CONSTRUCTION STAGE COST CONTROL STRATEGIES IN HIGHWAY PROJECTS IN EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate construction stage cost control strategies in highway construction projects in Edo State, with a focus on minimizing project costs. Four objectives were formulated: identifying cost control strategies, examining challenges, comparing opinions between quantity surveyors and engineers, and comparing opinions between consultants and contractors. Data from 178 responses out of a total sample of 255 professionals were analyzed. The research identified 26 cost control variables, with "Value Engineering" and "Earned Value Management" as the most crucial, followed by "Risk Management." "Continuous Improvement" and "Lean Construction" shared the fourth position, while "Work Programs" ranked the lowest. This consensus among Quantity Surveyors and Engineers underscores these top strategies for highway projects.