Structuring a delay and disruption claim : an application of cause-mapping and system dynamics

Williams, T. and Ackermann, F. and Eden, C. (2003) Structuring a delay and disruption claim : an application of cause-mapping and system dynamics. European Journal of Operational Research, 148 (1). pp. 192-204. ISSN 0377-2217 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0377-2217(02)00372-7)

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Abstract

The idea of "Delay and Disruption" within projects is well-known and is often the subject of litigation claims. However, the term is ill-defined, and it is difficult to justify such claims within a legal process. This paper demonstrates a well-developed approach, which is a logical, transparent, auditable and sustainable means of presenting such a claim. It describes the format for a claim document that presents first the disruptive triggers, then using a formal qualitative model builds the case from the interacting effects of these triggers. Transformation of this model into a computer simulation and the ability to explore different scenarios provides the quantitative part of the claim document. Thus three elements are presented in the document: demonstration of causality, of responsibility and of a quantum for the claim. This process also provides additional benefits, including a high level of participant "buy-in", and the basis of a model that can be used to support the claim.