Prioritizing cost management system considerations for Nigerian housing projects

Abstract

Purpose- This study develops a success factor model to understand and facilitate improved cost management system (CMS) implementation in Low-cost housing (LcH) project delivery in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach- Literature findings highlight thirteen drivers’ affecting effective implementation within the CMS and employs series of brainstorming sessions and questionnaire survey to validate the drivers’. Factor analysis (FA) identifies possible contextual relationships among the validated drivers’ and groups them into three success factors. The results of the FA are refined employing interpretive structural modelling (ISM). The ISM identifies and models the influential drivers’ and aids the development of the success factor model. Findings- Effective team qualities, information and management actions and a stable operational environment are the three essential success factors for effective CMS implementation. Practical implications- The paper highlights effective team qualities as the most important CMS considerations for Nigerian LcH project delivery. This finding creates the needed awareness to guide project sponsors and project managers in the appropriate selection of Project Management Team (PMT) as well procurement system that facilitates their collaboration. Originality/value- This study is a novel research using FA and ISM to investigate the influence of success factors needful for effective implementation within the CMS. It further develops a hierarchy model that aids the PMT with the better understanding of the drivers’ and factors interrelationships for use on LcH projects within the Nigerian context.