Assessing the Level of Implementation of Cost Reduction Techniques on Educational Building Projects in Public Tertiary Institutions in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

In the face of limited financial resources, public tertiary institutions are pressured to optimize expenditure on educational building projects. Effective cost reduction techniques can help bridge the gap between limited budgets and the need for quality infrastructure. This research investigates cost reduction techniques implemented on educational building projects in public tertiary institutions in southwestern Nigeria and its relationship with the type of tertiary institution. A quantitative research method was employed in the study using a questionnaire survey. The building projects considered were those completed between the years 2012-2022. 133 projects from 15 public tertiary institutions in southwestern Nigeria were surveyed using purposive sampling techniques. The mean item score and the Kruskal-Wallis test were employed for data analysis. The findings showed that amongst the 16 various cost reduction techniques investigated, value analysis/engineering, supply chain management, target value design, and budget control were top-ranked and used on many elements of the projects. At the same time, automation and circular economy were the least ranked cost reduction techniques used. The study further showed significant differences in implementing 7 of the techniques in the various tertiary institutions. It is concluded that integrating cost reduction techniques into existing policies and guidelines will facilitate the development of a standardized framework for their implementation across public tertiary institutions, promoting broad adoption and ensuring consistency in their application.