1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background to the study
The importance of ensuring accuracy and reliability of construction time estimates at the tendering stage cannot be overemphasized. Accurate early estimates of construction time typically provides clients and contractors with a basis for evaluating the success of a project and the efficiency of the project organisation (Nkado, 1995). They also provide them with a basis for ascertaining logistical and cash flow implications for feasibility, budgeting, planning, monitoring and even litigation purposes (Skitmore and Ng, 2003). Furthermore, they serve as a criteria in determining the best combination when performing time-cost optimization (Que, 2002). It is therefore clear that construction time has become a vital tool used by clients and contractors to ensure the success of construction projects. This success will however, only be achieved when construction time is accurately predicted.
Construction time/periods are often calculated on the basis of the planner's own previous experience on similar projects (Choudhury and Phatak, 2004). However, as pointed out by Skitmore and Ng (2003), the need to reduce the problem of subjectivity associated with the planner's experience and judgement to correctly interpret project and site information and make the best possible decisions, has long resulted in the development of construction time predicting models.
The development of construction time predicting models commenced with the use of project scope factors. Project scope is a measure of project size, which can be described as construction cost, project duration, gross floor area, number of storey, building type and procurement method (Walker, 1995).
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