Abstract
Amid intensifying competition, effective cost management is emerging as a decisive factor in ensuring the sustainability and profitability of construction organizations. This study explores contemporary approaches to cost calculation and their adaptation to the specific features of Kazakhstan’s construction industry, which is distinguished by high capital intensity, long production cycles, and elevated risks. The research objective is to conduct a comprehensive analysis and integration of cost accounting and calculation methods with digital and strategic management tools, thus achieving a balance between the accuracy of financial calculations and the long-term market orientation of companies. The methodological framework combines general scientific methods with specialized approaches, including scenario modeling and the application of digital tools for cost management. The findings reveal significant differences in cost levels and profitability when various calculation methods are applied, as well as a mismatch between estimated and target indicators. These results highlight the necessity of adopting Target Cost Management (TCM) as a strategic instrument for aligning cost control with target profitability. The scientific novelty of the study lies in substantiating a comprehensive system of cost management based on the integration of advanced concepts with digital technologies. Its practical significance is manifested in the potential for construction companies to apply the proposed approach to optimize cost structures, improve the accuracy of cost calculation, enhance project management, and design innovative development strategies. The results obtained are relevant for corporate practice in the construction sector and may serve as a foundation for advancing industry-wide initiatives in digital transformation