Linlin Zhao

Citation

Thesis Title
Building development cost drivers in the New Zealand construction industry: a multilevel analysis of the causal relationships

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Building development cost is influenced by a raft of complex factors ranging from project characteristics to external dynamics. It is not yet clearly understood how these factors interact with each other and individually to influence building cost. Ms Zhao's research aimed to develop and validate a multilevel model of the key drivers of building development cost and their causal relationships. Observed indicators of the model's latent constructs were identified and measured using a mixed methods research design. Results showed that property market and construction industry factors were the most significant predictor of building development cost in New Zealand. The model’s fit to the empirical dataset was validated using structural equation modelling. Results of an additional model validation test by a panel of experts further confirmed its efficacy. Key recommendations included addressing the priority observed indicators of the most significant latent variables in cost studies and analysis.

Supervisors
Dr Jasper Mbachu
Dr Niluka Domingo