El-Choum, M K (1994) Identification and modelling of construction cost overruns parameters for public infrastructure projects using multivariate statistical methods. PhD thesis, Stevens Institute of Technology, USA.
Abstract
The primary objective of this dissertation was to identify the factors that influence construction cost overruns, and to provide a conceptual and analytical framework to overcome uncertainties and shortcomings of current practices. The uncertainty in construction becomes more evident in dealing with aging infrastructure. Construction processes are heterogeneous in nature, and therefore, it is imperative to employ models that explain the variability of the construction cost overruns. A major hurdle in urban infrastructure rehabilitation projects, is that each project is unique with respect to its environment. Accordingly, the shortage of federal funds for Capital Projects, and the demand for capital spending on the aging infrastructure reflect the need for such models. Therefore, this research investigation is focused on the identification and modeling of construction cost overruns, with particular interest in public infrastructure projects. Most significantly, this thesis presents a list of the most significant causes of construction cost overruns on recent infrastructure rehabilitation projects; along with the listing of a composite input from the author and the survey responses on recommended measures needed to overcome construction cost overruns. Furthermore, the modeling technique involves the use of multivariate statistical method. The developed models were evaluated to determine their ability to represent actual conditions, and to explain the variability of the construction cost overruns on the basis of predefined parameter using data-splitting method. The key feature of this investigation is a quantitative tool aimed at helping decision-makers to ultimately manage situation subject to uncertainty, and subsequently reducing construction cost overruns. The derived models also provide a conceptual framework for understanding the public construction industry as a whole.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Derucher, K N |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | uncertainty; construction cost; infrastructure project; nD modeling; public infrastructure; rehabilitation; urban infrastructure |
| Index terms: | survey, overrun, urban infrastructure, construction process, conceptual framework, analytical framework, rehabilitation project, public infrastructure, composite, nD modelling, construction cost, statistical method, investigation, capital project, public construction, variability, dissertation, infrastructure project, modelling |
| Subjects: | statistical analysis, infrastructure and transport systems, health conditions and diseases, building construction, project controls, digital design, theoretical framing, financial and cost management, strategic project management, analytical methods, data analysis and analytics, materials science, data collection methods, research dissemination and communication |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Urban Studies, Time Control, Site Management, Engineering Principles, Construction Materials, Research Practice, Project Management, Health and Safety, Cost Management |
| 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