Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Cost Control Systems and Good Governance: Tools for Effective Project Delivery.

D. O. Mac-Barango (Ph.D)

Abstract

Achieving effective project delivery dictates that cost which is the most visible performance metric has to be controlled. Lack of accountability, transparency and probity as ingredients of good governance and the prevalence of corruption have considerably affected effective project delivery in Nigeria. This research appraises the influence of cost control systems (mechanisms) and the elements of good governance on effective project delivery. This it was able achieve by drawing from reviews on previous studies, critique on the various cost control process, procedures and mechanisms (approximating estimating techniques, cost analysis and planning, best value practice, due process and cost reporting) as well as the various external pressures which influences cost control outside the brief and designs and the immediate project environment. This is with a view to minimize the cost of projects. Researching findings are suggestive that the lack of elements of good governance (accountability, probity, transparency) and the prevalence of corruption have considerably inhibited the efficacy of cost control systems. The research concludes that the cost control systems cannot be isolated from the general project environment; it is an integral part of the total project management efforts. There are deteriorating arts of good governance as they relate to effective infrastructure delivery. The research recommends as follows: The adoption and application of efficient and effective systems of cost control and management mechanisms. Develop and establish a process of contract award, which integrates oversight certifications, due process as well as the sustenance of the ingredients of good governance. Reinforce and strength the efficiency capability of established governmental anti-corruption agencies.

Keywords

CostGood GovernanceCost Control SystemsBest Value PracticeCost Reports.

