Using a weighted score model as an aid to selecting procurement methods for small building works

This paper focuses on the selection of procurement methods for small building works. While a range of procurement methods is needed to accommodate different types of small works, and procurement methods often are applied across different types, for any particular small works job (or group of jobs), there should be an optimum method of procurement. An optimum method is one that not only considers the characteristics of the small works in themselves, but also considers the impact of the works upon the wider organization and its business operations. In doing so, the small works organization is assisted to deliver an efficient effective service which adds value to the client organization. The client, to be in a position to select the method of procurement that best meets a particular type of works, needs to consider the realistic measure of performance of each of the procurement methods which it could employ. This paper proposes the use of a weighted score model as an aid to selecting procurement methods for small building works. From this paper, client organizations should become more aware of the potential to select, with reliability and consistency over time, the optimum procurement method for a particular type of small works, given those criteria which they identify as being important at the time and in consideration of not only the characteristics of the small works themselves, but the works in the context of the organization's ongoing business.