Enshassi, A; Mohamed, S and Abdel-Hadi, M (2013) Factors affecting the accuracy of pre-tender cost estimates in the Gaza Strip. Journal of Construction in Developing Countries, 18(1), pp. 73-94. ISSN 1823-6499
Abstract
Pre-tender cost estimates of construction projects require extensive knowledge and expertise. The aim of this paper is to identify, evaluate and rank essential factors affecting the accuracy of pre-tender cost estimating from the perspective of clients and consultants. A survey questionnaire was conducted to elicit professionals' views on and experiences with factors affecting the accuracy of pre-tender cost estimates; a total of 70 organisations (i.e., 46 clients and 24 consultants operating in the Gaza Strip, Palestine) responded to the survey. The results of analysing a total of 64 factors considered in the questionnaire reveal that the top five factors affecting the accuracy of pre-tender cost estimating are (1) materials (prices/availability/supply/quality/imports), (2) closure and blockade of borders, (3) project team's experience in the construction type, (4) the experience and skill level of the consultant and (5)clear and detailed drawings and specifications. Kendall's coefficient of concordance was used as a measure of agreement between the two groups of respondents (i.e., clients and consultants)who ranked various factors and it appears that they are generally in agreement. Both clients and consultant groups should focus on the main factors identified in this study to develop effective strategies for accurate cost estimating, which would ultimately lead to successful projects.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | accuracy; clients; consultants; cost estimation |
| Index terms: | import, Palestine, Gaza Strip, cost estimate, project team, drawing, strategy, survey, accuracy, cost estimating, specification, construction project, questionnaire |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, technical documentation, economic analysis, financial and cost management, project delivery, management, physical geography and landforms, contractual condition, Geography, production management, professional development |
| Topics: | Design Practice, Contract Administration, Research Practice, Project Management, Geographical Context, Information Management, Cost Management, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here