Law, M D (2005) An investigation into the utilization of cost variance along with information technology by Pennsylvania home building firms. PhD thesis, Pennsylvania State University, USA.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate how cost variance along with information technology, and related factors of estimating software, accounting software, and standardized codes are emphasized and utilized in the process of home building by Pennsylvania's contractors. The researcher examined whether differences in firm size played a factor in the utilization of cost variance and information technology to help firms minimize the difference between estimated costs and actual costs (cost variance) on projects. More generally, the researcher sought to provide insight into how Pennsylvania home building contractors of various sizes utilize information technology and the related factors; estimating software, accounting software, and standardized codes, into the process of calculating cost variance. The results of the analysis suggested some significant findings. First, significant differences existed in the utilization of information technology used in the estimating function among firms when examined by firm size. Second, significant differences existed in the utilization of information technology used in the accounting function among firms when examined by firm size. Without appropriate and suitable use of information technology, well-organized, efficient project management may be difficult to achieve. Third, significant differences existed in the utilization of standardized cost codes for the estimating and accounting functions among firms when examined by firm size. Fourth, significant differences existed in the implementation of cost controls; the periodic use of cost variance, adjustments made based on cost variance feedback, the use of past projects to prepare estimates on future projects, and the use of computers in the control of costs among firms when examined by firm size. (Abstract shortened by UMI. )
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Farmer, E I |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building firms; cost variance; estimating; feedback; information technology |
| Index terms: | building firm, investigation, home building, estimate, implementation, project management, cost variance, cost control, accounting, information technology, estimating, actual cost |
| Subjects: | financial and cost management, computing systems, data collection methods, project management theory and practice, contractual arrangements, economic analysis, construction type, organization, financial analysis |
| Topics: | Project Management, Procurement, Digital Applications, Research Practice, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Construction Technology |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCA |
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