Construction Projects with 5 Whys

Guney Eskigulek; Reyhan Boz; Sevilay Demirkesen; S. Semih Çağlayan

doi:10.38088/jise.1769981

EN

Uncovering the Root Causes of Failures in Construction Projects with 5 Whys

Abstract

Construction projects are complex and dynamic in nature and require meticulous planning and execution to meet time, cost, and quality targets. Despite advances in project management practices, many projects still experience challenges, resulting in delays, cost overruns, and quality issues. A systematic approach is essential to effectively address these issues. In this study, root cause analysis was used to investigate the underlying causes of these challenges in construction projects. In this direction, 5 Whys technique was utilized to investigate 67 issues identified in 5 different construction projects in and around Sakarya, Türkiye. The findings reveal that although time and cost overruns are common symptoms, their root causes are often linked to weaknesses in various project management knowledge areas. In particular, this study highlights the important role of procurement management, communication management, and risk management in contributing to project problems. By uncovering these key underlying factors, this research provides a structured framework for understanding the systemic challenges faced in the construction industry and suggests practical solutions to mitigate future problems. The study further demonstrates the effectiveness of root cause analysis in identifying root causes and guiding professionals towards sustainable project success, ultimately promoting a more efficient and effective construction industry. The study is expected to provide a systematic analysis of root causes and tackle the underlying causes rather than focusing on the common causes. The examples provided in this study reflect the causes from real construction projects, which can further help project managers to revisit their project management strategies.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Civil Engineering (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Guney Eskigulek
0009-0003-6686-4207
Türkiye

Reyhan Boz ^*
0009-0007-2458-0408
Türkiye

Sevilay Demirkesen
0000-0002-8627-6328
Türkiye

S. Semih Çağlayan
0000-0003-2052-0954
Türkiye

Publication Date

April 11, 2026

Submission Date

August 21, 2025

Acceptance Date

September 29, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 10 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.38088/jise.1769981

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA52SF77HB

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Eskigulek, G., Boz, R., Demirkesen, S., & Çağlayan, S. S. (2026). Uncovering the Root Causes of Failures in Construction Projects with 5 Whys. Journal of Innovative Science and Engineering, 10(1), 65-85. https://doi.org/10.38088/jise.1769981

AMA

1.Eskigulek G, Boz R, Demirkesen S, Çağlayan SS. Uncovering the Root Causes of Failures in Construction Projects with 5 Whys. JISE. 2026;10(1):65-85. doi:10.38088/jise.1769981

Chicago

Eskigulek, Guney, Reyhan Boz, Sevilay Demirkesen, and S. Semih Çağlayan. 2026. “Uncovering the Root Causes of Failures in Construction Projects With 5 Whys”. Journal of Innovative Science and Engineering 10 (1): 65-85. https://doi.org/10.38088/jise.1769981.

EndNote

Eskigulek G, Boz R, Demirkesen S, Çağlayan SS (April 1, 2026) Uncovering the Root Causes of Failures in Construction Projects with 5 Whys. Journal of Innovative Science and Engineering 10 1 65–85.

IEEE

[1]G. Eskigulek, R. Boz, S. Demirkesen, and S. S. Çağlayan, “Uncovering the Root Causes of Failures in Construction Projects with 5 Whys”, JISE, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 65–85, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.38088/jise.1769981.

ISNAD

Eskigulek, Guney - Boz, Reyhan - Demirkesen, Sevilay - Çağlayan, S. Semih. “Uncovering the Root Causes of Failures in Construction Projects With 5 Whys”. Journal of Innovative Science and Engineering 10/1 (April 1, 2026): 65-85. https://doi.org/10.38088/jise.1769981.

JAMA

1.Eskigulek G, Boz R, Demirkesen S, Çağlayan SS. Uncovering the Root Causes of Failures in Construction Projects with 5 Whys. JISE. 2026;10:65–85.

MLA

Eskigulek, Guney, et al. “Uncovering the Root Causes of Failures in Construction Projects With 5 Whys”. Journal of Innovative Science and Engineering, vol. 10, no. 1, Apr. 2026, pp. 65-85, doi:10.38088/jise.1769981.

Vancouver

1.Guney Eskigulek, Reyhan Boz, Sevilay Demirkesen, S. Semih Çağlayan. Uncovering the Root Causes of Failures in Construction Projects with 5 Whys. JISE. 2026 Apr. 1;10(1):65-8. doi:10.38088/jise.1769981

Öz

Uncovering the Root Causes of Failures in Construction Projects with 5 Whys

Abstract

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