Ofori-Boadu, A N; Owusu-Manu, D G; Edwards, D J and Asiseh, F (2021) A conceptual model of subcontractor development practices for LEED projects. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 28(4), pp. 1196-1213. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: This paper presents a conceptual model of effective subcontractor development practices to guide general contractors' development of a network of high-performing subcontractors (SCs) for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing from supplier development theories and practices in the manufacturing sector, a mixed interpretivist and empirical methodology is adopted to examine the body of knowledge within literature for conceptual model development. A self-reporting survey questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale is used to assess 30 construction professionals' perceptions of the effectiveness of 37 SC development practices classified into five categories. Descriptive statistics, weighted means, and t-tests are used for data analysis. Findings: SC prequalification, commitment, incentives, evaluation and feedback practices can be effective in generating high-performing SCs. Practices that require more direct involvement and linkages between GC and SC are perceived to be less effective. Research limitations/implications: Theoretical contributions include a framework to foster future research to advance knowledge and understanding to enhance the adoption of SC development practices in the construction sector. Practical implications: Implementation of ranked SC development practices can equip GCs with a network of high-performing SCs for improved competitive advantage and revenues. Originality/value: The proposed conceptual model expands discussions on the modification of supplier development theories and practices currently utilized in the manufacturing sector toward their application in the construction sector. This research differs from previous research, which primarily focused on the manufacturing sector.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | adoption; conceptual model; construction; contractor; development; implementation; LEED; manufacturing; practices; program; subcontractor; supplier |
| Index terms: | environmental design, linkage, competitive advantage, implementation, statistics, effectiveness, construction professional, survey, revenue, drawing, commitment, general contractor, data analysis, subcontractor, development theory, body of knowledge, model development, construction sector, Likert scale, questionnaire, methodology, program |
| Subjects: | psychology, technical documentation, sustainability and energy, data analysis and analytics, contractual arrangements, knowledge management, analytical methods, economic analysis, data collection methods, business, mathematical modelling, socioeconomic concepts, practitioner, market analysis, industry analysis, research methods, software systems, performance management, professional development |
| Topics: | Roles and Professions, Governance, Procurement, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Information Management, Research Practice, Organizational Design, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Quality Management |
| 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