Abstract
One of the key roles of construction project managers is to execute construction projects within the targeted project cost. In Africa, most construction projects suffer huge cost overruns. Project cost control practice is required by every construction firm to keep the project cost in line with the budgeted cost. A comprehension of the different parts of cost control philosophies is fundamental to empower project cost managers to adequately set up robust cost controls and to improve future strategies for active construction project cost delivery. Although there are efforts by project cost managers to control cost, there is a lack of understanding of the factors that determine cost control practice in Ghana, as a developing nation. The factors enhancing cost control practice and a formal model are needed for consideration by project cost managers to guide their operations. This study develops a model for predicting cost control practice in the Ghanaian construction industry. Mixed-method methodology was utilised for this study. The qualitative survey used the Delphi survey approach to investigate the primary factors and measurement-related factors. The study identifies project cost control as eight-factor constructs: project cost estimation, project cost budgeting, project cost reporting, project cost monitoring, project cost analysis, decision-making, change management and project cost communication. These had strong inter-quartile deviations. ..
D.Phil. (Engineering Management)