INTRODUCTION OF TIME MANAGEMENT CONCEPT FOR PUBLIC WORK PROJECTS

Reduction of the cost of public works is now one of the important policy issues in Japan. Though various policy initiatives have been taken to address the issue, the possibility of achieving significant cost reduction through the shortening of project term has not been explored yet. This paper utilizes the information included in ex-post evaluation reports for an objective assessment of possible cost saving and other economic and financial benefits due to better time management in public work. The paper finally makes policy recommendations for applying the time management concepts in public work projects in Japan. The result of this study could serve as valuable inputs for the ongoing reform process to improve efficiency of public work projects in Japan. The study findings can also be relevant especially for developing countries as the longer time period or time over-run is the common problem in these countries too.