Background of the Study
Cost management is a critical aspect of project success, particularly in large-scale infrastructure developments like the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) in Nigeria. The Lekki Free Trade Zone is one of the most significant development projects in Nigeria, designed to attract foreign investment, stimulate economic growth, and enhance trade between Nigeria and the rest of the world. It is a multi-billion-dollar project involving various stakeholders, including the Nigerian government, international investors, and local businesses. Effective cost management practices are essential for ensuring that the project is completed on time, within budget, and with the desired quality.
Cost management involves a set of activities aimed at planning, estimating, budgeting, financing, and controlling costs to ensure that the project achieves its objectives without overspending. In a project as complex as the Lekki Free Trade Zone, where multiple contractors and suppliers are involved, effective cost management becomes even more critical. Research has shown that poor cost management practices can lead to project delays, budget overruns, and failure to meet expected outcomes. However, despite its importance, many projects in developing countries, including Nigeria, often face challenges in implementing effective cost management practices due to factors such as inadequate planning, corruption, and lack of skilled personnel.
The case of the Lekki Free Trade Zone presents a unique opportunity to evaluate the role of cost management practices in project success. Understanding how these practices have been applied in the context of the Lekki project can provide insights into the effectiveness of different strategies and tools in managing project costs and improving overall success. This study aims to investigate the impact of cost management practices on the success of the Lekki Free Trade Zone project and to identify best practices that could be applied to similar projects in Nigeria and other developing countries.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the significant investment and importance of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, there is limited research on the effectiveness of cost management practices in ensuring the project’s success. The complexity of the project, involving multiple stakeholders, has made it challenging to implement consistent and effective cost management strategies. As the project progresses, issues such as budget overruns, delays, and inefficiencies in resource allocation have emerged, highlighting the need for a comprehensive assessment of cost management practices. This study seeks to explore the role of cost management in the success of the Lekki Free Trade Zone and address gaps in the existing literature, particularly in the context of large-scale infrastructure projects in developing countries.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on the Lekki Free Trade Zone project, specifically evaluating cost management practices and their impact on the project's success. The scope is limited to the construction phase and does not cover the post-construction phase. The study will also focus on cost management practices related to budgeting, estimation, and control mechanisms. Limitations include potential data access issues, as some cost management documents may be confidential, and the dynamic nature of the project, which may affect the accuracy of findings over time.
Definitions of Terms
Control Mechanisms: Techniques used to monitor and regulate costs throughout the project to ensure it stays within budget.
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Chapter One: Introduction