Analyzing cost and schedule growth in public works projects

The final cost of a Public Works project can directly affect the number of projects that can be accomplished during a fiscal year. Many of the factors that determine the final cost of a project are not under the control of the Project Engineer. For example, there is the Contractor's productivity and manning levels, the weather, the price of materials, and the price of labor. Those items that are under the control of the Engineer are the quality of the drawings and specifications. Likewise, the time required to complete the project is dependent on complexity and quantity of work, site conditions, weather, and the clearly stated statement of work required.;This study analyzed three types of Public Works projects, transportation, flood control, and utility, using one-way ANOVA to determine if the mean cost and schedule growth were significantly different from each other. The results were summarized and conclusions drawn on the tests performed.