Optimism bias uplift on cost contingency: a NZ study
Application Process
A completed online application must be submitted by 4.30 pm 22 September 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Any required supporting documentation (including references) must also be received by 4.30 pm on the closing date in order for the application to be considered.
Project number
503
Project description
The research will review past (possibly some present) internal projects and compare the project cost at different stages to establish an optimism bias uplift. It is the intention of this research to build a compendium of knowledge encompassing Stakeholder outputs, liabilities and project opportunities.
Initial high level Milestones outlined below (can be refined as the project progresses under the leadership of the supervisor):
- Short literature review
- document case study library
- Gather data
- create compendium database
- Interpret data
- Complete report
The outcomes will be:
- A documented case study library
- A compendium database (excel based or similar) showing the informed contingency at each stage of a project
- A report 8-10 pages in length
Location
Mainly at the University.
Supervisor
Lecturer in Architectural Science and Sustainable Systems Design · Director of Development and Industry Liaison
School of Architecture