A novel conceptual cost estimation decision-making model for field canal improvement projects

Field Canals Improvement Projects (FCIPs) are a promising project category to preserve irrigation water resources. There are multiple approaches available to estimate a project's initial cost. However, one of the difficulties in developing a reliable cost estimation model is determining the cost parameters. The study aims to explore and analyse the cost parameters (CPs) to achieve conceptual cost estimate (CCE). This study presents a conceptual model that investigates the connection between CPs and CCE to achieve total project success (TPS) for FCIPs. This is accomplished through mixed methods comprising three phases: (1) the qualitative technique, specifically the Delphi Method (DM), which identifies 21 CPs categorized into four categories; (2) the quantitative method, which utilizes a questionnaire survey conducted with construction experts; and (3) the data analysis through Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), which is used to verify the correlation between CPs, CCE, and TPS. The results indicate a significant relationship between the CPs and the CCE. Furthermore, the CCE moderately impacts the TPS. This study contributes to the construction industry by filling a critical gap in the literature, shedding new light on the complex dynamics of the relation between CPs and TPS in FCIPs.