IDENTIFYING CRUCIAL FACTORS AFFECTING ACCURACY OF COST ESTIMATES AT THE TENDERING PHASE OF PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN JORDAN

The main objective of this study is to identify and evaluate the significant factors that affect the precision of cost estimation in the public construction projects in Jordan. The methodology adopted for this study has been carried out through literature review, interviews with 8 projects managers; questionnaire which included 59 factors distributed over seven groups, and analysis and ranking of these factors depending on the severity index and other statistical parameters. The survey revealed the most significant factors that affect the estimation accuracy are: The level of experience of estimation team, Client's financial capabilities, experience of the project's team, time allowed for estimation, complexity and constructability of the project, and the availability and prices for labor and material. The output of this survey could help the professionals involve in the estimation process to prepare more reliable and efficient prices for different elements of work at the pre-tender phase of the project.