Zhang, N; Hwang, B G; Deng, X and Tay, F (2020) Collaborative contracting in the Singapore construction industry: Current status, major barriers and best solutions. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 27(10), pp. 3115-3133. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: Collaborative contracting (CC) is the direction that Singapore is venturing into in line with the Construction Industry Transformation Map. For its successful adoption, it is necessary to examine the potential barriers and possible solutions. Therefore, this study aims to explore the current status, major barriers and best solutions for the adoption of CC in the Singapore construction industry. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve these objectives, a comprehensive literature review was carried out and 26 barriers, as well as 21 solutions, were identified. Then a questionnaire was designed to assess the priority of these barriers and solutions. After a pilot study, 165 questionnaires were distributed, and 31 responses were received. And the survey result was validated by post-survey with three industry professionals. Findings: Results revealed that only a small percent of projects adopted CC in Singapore. Seven significant barriers hindering CC implementation were found out. They are “inherent difficulties in changing organizational culture,” “lack of incentives/financial support,” “lack of legislative regulations,” “resistant to change the current way of working,” “seeking for the lowest cost” and “difficulties in converting strategic decisions to operational levels” and “unclear contract terms and objectives.” Also, five best solutions were suggested to overcome the identified barriers. Originality/value: The findings of this study could enable industry practitioners to be aware of the potential barriers to adopting CC and choose suitable solutions to overcome these barriers. It is also helpful for authorities to come up with effective policies to promote the adoption of CC.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | barriers; collaborative contracting; solutions; the Singapore construction industry |
| Index terms: | implementation, construction industry, contract term, Singapore, transformation, lowest cost, practitioner, regulation, questionnaire, methodology, organizational culture, survey, literature review |
| Subjects: | practitioner, data collection methods, business, bidding, contractual arrangements, data analysis and analytics, Geography, contractual condition, research methods, industry analysis, political science, sociology |
| Topics: | Governance, Procurement, Roles and Professions, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Organizational Design, Contract Administration |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here