Identifying Causes of Project Delays and Management Recommendations in Paper Machine Installation

This study investigates the causes of project delays and develops management recommendations for PT Tuntas Lugas Cemerlang (TLC) paper machine installation project in Purwakarta, Indonesia. Using a sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach, the research systematically identified delay factors through the analysis of Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), Gantt charts, meeting minutes, stakeholder interviews, and quantitative surveys. The study revealed that Schedule Management emerged as the most critical knowledge area, with 15 occurrences of delay-related issues, followed by Communication Management and Procurement Management (10 occurrences each) and Scope Management (9 occurrences). Key findings indicated that decision-making delays (problem score 4.44), schedule adaptation to field conditions (4.11), and resource shortages (3.56) were the primary contributors to project delays. The existing project management tools demonstrated significant structural weaknesses, including a lack of hierarchical Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) structure, the absence of critical path dependencies, and insufficient integration of commissioning activities. In response, comprehensive improvements were developed, including a four-tiered hierarchical Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) with formalized numbering and deliverable definitions, an enhanced Critical Path Method that incorporates end-to-end commissioning activities, and optimized Gantt charts with parallel scheduling and weekly time scales. The integrated solutions address the technical, communication, and managerial factors identified in the conceptual framework, aligning with the PMBOK knowledge areas. The implementation of these improvements is projected to reduce project completion delays and enhance coordination efficiency, enabling PT TLC to meet the critical July 2025 tender deadline, valued at 22 billion rupiah.