Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Cost overruns have been a prevalent issue in the construction industry, leading to financial losses, project delays, and disputes among stakeholders. This thesis presents an in-depth analysis of cost overruns in construction projects using a case study approach in the field of Quantity Surveying. The research aims to identify the root causes of cost overruns, explore the impact on project outcomes, and provide recommendations for mitigating these challenges. Chapter 1 introduces the research topic, providing background information on cost overruns in construction projects. The problem statement highlights the significance of addressing this issue, and the objectives of the study are outlined to guide the research process. This chapter also establishes the scope and limitations of the study and defines key terms to ensure clarity in the subsequent chapters. Chapter 2 presents a comprehensive literature review on cost overruns in construction projects. The review covers ten key areas, including the definition of cost overruns, factors contributing to cost overruns, impact on project performance, and existing strategies for cost control. By synthesizing existing research findings, this chapter provides a theoretical foundation for the study. Chapter 3 details the research methodology employed in this study. It includes the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis procedures. The chapter also discusses ethical considerations and limitations associated with the research methodology to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings. Chapter 4 presents the findings of the case study analysis on cost overruns in construction projects. The chapter discusses the identified causes of cost overruns, their impact on project outcomes, and the effectiveness of current cost management practices. The findings are analyzed in detail, providing insights into practical implications for the industry. Chapter 5 concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings, discussing their implications for Quantity Surveying practice, and offering recommendations for future research and industry practice. The conclusion highlights the importance of proactive cost management strategies to minimize cost overruns and enhance project success in the construction industry. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the body of knowledge on cost overruns in construction projects by offering a detailed analysis of the issue from a Quantity Surveying perspective. By identifying the root causes of cost overruns and proposing effective strategies for cost control, this research aims to improve project outcomes and promote sustainable development in the construction industry.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Analysis of Cost Overruns in Construction Projects: A Case Study Approach in Quantity Surveying" aims to investigate the factors contributing to cost overruns in construction projects and analyze how Quantity Surveying practices can help mitigate these cost overruns. The construction industry is notorious for experiencing cost overruns, which can have detrimental effects on project budgets, schedules, and overall success. By conducting a detailed case study analysis, this research project seeks to provide valuable insights into the root causes of cost overruns and propose effective strategies for managing and preventing them. The study will begin with an introduction that highlights the importance of addressing cost overruns in construction projects and outlines the research objectives. The background of the study will provide a comprehensive overview of the construction industry, emphasizing the prevalence and impact of cost overruns on project outcomes. The problem statement will clearly define the research problem and justify the need for further investigation in this area. The research objectives will outline the specific goals of the study, including identifying key factors contributing to cost overruns, evaluating current Quantity Surveying practices, and proposing recommendations for improving cost management in construction projects. The limitations of the study will be acknowledged to provide a transparent understanding of the scope and boundaries of the research. The scope of the study will be clearly defined to establish the focus and extent of the investigation. The significance of the study will be emphasized to highlight the potential impact of the research findings on the construction industry and the field of Quantity Surveying. The structure of the thesis will be outlined to guide the reader through the organization and flow of the research project. Definitions of key terms will be provided to ensure clarity and understanding of essential concepts and terminology used throughout the study. The literature review will present a comprehensive analysis of existing research and scholarly works related to cost overruns in construction projects and Quantity Surveying practices. Key themes, theories, and findings from relevant literature will be synthesized to provide a theoretical framework for the study. The research methodology will detail the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis procedures used in the study. The findings chapter will present the results of the case study analysis, highlighting the factors contributing to cost overruns and the effectiveness of Quantity Surveying interventions in managing project costs. Detailed discussions, analyses, and interpretations of the findings will be provided to offer deeper insights into the research outcomes. The conclusion and summary chapter will summarize the key findings, implications, and recommendations of the study, emphasizing the practical implications for industry practitioners and researchers. Overall, this research project aims to contribute valuable knowledge and insights to the field of Quantity Surveying by addressing the critical issue of cost overruns in construction projects. By combining theoretical perspectives with practical case study analysis, this study seeks to enhance understanding and promote effective cost management practices in the construction industry.