This study establishes a comparison approach for indexes between Vietnam and Taiwan, in order to determine the differences and similarities between indexes inside one country and with another. The study’s database consists of Vietnam and Taiwan’s statistical data of 8 years from 2006 to 2013. Base on the study’s method, it is expected to predict the trend with a higher than 80% correlation between indexes. Therefore, the proposed method can be a promising tool to assist decision makers in construction management.
The empirical results of this study illustrate the relationships between construction and economic indicators between Vietnam and Taiwan. Base on the data collected it is possible to draw a short-term prediction of the Construction Cost Index and other indicators, which serves as a decent tool in public building cost estimations in Vietnam. Absolute number is not possible, however, for such a frequently high fluctuated but not yet technology familiar construction industry like Vietnam’s, this simple method is a decent approach to the Construction Cost Index forecasting study, which is still new in Vietnam.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ii
ABSTRACT iii
LIST OF FIGURES vi
LIST OF TABLES viii
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Research Background and Motivation 1
1.2 Problem Statements 3
1.3 Research Objectives 5
1.4 Research Scope and Limitations 6
1.5 Procedure of the Research 8
1.6 Structure of the Research 8
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 10
2.1 Neural Network Models 10
2.2 The Russell – NCREIF Property Index 11
2.3 Time Series Analysis of Construction Cost Index 12
2.4 Hybrid Intelligence Approach 16
CHAPTER 3: DATA COLLECTION AND METHODOLOGY 19
3.1 Source and validity of data 19
3.2 Principles of collecting data 20
3.3 Research Methodology 21
3.3.1 Statistical comparisons: 21
3.3.2 Comparisons’ criteria: 22
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS 25
4.1 Data analysis 25
4.2 Analysis results 27
4.2.1 Comparisons among variables in Vietnam: 28
4.2.2 Comparisons among variables in Taiwan: 32
4.2.3 Comparisons of variables between Vietnam and Taiwan: 38
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION 43
REFERENCES 44

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