Client abuses of the competitive tendering system: some general principles and a case study

Williamson, M; Wilson, O; Skitmore, R M and Runeson, G (2004) Client abuses of the competitive tendering system: some general principles and a case study. Journal of Construction Research, 5(1), pp. 61-73. ISSN 1609-9451

Abstract

What constitutes unacceptable client behaviour in competitive tendering is considered based on theoretical, legislative and moral considerations. A range of malpractices is then identified through the examination of reported abuses. Finally, a case study is presented which illustrates some of these practices and the difficulties faced by those affected in offering resistance. It is suggested that a practical solution may found by requiring clients to make a more direct contribution to tenderers' costs.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: competition; tendering; bidding; code of tendering; tendering abuses; tendering dysfunctions; tendering regulation
Index terms: competition, regulation, case study, competitive tendering, bidding
Subjects: data collection methods, tendering, bidding, market analysis, political science
Topics: Procurement, Research Practice, Governance
Descriptive scope: 2 CE

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