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 Selected West African Countries where operating conditions differ markedly from more developed markets.

Within the context of Selected West African Countries, 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

While building information modeling (BIM) for cost management is widely discussed in policy and industry circles, empirical evidence on its actual effect on project cost performance within Selected West African Countries 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 building information modeling (BIM) for cost management are helping or hindering project cost performance — a gap this study sets out to close.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Building Information Modeling (BIM) for Cost Management on project cost performance in Selected West African Countries.
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 Selected West African Countries?
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 Selected West African Countries, 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

In terms of scope, this study confines itself to Selected West African Countries, focusing specifically on how building information modeling (BIM) for cost management relates to project cost performance within that setting. Findings are interpreted within these boundaries rather than as universal claims applicable to every organization or market.