Al-Otaibi, S (2010) A framework for improving the performance of standard design models in the Saudi Ministry of Interior projects. PhD thesis, Loughborough University, UK.
Abstract
The construction industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is experiencing rapid development and sharp expansion due to recent changes in socio-economic development policies. The performance of construction contractors is an essential and critical part of project success; however, there is a lack of skilled manpower and lack of experience in managing major projects within KSA. Appropriate tools to evaluate, measure and monitor construction contractor performance are also required. As a result of the changes in the KSA construction market needs, the nature of the competition, the cost of failing public construction projects and the importance of the quality of product in the final project, awareness of the need to select an appropriate though effective contractor performance selection framework has been highlighted. This doctoral research project analyzes and evaluates current techniques for monitoring contractor performance, and identifies the most appropriate techniques that could be adopted in KSA. This was achieved by performing critical analyses of literature and conducting preliminary interviews with practitioners in KSA. The main outcome of the literature review and preliminary interviews was used to articulate a number of questions which were subsequently posed in a questionnaire and in interviews with a number of Saudi professionals working within the public sector. The findings of this initial research have been used to establish a novel framework to help in measuring contractor performance prior to selection. The framework was tested through focus group workshops resulting in positive feedback and some alterations. The main findings of the study include the lack of an appropriate construction contractor performance evaluation framework in SA, and the identification and exploration of criteria and sub-criteria for a selection framework. The research provides recommendations for best practices in the construction industry, as well as for further research in the field.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction project; improvement; learning; performance; performance improvement; project success; re-use; specifications; case studies; case study; critical success factor; project performance |
| Index terms: | best practice, performance improvement, public construction, monitoring, project performance, construction industry, construction market, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, project success, re-use, case study, workshop, major project, public sector, contractor performance, exploration, construction project, practitioner, competition, questionnaire, critical success factor, construction contractor, performance evaluation, economic development, interview, design model, specification, focus group, literature review |
| Subjects: | industry analysis, administrative law, market analysis, building construction, health safety and environment, contractual condition, Geography, production management, design process, project management theory and practice, contract management, performance measurement, economic development, data analysis and analytics, strategic project management, environmental resource management, practitioner, control systems, construction type, data collection methods, business |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Project Management, Geographical Context, Engineering Principles, Sustainability, Legal Issues, Quality Management, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Construction Technology, Design Practice, Contract Administration, Site 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