Date of Conferral
8-6-2025
Degree
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
School
Management
Advisor
Ashley Mathis
Abstract
Walden University College of Management and Human Potential This is to certify that the doctoral study by Safiriyu Adebola Koya has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Hyuk Kim, Committee Chairperson, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Dr. Yvonne Doll, Committee Member, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2025 Effective Leadership Strategies to Reduce Project Delays Resulting from Risk Management by Safiriyu Adebola Koya MBA, Southern New Hampshire University, 2022 BS, Southern New Hampshire University, 20021 Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University August 2025 Construction project delays are a major obstacle to organizational growth and sustainability in the U.S. construction sector, with ineffective risk management often playing a key role. These delays not only inflate costs but also disrupt the delivery of crucial infrastructure and diminish the overall performance of construction project leaders. In this qualitative pragmatic inquiry I explored how experienced construction project leaders use effective leadership strategies to reduce delays, improve risk management, and support long-term business success. The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide and transformational leadership theory provided the conceptual framework. The research involved six senior professionals with over 10 years of leadership experience in the construction field. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis, revealing six core themes: leadership strategies, risk management techniques, stakeholder engagement, communication practices, project software tools, and team members. Findings indicated that leaders who engage in proactive risk assessment, foster collaboration, and maintain open communication can significantly reduce delays and improve project outcomes. Recommendations include integrating risk management into leadership development, leveraging digital project tools, and promoting cohesive team building. The implications for positive social change include the potential for construction leaders to deliver timely infrastructure that strengthens community services, enhances economic resilience, and promotes sustainability. Effective Leadership Strategies to Reduce Project Delays Resulting from Risk Management by Safiriyu Adebola Koya MBA, Southern New Hampshire University, 2022 BS, Southern New Hampshire University, 20021 Research Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University August 2025 Dedication I wholeheartedly dedicate my Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Leadership to my beloved parents, Yisau Koya and Titilayo Koya, who passed away many years ago. They both had a vision for me to pursue my education to the doctoral level, and their dreams have become my reality. I also dedicate this achievement to my incredibly supportive wife, Omolayo Catherine Koya, whose unwavering encouragement has been my pillar of strength, and to my wonderful children, Damilola Koya, Maryam Koya, and George Koya, who continue to inspire me every day. This journey has been challenging yet fulfilling, and I am forever grateful for the love and support that have guided me along the way. Acknowledgments I express my deepest gratitude to my committee Chairperson, Dr. Hyuk Kim, and my second committee member, Dr. Yvonne Doll, including the DBA Program Director, Dr. Gail Miles, for their valuable guidance, support, and encouragement throughout this journey. Their expertise and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping my academic growth and the successful completion of my Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Leadership. I also sincerely appreciate the incredible faculty and staff at Walden University, whose dedication to excellence has contributed significantly to my learning experience. A special thank you to my dear friend, Dr. Kunle Richie, for his unwavering support and encouragement. Above all, I am deeply grateful to my loving and supportive wife, Omolayo Catherine Koya, whose belief in me, patience, and sacrifices have been my most excellent source of strength. Without her, this achievement would not have been possible. I am genuinely thankful to everyone who has played a role in this journey.
Recommended Citation
Koya, Safiriyu Adebola, "Effective Leadership Strategies to Reduce Project Delays Resulting from Risk Management" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 18165.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/18165
