Elmousalami, H H; Ali, A H; Kineber, A F and Elyamany, A (2024) A novel conceptual cost estimation decision-making model for field canal improvement projects. International Journal of Construction Management, 24(6), pp. 651-663. ISSN 1562-3599
Abstract
Field Canals Improvement Projects (FCIPs) are a promising project category to preserve irrigation water resources. There are multiple approaches available to estimate a project’s initial cost. However, one of the difficulties in developing a reliable cost estimation model is determining the cost parameters. The study aims to explore and analyse the cost parameters (CPs) to achieve conceptual cost estimate (CCE). This study presents a conceptual model that investigates the connection between CPs and CCE to achieve total project success (TPS) for FCIPs. This is accomplished through mixed methods comprising three phases: (1) the qualitative technique, specifically the Delphi Method (DM), which identifies 21 CPs categorized into four categories; (2) the quantitative method, which utilizes a questionnaire survey conducted with construction experts; and (3) the data analysis through Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), which is used to verify the correlation between CPs, CCE, and TPS. The results indicate a significant relationship between the CPs and the CCE. Furthermore, the CCE moderately impacts the TPS. This study contributes to the construction industry by filling a critical gap in the literature, shedding new light on the complex dynamics of the relation between CPs and TPS in FCIPs.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | cost estimation; cost parameters; Delphi; irrigation improvement projects; structural equation modelling |
| Index terms: | quantitative method, questionnaire, decision-making, partial least square, data analysis, cost estimating, canal, survey, structural equation modelling, improvement project, dynamics, construction industry, cost estimate, estimate, mixed method, project success, irrigation water, Delphi method |
| Subjects: | decision analysis, industry analysis, infrastructure and transport systems, statistical analysis, systems engineering, water management, production management, project management theory and practice, data analysis and analytics, financial and cost management, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Cost Management, Research Practice, Project Management, Engineering Principles, Risk Management, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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