Main Article Content
Abstract
This paper reports findings of a study that captures cost estimation practices and techniques prevalent in the construction industry in Oman. It also identifies the success and risk factors that are encountered in the cost estimation process. Eighty structured questionnaires were distributed to some professionals working in construction projects, selected randomly from large and medium size enterprises across the Sultanate. A response rate of 56% was achieved. The results showed that the unit rate method, the use of historical data and benchmarking are the most common methods used for cost estimation. Success and risk factors as reported by respondents were analyzed and ranked accordingly. The main sources of risk were reported by respondents as “Unclear reading and understanding of specifications”, “Lack of clear documents of the project scope of work”, and “Unavailability of Resources”. This study provides an insight understanding of revealed practices and techniques and globally share the findings with researchers and professionals.
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References
- Aibinu A.A. Pasco T (2008), The accuracy of pre‐tender building cost estimates in Australia. Construction Management and Economics, 26(12): 1257–1269.
- Akintoye A. Fitzgerald E. (2000). Product cost estimation: technique classification and methodology review. Construction management and economics. Construction Management and Economics, 18(2): 161–172.
- Al-Mohsin M. Al-Nuaimi A.S. (2013), Modeling of construction cost of villas in Oman. The Journal of Engineering Research, TJER, 11(1): 34-43.
- Albalushi I. Usman F. Alnuaimi A.S. (2013), Construction cost overrun and variations: investigation on its causes and consequences. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 7(14): 311-323.
- Artto K.A Lehtonen J.M. Saranen J. (2001), Managing projects front-end: incorporating a strategic early view to project management with simulation. International Journal of Project Management, 19(5): 255-264.
- Brook M. (2010), Estimating and Tendering for Construction Work, 4th ed. Butterworth-Heineman.
- Chou J.S. Peng M. Persad K. O’Connor J. (2006), Quantity-based approach to preliminary cost estimates for highway projects. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 1946(January 2006), 22–30.
- Chou J. (2011), Cost simulation in an item-based project involving construction engineering and management. International Journal of Project Management, 29(6): 706-717.
- Chou J. Yang I. Kiong W. (2009), Probabilistic simulation for developing likelihood distribution of engineering project cost. Automation in Construction, 18(5): 570-577.
- El-Sayegh, S. M. (2014). Project risk management practices in the UAE construction industry. International Journal of Project Organisation and Management, 6(1-2), 121-137.
- Elfaki A.O. Alatawi S. Abushandi E. (2014), Using intelligent techniques in construction project cost estimation: 10-year survey. Advances in Civil Engineering.
- Heigermoser D. Soto B.J. Abbott E.L.S. Chua D.K.H. (2019), Bim-based last planner system tool for improving construction project management. Automation in Construction, (104): 246-254.
- Heralova R.S. (2017), Life cycle costing as an important contribution to feasibility study in construction projects. Procedia Engineering, (196): 565-570.
- Herbold K.D. (2000), Using monte carlo simulation for pavement cost analysis. Public Roads, 64(3): 2-3.
- Hwang S. (2009), Dynamic regression models for prediction. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 135(5): 360-367.
- Institute P.M. (2008), A guide to the project management body of knowledge.
- Jonny O. Lichtenberg S. (2016), Successive cost estimation – successful budgeting of major projects. In Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 226: 176-183.
- Juszczyk M. (2017), The challenges of nonparametric cost estimation of construction works with the use of artificial intelligence tools. Procedia Engineering, 196: 415-422.
- Kim K.J. Kim K. (2010), Preliminary cost estimation model using case-based reasoning and genetic algorithms. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 24(6): 499-505.
- Kiziltas S. Ph.D. Akinci B. (2009), Contextual information requirements of cost estimators from past construction projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 135(9): 841-852.
- Kujala J. Brady T. Putila J. (2014), Challenges of cost management in complex projects. International Journal of Business and Management, 9(11): 48-58.
- Lim B.M.P.N. Skitmore M. Xiong B. (2016), Drivers of the accuracy of developers’ early stage cost estimates in residential construction. Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, 21(1): 1366-4387.
- Liu L. Zhu K. (2007), Improving cost estimates of construction projects using phased cost factors. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 133(1): 91-95.
- Marco A. De. Briccarello D. Rafele C. (2009), Cost and schedule monitoring of industrial building projects: case study. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management 135(9): 853-862.
- Moon S. Kwon K. (2007), Effectiveness of OLAP - based cost data management in construction cost estimate. Automation in Construction, (16): 336-44.
