ABSTRACT
Various factors contribute to poor cost performance on projects. A study was conducted to investigate the factors contributing to poor cost management in the Zambian Construction industry. A positivist approach was used a cross-sectional manner using self-administered questionnaires for data collection. Respondents were consultants (random sample) and contractors (stratified random sample) carrying out the cost management function in construction firms and consulting firms. A total of 118 self-administered questionnaires were distributed. The response rate of 79% and the reliability test using Cronbach alpha of 0.779 was achieved. The data was analyzed using means and Spearman's rho. Findings show that the top factors contributing to cost management were inflation, variations, extra work, unclear scope, and poor cost control. The afforemetioned are indications of the need for improved forecasting and detailed scoping in the planning and estimation stages of a project.
