Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Construction projects are often plagued by cost overruns, which can have significant negative impacts on project outcomes. This study aims to analyze the factors contributing to cost overruns in construction projects from a quantity surveying perspective. Through a case study approach, this research investigates the causes of cost overruns, their implications, and potential mitigation strategies. The research begins with an introduction to the problem of cost overruns in construction projects, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue to improve project performance. The background of the study provides context on the prevalence of cost overruns in the construction industry and the need for effective cost management practices. The problem statement identifies the research gap in understanding the specific factors leading to cost overruns in construction projects. The objectives of the study include identifying the key factors contributing to cost overruns, examining their impact on project outcomes, and proposing recommendations for mitigating cost overruns. The limitations of the study acknowledge the potential constraints on data availability, project scope, and generalizability of findings. The scope of the study outlines the specific focus on construction projects and quantity surveying practices. The significance of the study lies in its potential to inform industry stakeholders, project managers, and quantity surveyors about the causes and consequences of cost overruns, enabling them to make informed decisions and improve project performance. The structure of the thesis provides an overview of the chapters and their contents, guiding readers through the research process. Definitions of key terms are provided to clarify terminology used throughout the thesis. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review, examining existing research on cost overruns in construction projects, quantity surveying practices, and cost management strategies. The review of literature synthesizes key findings and identifies gaps in current knowledge, providing a foundation for the research study. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology, including the research design, data collection methods, sampling strategy, and data analysis techniques. The chapter details the case study approach used to investigate cost overruns in construction projects, ensuring a rigorous and systematic research process. Chapter Four presents the findings of the study, analyzing the factors contributing to cost overruns, their implications on project outcomes, and potential mitigation strategies. The discussion of findings highlights key insights and recommendations for addressing cost overruns in construction projects. Chapter Five concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings, implications for practice, and recommendations for future research. The conclusion highlights the significance of the study in advancing knowledge on cost overruns in construction projects and emphasizes the importance of effective cost management practices in improving project outcomes. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the existing body of knowledge on cost overruns in construction projects by providing a detailed analysis of the factors contributing to cost overruns from a quantity surveying perspective. The findings of this study have implications for industry practice, highlighting the importance of proactive cost management strategies to mitigate cost overruns and improve project performance.

Thesis Overview

The 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 from a Quantity Surveying perspective. Cost overruns are common in the construction industry and can have significant impacts on project outcomes, including delays, disputes, and financial losses. By focusing on this issue, the research seeks to provide valuable insights that can help improve cost estimation practices and project management strategies in the construction sector. This study will adopt a case study approach, which involves analyzing real-world construction projects to identify the root causes of cost overruns. The research will draw on both quantitative and qualitative data to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing project costs. Quantitative data analysis will involve examining project budgets, actual expenditures, and cost variations, while qualitative data analysis will involve interviews with key stakeholders such as project managers, contractors, and Quantity Surveyors. The research overview will be structured around several key components, including the introduction, literature review, research methodology, findings discussion, and conclusion. The introduction will provide an overview of the research problem, objectives, significance, scope, and structure of the thesis. The literature review will explore existing studies on cost overruns in construction projects, highlighting common causes and potential solutions identified in the literature. The research methodology section will outline the research design, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques used in the study. This section will also discuss the selection criteria for the case studies and the ethical considerations involved in the research process. The findings discussion will present the results of the data analysis, highlighting the key factors contributing to cost overruns in the case study projects. This section will also compare the findings with existing literature and discuss their implications for Quantity Surveying practice. In conclusion, this research overview sets the stage for a comprehensive investigation into cost overruns in construction projects from a Quantity Surveying perspective. By examining real-world case studies and engaging with industry stakeholders, the study aims to provide practical recommendations for improving cost estimation accuracy and project management effectiveness. Ultimately, this research seeks to contribute to the body of knowledge in Quantity Surveying and help address the challenges associated with cost overruns in the construction industry.