Cost and Time Management Efficiency Assessment for Large Road Projects Using Data Envelopment Analysis

Abstract

Upon the completion of national road projects, their cost and time deviations are often reported. These deviations from the projected values are a result of complications in the time and cost management of such projects. Controlling the cost and time overrun of projects is important for successful implementation and efficient project management. However, few studies have attempted to measure the project cost and time management efficiency in civil engineering. Thus, this issue requires further investigation. In this study, large road projects that had poor cost and time management were selected. The chosen projects were configured as Decision Making Units (DMUs) in a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). It is a non-parametric modern mathematical tool for measuring relative managerial performance and determining efficient DMUs. The cost and time management efficiency of the projects was calculated using this tool, and the resulting values were ordered according to importance. The identified results demonstrate that additional works, inaccurate initial project scope, increase or change in the scope of the project, and design changes are four common critical causes that strongly impact both time and cost management efficiency.