CUMULATIVE DELAY DURATION EQUATION (CDDE) FOR MEASURING SOFTWARE PROJECT DELAYS AND COST IMPACT

Abstract

This study aimed to refine and validate the Cumulative Delay Duration Equation (CDDE) as a systematic model for tracking the delay in a software project and its costs. The sample included four projects: an ERP implementation project as part of an overall implementation plan, a surveillance camera system, a web portal project, and an infant protection system project. A mixed-method (survey questionnaires, expert interview and historical project documents review) method was implemented. Data was collected using project logs, stakeholder feedback and structured expert assessments. Quantitative analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, regression modelling and comparison of delay duration methodology with models such as COCOMO and EVM to demonstrate how the CDDE diagnoses project delays. The study indicated that while the CDDE does not directly reflect the delay percentage, the CDDE does consistently consider the cumulative weighted impacts of management, resources and external elements to provide a more realistic basis to address the potential cost overruns. The study concluded that the CDDE needs to be validated across a broader spectrum of projects, integrated with actual project tools, and improved weighting aspects through a data-informed methodology, such as machine learning. The study suggested that CDDE could be a decision support tool to assist project managers in identifying, categorising, and managing delays that could improve prediction accuracy and eventually delay mitigation and cost containment.