- Nassar A (2006), Project Life Cycle Cost Estimate. Intercontinental Networks White Paper, January 2006.
- Niazi A. Dai J.S. Balabani S. Seneviratne L. (2006), Product cost estimation: technique classification and methodology review. Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, 128(2): 563-575.
- Oberlender G.D. Trost S.M. (2001), Predicting accuracy of early cost estimates based on estimate quality. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 127(3): 173-182.
- Olatunji O.A. Sher W. (2014), Perspectives on estimating practices modelling. Australasian Journal of Construction Economics and Building, 14(4): 32-53.
- Oyedele O.A. (2015), Evaluation of factors affecting construction cost estimation methods in Nigeria. The Wisdom of the Ages to the Challenges of the Modern World, 1-30.
- Popovic Z. (2004), Implementation of data mining techniques in construction estimating. Neural, Parallel and Scientific Computations, 12(1): 37-52.
- Saha S.K. (2010), Modelling the effectiveness of computer-aided development projects in the semiconductor industry. International Journal of Engineering Management and Economics, 1(2/3): 162-178.
- Salem O. Abourizk S. Ariaratnam S. (2003), Risk-based life-cycle costing of infrastructure rehabilitation and construction alternatives. Journal of Infrastructure Systems, 1(March): 6–15.
- Sequeira S. Lopes E. (2015), Simple method proposal for cost estimation from work breakdown structure. Procedia Computer Science, 64: 537544.
- Statistical Year Book. (2011). Ministry of Economy, Sultanate of Oman.
- Swei O. Gregory J. Dana T. Kirchain R. (2017), Construction cost estimation: a parametric approach for better estimates of expected cost and variation. Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, 101: 295-305.
- Tighe S. (2001), Guidelines for probabilistic pavement life cycle cost analysis. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 1769: 28-38.
- Touran A. Asce M. (2003), Probabilistic model for cost contingency. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, May/June(June): 280-285.
- Toutounchian S. Abbaspour M. Dana T. Abedi Z. (2018), Design of a safety cost estimation parametric model in oil and gas engineering, procurement and construction contracts. Safety Science, 106: 35-46.
- Wang W.C. (2004). Supporting project cost threshold decisions via a mathematical cost model. International Journal of Project Management, 22(2): 99-108.
- Wu S. Wood G. Ginige K. Jong S.W. (2014), Technical review of BIM based cost estimating in UK quantity surveying practice, standards and tools. Journal of Information Technology in Construction ITcon, 19: 534-562.
- Yang I. (2008), Distribution-free monte carlo simulation : Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 134(5): 352-360.
- Yu W. Lai C. Lee W (2006), A WICE approach to real-time construction cost estimation. Automation in Construction, 15(1): 12-19.
References
Aibinu A.A. Pasco T (2008), The accuracy of pre‐tender building cost estimates in Australia. Construction Management and Economics, 26(12): 1257–1269.
Akintoye A. Fitzgerald E. (2000). Product cost estimation: technique classification and methodology review. Construction management and economics. Construction Management and Economics, 18(2): 161–172.
Al-Mohsin M. Al-Nuaimi A.S. (2013), Modeling of construction cost of villas in Oman. The Journal of Engineering Research, TJER, 11(1): 34-43.
Albalushi I. Usman F. Alnuaimi A.S. (2013), Construction cost overrun and variations: investigation on its causes and consequences. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 7(14): 311-323.
Artto K.A Lehtonen J.M. Saranen J. (2001), Managing projects front-end: incorporating a strategic early view to project management with simulation. International Journal of Project Management, 19(5): 255-264.
Brook M. (2010), Estimating and Tendering for Construction Work, 4th ed. Butterworth-Heineman.
Chou J.S. Peng M. Persad K. O’Connor J. (2006), Quantity-based approach to preliminary cost estimates for highway projects. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 1946(January 2006), 22–30.
Chou J. (2011), Cost simulation in an item-based project involving construction engineering and management. International Journal of Project Management, 29(6): 706-717.
Chou J. Yang I. Kiong W. (2009), Probabilistic simulation for developing likelihood distribution of engineering project cost. Automation in Construction, 18(5): 570-577.
El-Sayegh, S. M. (2014). Project risk management practices in the UAE construction industry. International Journal of Project Organisation and Management, 6(1-2), 121-137.
Elfaki A.O. Alatawi S. Abushandi E. (2014), Using intelligent techniques in construction project cost estimation: 10-year survey. Advances in Civil Engineering.
