Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to examine the how cost performance of local government
projects can be improved from the perspectives of consultant and construction firms. The
study adopted a quantitative research design involving the development of survey
questionnaires. The specific objective of the study were to identify the factors that
influence cost of completion of construction projects and challenges to effective
management of project cost with a view to improving the cost management of construction
projects. The target population of the study was construction firms registered with the
Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and consultants operating within the Metropolis. The
findings of the study revealed that the key causes of cost overruns included; high rate of
inflation, poor procurement practices, unforeseen site conditions, improper planning,
fluctuations in prices of raw materials, obsolete or unsuitable construction equipment and
methods, insufficient finds and mistakes in design. Also, the findings of the study revealed
that the key challenges to effective management of the cost of local government projects
included; political influence, lack of cooperation between contractors and local
government officials, poor supervision and lack of transparency in contract award. Further
findings were that completing projects on schedule, proper project planning, minimizing
materials waste, and ensuring value for money in project cost estimates and proper design
of facilities will go a long to minimize or prevent cost overruns of local government
projects.
Description:
A Dissertation in the Department of CONSTRUCTION AND WOOD
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION, Faculty of TECHNICAL EDUCATION,
submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, University of Education, Winneba,
in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of Master of Construction
(Degree).