Procurement by objectives

Many researchers and construction industry analysts have examined the relative merits of options within particular sub-systems of procurement, such as organizational structures or payment modalities. This paper proposes a holistic model of a construction procurement system that provides an overview of the many sub-systems and the various protocols that may be chosen within each such sub-system. A survey of previous research into linkages between construction 'procurement' and project 'performance' leads to the formulation of a second model-which portrays such linkages and also incorporates contributory and intervening variables; and provides the basis for a recently commenced comprehensive investigation into the potential impact of procurement system selection on project performance. A third model is formulated to frame a client advisory system that would facilitate the choice of constructive procurement strategies, based on the strengths of the linkages and relationships that are expected to be elicited from the aforesaid investigation. The basis is thereby demonstrated for selecting a system of compatible and synergistic, project-specific performance-oriented procurement protocols.