Heigermoser D. Soto B.J. Abbott E.L.S. Chua D.K.H. (2019), Bim-based last planner system tool for improving construction project management. Automation in Construction, (104): 246-254.
Heralova R.S. (2017), Life cycle costing as an important contribution to feasibility study in construction projects. Procedia Engineering, (196): 565-570.
Herbold K.D. (2000), Using monte carlo simulation for pavement cost analysis. Public Roads, 64(3): 2-3.
Hwang S. (2009), Dynamic regression models for prediction. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 135(5): 360-367.
Institute P.M. (2008), A guide to the project management body of knowledge.
Jonny O. Lichtenberg S. (2016), Successive cost estimation – successful budgeting of major projects. In Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 226: 176-183.
Juszczyk M. (2017), The challenges of nonparametric cost estimation of construction works with the use of artificial intelligence tools. Procedia Engineering, 196: 415-422.
Kim K.J. Kim K. (2010), Preliminary cost estimation model using case-based reasoning and genetic algorithms. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 24(6): 499-505.
Kiziltas S. Ph.D. Akinci B. (2009), Contextual information requirements of cost estimators from past construction projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 135(9): 841-852.
Kujala J. Brady T. Putila J. (2014), Challenges of cost management in complex projects. International Journal of Business and Management, 9(11): 48-58.
Lim B.M.P.N. Skitmore M. Xiong B. (2016), Drivers of the accuracy of developers’ early stage cost estimates in residential construction. Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, 21(1): 1366-4387.
Liu L. Zhu K. (2007), Improving cost estimates of construction projects using phased cost factors. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 133(1): 91-95.
Marco A. De. Briccarello D. Rafele C. (2009), Cost and schedule monitoring of industrial building projects: case study. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management 135(9): 853-862.
Moon S. Kwon K. (2007), Effectiveness of OLAP - based cost data management in construction cost estimate. Automation in Construction, (16): 336-44.
Nassar A (2006), Project Life Cycle Cost Estimate. Intercontinental Networks White Paper, January 2006.
Niazi A. Dai J.S. Balabani S. Seneviratne L. (2006), Product cost estimation: technique classification and methodology review. Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, 128(2): 563-575.
Oberlender G.D. Trost S.M. (2001), Predicting accuracy of early cost estimates based on estimate quality. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 127(3): 173-182.
Olatunji O.A. Sher W. (2014), Perspectives on estimating practices modelling. Australasian Journal of Construction Economics and Building, 14(4): 32-53.
Oyedele O.A. (2015), Evaluation of factors affecting construction cost estimation methods in Nigeria. The Wisdom of the Ages to the Challenges of the Modern World, 1-30.
Popovic Z. (2004), Implementation of data mining techniques in construction estimating. Neural, Parallel and Scientific Computations, 12(1): 37-52.
Saha S.K. (2010), Modelling the effectiveness of computer-aided development projects in the semiconductor industry. International Journal of Engineering Management and Economics, 1(2/3): 162-178.
Salem O. Abourizk S. Ariaratnam S. (2003), Risk-based life-cycle costing of infrastructure rehabilitation and construction alternatives. Journal of Infrastructure Systems, 1(March): 6–15.
Sequeira S. Lopes E. (2015), Simple method proposal for cost estimation from work breakdown structure. Procedia Computer Science, 64: 537544.
Statistical Year Book. (2011). Ministry of Economy, Sultanate of Oman.
Swei O. Gregory J. Dana T. Kirchain R. (2017), Construction cost estimation: a parametric approach for better estimates of expected cost and variation. Transportation Research Part B: Methodological, 101: 295-305.
Tighe S. (2001), Guidelines for probabilistic pavement life cycle cost analysis. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 1769: 28-38.
Touran A. Asce M. (2003), Probabilistic model for cost contingency. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, May/June(June): 280-285.
Toutounchian S. Abbaspour M. Dana T. Abedi Z. (2018), Design of a safety cost estimation parametric model in oil and gas engineering, procurement and construction contracts. Safety Science, 106: 35-46.
Wang W.C. (2004). Supporting project cost threshold decisions via a mathematical cost model. International Journal of Project Management, 22(2): 99-108.
Wu S. Wood G. Ginige K. Jong S.W. (2014), Technical review of BIM based cost estimating in UK quantity surveying practice, standards and tools. Journal of Information Technology in Construction ITcon, 19: 534-562.
Yang I. (2008), Distribution-free monte carlo simulation : Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 134(5): 352-360.
Yu W. Lai C. Lee W (2006), A WICE approach to real-time construction cost estimation. Automation in Construction, 15(1): 12-19.