Critical success factors for cost management in public-housing projects

This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Emerald in Construction Innovation: Information, Process, Management on 25/01/2021, available online at: https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-10-2020-0166 The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.Purpose Effective cost performance is a crucial criterion measuring successful project management in Public-housing projects. This paper analyses the vital underlying factors surrounding the successful Cost Management Process (CMP) outcomes in Public Housing Projects (PHPs). Design/methodology The research was conducted in three stages. The first stage consisted of a detailed literature review to document Success factors affecting Cost performances and management. In stage two, Brainstorming sessions were undertaken with construction experts knowledgeable in cost management practices and have been involved in PHPs. These sessions were used to refine those Success factors for the PHPs settings and define their criticality with respect to the CMP stages using Interpretive Ranking Process (IRP). In Stage three, focus group sessions were performed to validate the interrelationships of the contextualised Success factors. Findings The top three most critical factors for successful implementation and outcomes at all CMP stages in PHPs settings were found to relate to competencies, team qualities and collaborative practices of Project Team (PT). Early contractor involvement and effective construction planning and management also emerged relevant to the process. Practical implications Government project departments, project managers and construction organisations (consultants and contractors) need to commit and mandate continuous development of cost management competencies for all professionals engaged in PHPs. Channels supporting Team integration and collaborative practices between design and construction teams are required to increase the likelihood of successful project cost management practice and outcomes in PHPs. Originality/value The research has developed a Factor-Process relationship model that can be used to improve and evaluate the efficacy of CMP implementation in PHP settings