Forensic Project Analysis: When Client-side Delays Go Unseen

Forensic schedule analysis of a $59M earthworks project revealed client approval processes adding 28 days to every critical decision, creating an 18-month crisis neither party recognised. Tracing 215 approval transactions demonstrated the baseline was impossible from day one given actual workflows. The client streamlined processes immediately, granted a 12-month extension, and avoided formal dispute. Contract value increased to $78M as both parties addressed systematic delays embedded in processes no one had questioned.