Improving Contract Management through Bills of Quantities in Maldivian State-Owned Enterprises: Insights from a Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

AbstractSmall Island Developing States (SIDS) including the Maldives, face significant challenges inconstruction procurement and contract management due to geographical dispersion, limitedtechnical expertise, and heavy reliance on imported construction materials. This studysystematically reviews the literature to examine the role of Bills of Quantities (BOQs) inimproving contract management within Maldivian State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). Drawing onpeer-reviewed studies, government publications, and reports from international financialinstitutions, the study examines the effectiveness of BOQs in supporting cost control, tenderevaluation, variation management, dispute resolution, and financial accountability.The findings indicate that BOQs are widely recognized as essential contractual tools in tenderingand post-contract administration. However, their effectiveness within Maldivian SOEs isconstrained by weak institutional capacity, inconsistent standardization, limited quantitysurveying expertise, and inadequate enforcement mechanisms. These shortcomings contribute tocost overruns, payment delays, contract disputes, and project inefficiencies in publicinfrastructure delivery.The study proposes a conceptual framework integrating BOQ practices with the contractmanagement lifecycle in the context of SIDS. Recommendations include establishingstandardized BOQ formats, strengthening quantity surveying capacity, implementing digitalBOQ systems, and enhancing regulatory oversight. In the climate-vulnerable context of theMaldives, improving BOQ effectiveness is essential not only for financial accountability but alsofor sustainable infrastructure resilience.