An assessment of cost control techniques on road construction projects in Uganda: a case study of Kampala flyover project

Abstract

Cost control in the construction industry entails using techniques and best practices to monitor a project's construction costs. The primary goal of cost control is to construct at the lowest possible cost while meeting other project goals. This study assessed the effectiveness of cost control techniques used on the construction of the Kampala Flyover Road Project. The study identified the current cost control techniques in use as well as the challenges of effective cost control in construction. In addition, the study proposed strategic policies that could be implemented to improve cost control on the project. A cross-sectional survey design and a quantitative research approach were used in the study. The sample size was 156 respondents, but only 142 responded. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Extracted descriptive statistics were used to obtain frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and average means. The mean item score was used to analyze the score data obtained from the Likert-style scale by comparing it with the grand average. The study findings identified the following six frequently used cost control techniques, listed in order: tracking of cost through maintaining accurate records (3.99), creating a work breakdown structure (3.64), Earned Value Analysis (3.6), renegotiating contracts (3.42), forecasting (3.42) and implementing budgetary change control systems (3.38). The identified challenges affecting effective cost control that scored above the 3.19 average mean were six, and these were inclement weather impeding project progress, insufficient project cost documentation, initial design gaps leading to variations, inadequate monitoring of project costs, lack of professionals with sufficient experience in cost control and inability to accurately estimate initial project costs, with mean scores of 3.73, 3.61, 3.57, 3.51, 3.35 and 3.34 respectively. The study ultimately recommended the following strategic policies to improve cost control; adequate record-keeping systems to track project costs, regular meetings to monitor and control project costs, accurate estimating at the design stage to provide accurate cost forecasts, routine updating of cost plans, hiring qualified and licensed professionals with project cost control experience, proficiency in the use of cost management software, and regular cost reporting.