Abstract:
This study is to investigate the reasons for disparity between design
stage elemental cost plan and the contract sum as far as related to
road projects in Qatar. A number of risk factors responsible for such
variations were identified through the literature survey. A two
round Delphi method was utilized in complementing responses
from expert interviewees, resulting in further dominant factors
influencing early cost overrun. The interviews further indicated
that risks have both positive and negative impact on the initial
budgeted sum responsible for the deviations experienced. Relative
importance index method was used for hierarchal assessment of
factors. The top 3 most significant factors of cost deviation are
change of the mode of procurement after tender calling, red carpet
negotiations just before the contract award and increase in markup
due to client’s pressure to early completion. With this information,
Quantity surveyors are more able to accurately forecast the likely
contract sum, thus increasing the accuracy of design stage
elemental costing. There is no recent empirical evidence of an
investigation into the reasons for disparity between design stage
elemental cost plan and final tender sum in procuring road projects
in Qatar.
