Matthews, J; Tyler, A and Thorpe, A (1996) Pre-construction project partnering: Developing the process. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 3(1-2), pp. 117-131. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
The use of subcontracting within the modern construction industry has become commonplace with many main contractors only undertaking the management and co-ordination activities. The reliance on subcontractors has put much stress on the subcontractor main contractor relationship. As main contractors have realized that the greatest potential for cost saving lies with subcontractors, the prevalence of unfair contract conditions, dutch auctioning and other onerous practices has increased. This paper describes a procurement approach, utilizing limited competition, developed by a top UK main contractors (MC) in order to improve its relationships with subcontractors. The approach, termed semi-project partnering, was implemented on a commercial development. The approach was supported by research which identified: what MC's employees want from subcontractors; what subcontractors want from main contractors; and a study to benchmark MC's performance with that of other main contractors. It was concluded that this approach offers a number of benefits for the client, main contractor, partnering subcontractors and professional consultants. These included an improved team approach; an improved understanding of the project; more compliant subcontractor bids; better/closer relationships; more reliable programming; less confrontation; and lower tendering costs. It was also identified through debriefing subcontractors that sub-contractors were quoting a10% lower than normal due to this approach.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | contractor; pre-construction; semi-project partnering; sub-contracting |
| Index terms: | programming, competition, sub-contractor, subcontractor, commercial development, cost saving, construction industry, contract condition, partnering, main contractor, sub-contracting, pre-construction, subcontracting |
| Subjects: | contract structure, economics, industry analysis, market analysis, partnership management, programming, practitioner, construction type, organization, project delivery |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Supply Chain Management, Contract Administration, Cost Management, Research Practice, Project Management, Roles and Professions, Stakeholder Management, Construction Technology |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
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