Early Definition Matrix of Low-Cost Housing Projects for Developing Countries

The construction industry plays an essential role in developing countries. Effective development of construction projects leads to improved well-being and progress for society. Despite their importance, construction projects still face diverse and unpredictable challenges that threaten their performance, such as managing the increasing complexity of their requirements. Poor scope definition in the early stages of a project is one of the leading causes of failure and underperformance. This study aimed to develop a management tool to assess the early scope definition of low-cost housing projects tailored for developing countries, including sustainability and building information management criteria. To achieve this aim, this article carried a methodology out based on the collection of information from the construction management literature and validated by a panel of experts using the Delphi method. The study defined a requirements matrix made up of three main sections, eight categories, and 39 requirements. The management matrix included sustainable standards for efficient energy, water management, and information management using BIM from the early stages of the project. Thus, the results of this study provide project managers with a set of criteria to meet the new and complex requirements of sustainability and BIM in developing countries.