An Integrated Cost–Quality–Time Project Control Framework for Saudi Infrastructure Projects

The increased development of infrastructure in connection with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative makes it necessary to utilize advanced project control systems that could assist in reducing cost risks, guaranteeing quality, and minimizing schedule risks amid very complicated construction settings. Despite this, many projects still face numerous problems connected with disintegrated reporting, reactive decision-making, the absence of data integration, and insufficient deviation management. This review paper covers the latest literature from 2020 to 2025 about advanced project control systems for Saudi Arabia infrastructure projects with a special emphasis on earned value analysis, 4D/5D BIM, common data environments, digital twins, forecasting with artificial intelligence, lean production control, integrated quality management, and governance structures that promote alignment between field performance and top management decisions. The literature review is conducted through a systematic review process involving problem identification, study selection, coding, and comparison instead of a meta-analysis because the source material consists of theoretical papers, empirical research, case studies, and technology adoption studies. As a result of the review, it becomes evident that advanced project controls have to be used in an integrated managerial framework rather than as standalone software solutions. In terms of cost performance, there will be benefits when quantity, productivity, procurement, and change management information become consistently integrated into forecasting models and earned value analysis. As far as quality performance goes, the advantages will be achieved if inspection, non-conformance management, design coordination, and supplier management processes become automated and integrated into work planning. Concerning schedule performance, the improvements will come with the integration of look-ahead planning, progress sensing, predictive delay analysis, and fast decision-making procedures. It should be noted that the Saudi Arabian infrastructure projects face certain difficulties, such as being giga-projects, multi-stakeholder governance, dynamic scope development, localization, and different organizational maturity levels. This paper offers a model where advanced project controls function at five levels of integration: baseline determination, data gathering, analytics, decision-making, and corrective learning. . This model is referred to as the Integrated Cost–Quality–Time Control Framework for Saudi Infrastructure Projects (ICQTCF-SIP).It concludes that Saudi infrastructure clients and contractors should prioritize interoperable data environments, control-led governance, role clarity, and phased capability building to convert digital tools into measurable project outcomes.