References

Abdularazaq M, Abdullahi, A. J and Ibrahim, A. D (2015): Use of Knowledge in the Nigerian Construction Industry. In: Laryea, S and Leiringer, R (Eds). Procs 6th West Africa Built Environment Research (WABER) Conference 10the – 12th August 2015, Accra, Ghana (691 – 704). Adetola, F. O. (2001): Pre Contract Management and Documentation in Highways, Road and Infrastructure. Paper Presentation at a 2-Day Workshop. Costing and Management of Highways Roads, and Infrastructure organized by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors Tuesday10th & Wednesday 11th April, 2001 at the Centre for Women Development, Abuja. Pp 6 & 7. Ajayi, O and Mafimido, B (2015): Due Process Practice on Construction Projects in Lagos State, Nigeria. In: Laryea, S and Leiringer, R (Eds). Procs 6th West Africa Built Environment Research (WABER) Conference 10the – 12th August 2015, Accra, Ghana (337 - 345). Anago T.I (2001): contract auditing and accountability. Paper presentation at the 2nd day workshop on costing and management of highways, roads and infrastructure: Organized by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors. From Tuesday 10th – Wednesday 11th 2001. At the center for development Abuja. Anago, T. I. (2002): Ethical on National Development: Paper Presentation at the 20th Biennal Conference. Theme: Building the Blocks of National Development Challenges Conflicts and Prospects. Organized by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors. From wed 30th October to Sat 2nd Nov 2002 at Oba Akenzua Cultural Center Benin City. Pp 11. Ashworth, A (1988): Cost Studies of Buildings. Longman Scientific & Technical Longman Group. UK. Pg Ashworth, A. (2012): Contractual Procedures in the Construction Industry. Sixth Edition. Routledge Taylor and Francis Group. London and New York. Pp 130 & 131. Bathurst, P. E and Butler, D. A (1980): Building Cost Control Techniques and Economics Second Edition. Heinemann. London. Pp 15 – 17, 19 & 21. Bledsoe, J. D. (2002): Successful Estimating Methods from Conception to Bid. Rs Means. Construction Consultants and Publishers. Kingston. Cartldge, D. (2009): Quantity Surveyor?s Pocket Book. Butterworth Heinemann. London New York. Pp 67, 36, 38 & 39. Dikko, H. A. (2015): Excerpts Presidential Address: 2015 Annual Conference of Registered Quantity Surveyors. Theme “Strategic Options for the Nigerian Quantity Surveyor in the next Two Decades” held on Thursday 17th – Friday 18th September, 2015 at President Shehu Musa Yar-Adua Centre, Abuja. Due Process Handbook: Public Procurement Act (2007). Ekpo, S. O. (2001): Controlling the Implementation of Highways, Roads and Infrastructural Projects Paper Presentation. Theme: Costing and Management of Highways Roads, and Infrastructure organized by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors Tuesday10th & Wednesday 11th April, 2001 at the Centre for Women Development, Abuja. Flanagan, R and Tate, B (1997): Cost Control in Building Design: Blackwell Science Ltd. London, USA, Canada. Pp 3, 7, 8. Geddes, S. (1996): Estimating for Building and Civil Engineering Works Ninth Edition. Williams, J. (Ed). Butterworth Heinemann. P 11. London, New York. Hard Castle, C. (1982): Capital Cost Estimating and the Method of Presenting Information for Pricing of Construction Work. In Brandon P. S. (Ed). Building Cost Techniques: New Directions. E & F. N. Spon Ltd. London & New York. P 373 – 375. International Data Group (2009): Value for Money Guideline. Accessed from http: www.aid.gvt.nz/webfm - send/650 on 2nd October, 2015. Ishaya, G, Kola, B. A and Adogbo, K (2015): The Theoretical Link between Organizational Behaviour and Cost Advice Function of Quantity Surveyors via Project Teams. In: Laryea, S and Leiringer, R (Eds). Procs 6th West Africa Built Environment Research (WABER) Conference 10the – 12th August 2015, Accra, Ghana (1117 - 1130). Langdon, D. (2007), Aqua Group Guide to Procurement, Tendering and Contract Administration. Hackett M, Robinson I and Stathan (Eds). Blackwell Publishing Oxford UK, Singapore. Pp 125, 134. Mac-Barango, D. O. (2015): The Strategic Imperatives for Sustainable Development of the 21st Century Quantity Surveyor. Paper Presentation at 2015 Annual Conference of Registered Quantity Surveyors at President Shehu Musa Yar-Adua Centre, Abuja. Thursday 17th – Friday 18th September, 2015. Martin, B (2001): Value Engineering: Benchmark for Success. Chartered Surveyor Monthly. Jan 2001. Mogbo (2001): The Procurement and Financing of Roads in Nigeria Through New Private Sector and Government Initiatives. Paper Presentation: At the 2-Day Workshop on Costing and Management of Highways, Roads and Infrastructure: Organized by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) from 10th and 11th April 2001 at the Center for Women Development, Abuja. Pp 4 and 5. Mogbo (2004). Project Management. Implementation, Evaluation, Co-ordination and Sustenance. Paper Presentation: At the Education Tax Fund (ETF) Zonal Workshop for Stake Holders, from 22nd to 26th November, 2004. Conference Hall, Education Resource Centre, Abuja. P 11. Mogbo, T. C. (2000): Civil Highway Projects. Implications on the Quantity Surveying Profession in Nigeria. Paper Presentation: 19th Biennenial Conference organized by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors. Theme: Quantity Surveying and Challenges of National Development held at Sheraton Hotel & Towers Abuja, Wednesday 15th – Saturday 18th November, 2000. P 1. National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy. NEEDS (2003) Changing the Way Government Does its Work. Pp 86 – 88. NIQS (2000): Frame Work for Construction Contract Auditing (Practice Note 7). P 2. O?Neill, J. J. (1989): Management of Industrial Construction Projects. Heinemann Newness. Oxford, London. Pp 127, 133, 88. Oforeh, E. C. (2004): Cost Management of Civil Engineering Roads & Highways Projects. Paper Presentation: 2-Day Seminar on Contract Administration and Project Management held on 5th & 6th April, 2004 at Aiport Hotel Ikeja, Lagos. Pg 14 Ogunsemi, D. R. (2015): Value for money in Construction Projects. The Quantity Surveyor?s Quest. Inaugural Lecture Series 71. The Federal University of Technology. Akure. P 22. Oladapo, M. A. (2008): A Model for Cost Management of Public Private Partnership Proucrement Projects. Paper Presentation: 2-Day Seminar on Contract Administration and Project Management held on 5th & 6th April, 2004 at Aiport Hotel Ikeja, Lagos. Pg 10-12 Seeley, I. H. (1996): Building Economics: Appraisal and Control of Building Design Cost and Efficiency. Fourth Edition. Macmillan UK. Tinacle, W. (2001): It is at the Heat of Local Authority?s Best Value Strategy. Chartered Surveyor Monthly. October. P24 Wahab, K. A. (2003): Effect of Budgetary Planning and Contract Auditing. Paper Presentation at the 2-Day Seminar on Critical Issues in the Management of Construction Cost, Claims & Disputes organized by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) held at the National Centre for Women Development, Abuja on 15th / 16th May 2003. Abuja University of Lagos Guest Houses & Conference Centre, Lagos on Monday 26th & Tuesday 27th May, 2003. P 7.

More Articles from INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Bridging Legal, Financial, and Data Governance in Enterprise AI: Emerging Trends

Author: Funmilayo Ashore-Onisemo, Ebehiremen Faith Iziduh, Uchechi Mary-Linda Unamma, Ifeanyichukwu Jeffrey Okwesa

Macroeconomic Policies and Economic Stability in Nigeria

Author: Abel-Tariah Emmanuel Onate, Okon, Ekanem Nsikhe, Nwenyi Francis Onwe

Determinants of Bank Liquidity in Nigeria

Author: Nelson Johnny Ebifemo-ere Stephen