Assessing the risks leading to cost overrun on construction projects in Uganda

Abstract

Cost performance is one of the basic criteria for measuring the success of construction projects. Despite its importance, it is very common to see construction projects failing to achieve their intended objectives within their specified costs, this is a very common problem especially in developing countries where Uganda lies. This research paper attempts to identify the causal factors for cost overrun on Uganda‟s building construction projects, and to assess the effects of these factors based on their frequencies of occurrence and their severities respectively. An extensive and detailed literature review was conducted prior to this study to identify these factors basing on previous studies and publications in addition to expert opinions. A total of thirty nine (39) factors were identified, and used in the design of questionnaires used in a survey with different stakeholders in the construction industry. Findings from the study are presented in the form of tables that classify the cost overrun factors and their rankings.