Ekambaram Palaneeswaran

Recent advances and proposed improvements in contractor prequalification methodologies

Abstract Contractor selection is a critical activity that plays a vital role in the overall success of any construction project. An initial cross-sectional survey indicates the wide range of different contractor selection practices followed by various clients around the globe with apparently little interaction or comparisons during their development. A focus on the prequalification approaches (taken here to include ‘registration’) followed by some major public clients in Hong Kong, Australia and USA leads to an interesting overview of recent advances. This focus also highlights some strengths and weaknesses at the critical front-end of the contractor selection process. A proposed new model is developed by the authors for construction contractor prequalification. Finally, the advantages of developing a client advisory decision support system for advising clients on contractor prequalification are discussed, on the basis of the perceived needs and potential knowledge bases that may be tapped for this purpose.

Curing congenital construction industry disorders through relationally integrated supply chains

Abstract Despite several strident calls for industry-wide reforms, construction industries remain ‘disabled’ by apparently congenital defects and inherent weaknesses. A barrage of remedial reforms and revisions of procurement regulations, practices, and contracting styles have been recently targeting enhanced value, superior performance, overall satisfaction and harmony. Many of these initiatives focus on integration of construction supply chains through significant upheavals in contractual arrangements, operational styles and contractor selection approaches, often using relational contracting approaches such as partnering, alliancing and even deeper collaborative/relation-building bonding initiatives. This paper is based on a synergistic integration of relevant results from a series of related research studies, as reinforced by knowledge distilled from other studies and experiences, and as reported in the recent literature. A relationally reinforced supply chain integration model is developed in this paper, to supplement the basic transactional contractual links and to release the latent energies that are needed to elevate construction industries in many countries.

Targeting optimum value in public sector projects through “best value”‐focused contractor selection

Procuring best value should be one of the key objectives in public sector construction projects. Best value depends upon sound “selection” strategies which ensure that the outlined project procurement objectives, including client/user demands are met. Examples of “best value” procurement are presented to demonstrate their usefulness and acceptance in principle. Further conceptualizations of various aspects of best value and the “dominance vectors” influencing the ultimate value definitions are developed, in accordance with basic public sector procurement principles. Presents a structured best value based contractor selection framework to optimize realizable value in public sector construction projects.

Selection matters – in construction supply chain optimisation

A Hong Kong‐based study of factors affecting construction industry performance levels confirms that selection methodologies and decisions are critical, both at the upstream formulation of procurement and operational systems themselves as well as the downstream selection of various project participants. Needs are identified for a holistic approach to broader procurement choices that incorporate all procurement sub‐systems, an integration with synergistic operational sub‐systems and more informed and intelligent participant choices. The many interacting variables and potential information overload point to the consequential need for harnessing IT/IS (information technology/information systems) to enable smarter selections at all stages of the construction supply chain. Frameworks and sample modules of the proposed knowledge‐based decision aids are presented in the case of overall procurement system selection and contractor selection.

Reforging construction supply chains: a source selection perspective

Abstract Establishing synergistic supply chains in general and optimizing source selection in particular play a significant role in the overall success of any construction project. The generic objective of the source selection process is to identify a ‘capable’ source from among those ‘competent’ and ‘credible’ applicants whose performance can be expected to best meet the clients’ requirements at an affordable and optimal cost. This paper examines relevant selection processes along different construction supply chain routes such as ‘design-bid-build’, ‘design-build’, ‘design-build-maintain’, ‘design-build-operate’ and ‘build-operate-transfer’. A cross-section of different source selection practices by various clients is also provided for benchmarking and improving current practices, for example, towards enhanced value across each link of the supply chain.

Empowering collaborative decisions in complex construction project scenarios

Diverse construction project stakeholders demand “fully‐informed” and well‐balanced decisions that target multiple objectives appropriately. This paper introduces initiatives into the development of a cluster of information and communication technology‐artificial intelligence supported empowerment systems and sub‐systems. Examples presented include conceptual models and/or descriptions of: the framework of an over‐arching management support system (MSS); multi‐agent support for improved collaborative working in: design development and relationally integrated supply chain management; and web‐based quality management.

A dynamic e-reporting system for contractor's performance appraisal

Contractor performance should be monitored and controlled on a regular basis, so that any undesirable shortfalls or failures could be identified and rectified without further losses or delays. However, contractor Performance Appraisal and Reporting (PAR) has been conducted in an ad hoc manner and is usually limited to independent project level exercises. The needs for a more structured approach to PAR and the potential benefits of reviewing contractor performance at an organizational level (i.e. by covering the overall project portfolio) lead to a proposal for an industry-wide dynamic PAR system. Advancements in World Wide Web techniques provide enhanced capacities to collect compile and disseminate performance-related information to various construction stakeholders in a timely and cost-effective manner. This paper describes the conceptual framework formulated for an e-Reporting system in the form of a web-based PAR. The system design and a brief overview of a prototype e-Reporting system are also provided. The potential applications of the e-Reporting system in dynamic decision support scenarios are also discussed.

Role of Design Audits in Reducing Errors and Rework: Lessons from Hong Kong

Designauditshavebeenidentifiedasaneffectivemechanismforreducingerrorsandthesubsequentreworkthatcanariseduringthe construction process. Despite their effectiveness, errors and rework remain problematic issues as a result of ineffective audit protocols and sys- tems. Drawing on experiences from Hong Kong, a triangulated research approach is adopted to examine how design audits can be effectively used to reduce errors and rework. With increasing schedule and fee pressures being imposed upon construction and engineering firms by their clients,itisvitalthatengineering firmsdonoteschewtasksassociatedwiththeauditingprocesstoameliorateefficiencyandmaximizefees.The rework associated with addressing errors during construction not only increases project costs and the schedule, but also reduces an engineering firms profit and reputation. A systemic audit system for construction projects derived from experiences in Hong Kong, and which may also be considered in other countries, is presented. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)CF.1943-5509.0000450.