Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Over the past decade, the relationship between building information modeling (BIM) for cost management and project cost performance has become a subject of considerable debate among scholars and industry practitioners alike, particularly within the context of Anambra State where operating conditions differ markedly from more developed markets.

Within the context of Anambra 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 building information modeling (BIM) for cost management on project cost performance, making a context-specific inquiry both timely and necessary.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite a growing body of literature on building information modeling (BIM) for cost management, there remains limited consensus on the precise nature of its relationship with project cost performance, particularly within Anambra State. Many organizations continue to make decisions about building information modeling (BIM) for cost management without a clear, evidence-based understanding of how those decisions ultimately affect project cost performance. This gap between practice and empirical understanding is the central problem this study seeks to address.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Cost Management on project cost performance in Anambra State.
2. To assess the extent to which building information modeling (BIM) for cost management influences project cost performance within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with building information modeling (BIM) for cost management in relation to project cost performance.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing building information modeling (BIM) for cost management in order to improve project cost performance.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of building information modeling (BIM) for cost management on project cost performance in Anambra State?
2. To what extent does building information modeling (BIM) for cost management influence project cost performance within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with building information modeling (BIM) for cost management in relation to project cost performance?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize building information modeling (BIM) for cost management in order to improve project cost performance?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to a range of stakeholders. For policymakers and regulators, the findings offer evidence to guide the design of frameworks that support healthier outcomes around project cost performance. For managers and practitioners within Anambra State, the study provides practical insight into how building information modeling (BIM) for cost management can be better managed. Finally, it contributes to the academic literature on quantity surveying by extending existing knowledge into a specific empirical context, and offers a reference point for future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to an examination of Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Cost Management and its relationship with project cost performance within the context of Anambra State. It reflects a clearly defined scope of analysis and relies on data and perspectives available within that scope; generalizing the findings beyond this specific context should therefore be done with appropriate caution.