Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Bill of Quantities Preparation Practices has increasingly attracted the attention of researchers, regulators, and practitioners concerned with construction cost overrun. This growing interest reflects the recognition that bill of quantities preparation practices does not operate in isolation, but interacts with a wider set of institutional and market conditions found within Imo State.

Within the context of Imo State, this relationship carries particular significance. Organizations in this setting operate under a distinct combination of economic, regulatory, and market conditions that may amplify or dampen the effect of bill of quantities preparation practices on construction cost overrun, making a context-specific inquiry both timely and necessary.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While bill of quantities preparation practices is widely discussed in policy and industry circles, empirical evidence on its actual effect on construction cost overrun within Imo State remains sparse and, in places, contradictory. This lack of localized, rigorous evidence makes it difficult for decision-makers to know with confidence whether current approaches to bill of quantities preparation practices are helping or hindering construction cost overrun — a gap this study sets out to close.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Bill of Quantities Preparation Practices on construction cost overrun in Imo State.
2. To assess the extent to which bill of quantities preparation practices influences construction cost overrun within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with bill of quantities preparation practices in relation to construction cost overrun.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing bill of quantities preparation practices in order to improve construction cost overrun.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of bill of quantities preparation practices on construction cost overrun in Imo State?
2. To what extent does bill of quantities preparation practices influence construction cost overrun within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with bill of quantities preparation practices in relation to construction cost overrun?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize bill of quantities preparation practices in order to improve construction cost overrun?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Beyond its academic contribution to the field of quantity surveying, this study has practical value for management teams within Imo State seeking to understand how bill of quantities preparation practices translates into measurable outcomes around construction cost overrun. It is equally useful to students and future researchers looking for a localized empirical reference on this relationship.

1.6 Scope of the Study

In terms of scope, this study confines itself to Imo State, focusing specifically on how bill of quantities preparation practices relates to construction cost overrun within that setting. Findings are interpreted within these boundaries rather than as universal claims applicable to every organization or market.