Selecting a suitable procurement method for a building project

TLDR

Building procurement is a fashionable term that defines the framework of responsibilities and authorities, and is a key factor for client satisfaction and project success, yet empirical research on it remains limited. The study aims to determine the most suitable procurement method for clients and project participants, addressing a contemporary issue in the building industry. Postal questionnaire surveys of 41 clients and 35 consultants were used to gather experience and attitudes toward various procurement methods and selection criteria. Results show that a simple set of criteria is generally adequate and sufficient for procurement path selection, with consensus on weighting, and that similar clients often have different procurement needs. Keywords: Procurement SelectionCriteria WeightingClient NeedsUtility Rating.

Abstract

Abstract Building procurement has become a fashionable term with industry practitioners and researchers. It determines the overall framework and structure of responsibilities and authorities for participants within the building process. It is a key factor contributing to overall client satisfaction and project success. The selection of the most suitable procurement method consequently is critical for both clients and project participants, and is becoming an important and contemporary issue within the building industry. The problem, nevertheless, lies in the fact that there has been limited empirical research in this field of study. Postal questionnaire surveys of 41 clients and 35 consultants were carried out, and were used to obtain experience of and attitudes to a variety of procurement methods and the criteria used for selection. The findings indicate that a simple set of the criteria generally is adequate and sufficient for procurement path selection, and that there is a reasonable consensus on the appropriate weighting for each path. Moreover, it is shown that, contrary to expectations, similar clients generally do not have similar procurement needs. Keywords: Procurement SelectionCriteria WeightingClient NeedsUtility Rating