Protocol of Life Cycle Cost (LCC) data input requirements process

Life Cycle Cost (LCC) is an important economic assessment technique that is applied in the beginning of the project to provide useful cost information to the Government, clients, cost estimators and researchers in facilitating them to make better decision in the process of determining the most optimum total ownership costs of an asset or in comparing the most cost-effective of mutually exclusive alternatives. The LCC analysis process can be categorized into three main phases, i.e. data input, conversion and output. The literature study has established that the lack of reliable and current cost data inputs, including sufficient theory has caused difficulties for the estimators to practice LCC analysis. In addition, there is no model, system or guideline has been established in the Malaysian construction industry that can facilitate the LCC estimators to trace, define, collect and update cost data as inputs into the process of producing reliable LCC outputs. A Protocol of LCC Data Input Requirement Process was developed from a three-year research programme to purposely enhance the quality of LCC outputs through the enhancement of quality data input requirements. The finalized protocol has been identified as the first and the newest invention in Malaysia to provide useful procedures and information to the Government agencies, clients, researchers and estimators on how to identify, access, check and update the reliability of data before the data can be used as inputs into the process of producing a comprehensive LCC estimation for building works in the Malaysian construction industry. The protocol can become a potential benchmark which could facilitate the clients, estimators and researchers in Malaysia and or in some other countries to calculate LCC better leading to better outputs. The finalized protocol has undergone pilot studies with the research supervisor, selected academics and experts before being further evaluated, validated and tested with a group of panellists that have expertise, knowledge and skills in LCC using a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) approach. The finalized protocol of LCC data input requirements process comprising three (3) components: 1. A flow chart that presents an overall view of the procedures 2. Step by step procedures on how to acquire cost data inputs of LCC in order to meet the LCC quality data input requirements 3. Remarks that provide additional information to ease understand the developed protoco