The Cost Planning Model - A Search For Optimal Design Solutions

摘要

Today it is widely acknowledged that the complexity of infrastructure planning is growing substantially. In order to overcome limitations, such as cuts in the budget, insufficient funds, inaccurate forecasting and poor quality because of insufficient funds, there is undoubtedly a need to fundamentally transform the existing infrastructure sector, in order to respond to the needs of the clients. Current practice and procedures tend to favor only single solutions and do not evaluate the use of other options for housing and infrastructure projects. There has to be a greater effort at improving cost-effective solutions for infrastructure services. There is a need for generating ideas for new projects and alternative solutions. In order to enhance service delivery within the housing and infrastructure sector, this article aims to put into place a cost model, to enable management to make informed cost-effective decisions and enhance the delivery and quality of infrastructure services.The cost planning model and its outputs is a disciplined effort to produce fundamental decisions in shaping the project cost. The process must be seen as an integrated whole in order to maximize the opportunities for improving quality, while reducing project costs. The model attempts to undertake cost-benefit analysis of design alternatives and integrate infrastructure design options to costs consequences. This will place a heavy burden on the consultants to use a client's money in the most efficient way possible. This article contributes to the underdeveloped area of cost planning and forecasting on infrastructure projects.