Predicting cost deviation in reconstruction projects: Artificial neural networks versus regression

This paper investigates the challenging environment of reconstruction projects and describes the development of a predictive model of cost deviation in such high-risk projects. Based on a survey of construction professionals, information was obtained on the reasons behind cost overruns and poor quality from 50 reconstruction projects. For each project, the specific techniques used for project control were reported along with the actual cost deviation from planned values. Two indicators of cost deviation are used in this study: cost overrun to the owner, and the cost of rework to the contractor. Based on the information obtained, 36 factors were identified as having direct impact on the cost performance of reconstruction projects. Two techniques were then used to develop models for predicting cost deviation: statistical analysis, and artificial neural networks (ANNs). While both models had similar accuracy, the ANN model is more sensitive to a larger number of variables. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the reasons for cost deviation in reconstruction projects and provides a decision support tool to quantify that deviation.