Evaluating a Collaborative Cost Management Framework with Lean Construction Experts

摘要

The pervasiveness of in public sector projects running over budget is a call to all stakeholders to address cost performance issues in the construction industry. This paper proposes a framework for addressing construction cost performance issues that bedevil the public sector. The framework is intended to aid mitigation strategies required to overcome established cost management challenges. The framework was developed through the analysis of data from a qualitative multiple case study research design. Projects and associated interviewees were purposively selected to ensure data alignment to the subject matter; cost management and lean construction. Projects experienced excessive cost overruns and there is a need for a more collaborative solution to managing costs. The data from the interviews were compared with the evidence from project-related documents to develop a framework that was validated through expert interviews conducted among lean construction experts. Excessive cost overruns were experienced from all case studies analysed. Thus indicating a continuous problem. Data support the need for a collaborative cost management framework to improve the performance of public sector projects. The collaborative practices and lean tools mentioned for improvement include the 5 Whys, the big room, target value design, and the integration of design and construction. Experts agree that the CCMF demand for professionals to really collaborate and hold them accountable for project delivery success.