6 Key Questions to Answer when Analyzing Project Delays

Was there a delay affecting you? The answer to this question usually is obvious. Still, it does not matter if everyone else on a project was delayed if your team was not.

Were you solely at fault? If your company was solely to blame for a delay, these questions are converted from an "offensive" inquiry to a "defensive" one.

Critical path or not?  Did the delay affect the sequence of activities that must be completed on schedule for the entire project to be completed on schedule? If not, the "critical path" may have been left alone - and the delay may not be a "real" delay.

Concurrent or not? Were both the accuser and the accused guilty of delays that happened at the same time? Any concurrent causes complicate the analysis and/or reduce liability.

Excusable or not? Is there a contract clause that provides a "get out of jail free" card for the delay?

Compensable or not? Is there a contract clause that permits or prohibits compensation for that type of delay?