Analysing construction project coalitions: exploring the application of social network analysis

The construction industry is currently in transition as a result of innovations in procurement and project management approaches, in particular, the utilization of supply chain management, and technology or work clusters in the context of partnering relationships between project coalition actors and the client organization. These new strategies require an analytical method that deals with actor interdependence and provides an appropriate level of detail and quantitative data in relation to the non‐linear, complex, iterative and interactive process that construction projects comprise. The construction project is conceptualized as a number information exchange networks, classified according to the principal project functions and supported by performance incentive and contractual relationship networks. The point centrality of the project actors within these various networks provides quantitative data and graphical representation of the governance of construction projects and the changes brought about by innovations in procurement and project management techniques. Social network analysis (SNA) provides an important new quantitative approach in the comparative analysis of procurement and project management of construction projects. SNA enables traditional project coalition management approaches to be compared with those associated with innovative management approaches. Quantitative analysis relates to the appropriateness and effectiveness of both financial incentives and contractual conditions involved in the governance of construction projects.     

基于Shapley值的联合采购利益分配方法改进研究

基于对联合采购策略和Shapley值方法的研究,在Shapley值方法中引入了企业的风险、贡献以及初始投入等影响因素,并运用AHP法、模糊综合评判法、DELPHI法等方法,对上述影响因素进行了量化计算,完善了现有的Shapley值方法。同时通过对某一采购联盟利益分配的实证研究证实了改进后的方法是行之有效的。     

Effects of cooperative procurement procedures on construction project performance: A conceptual framework

In this paper, we develop a testable holistic procurement framework that examines how a broad range of procurement related factors affects project performance criteria. Based on a comprehensive literature review, we put forward propositions suggesting that cooperative procurement procedures (joint specification, selected tendering, soft parameters in bid evaluation, joint subcontractor selection, incentive-based payment, collaborative tools, and contractor self-control) generally have a positive influence on project performance (cost, time, quality, environmental impact, work environment, and innovation). We additionally propose that these relationships are moderated or mediated by the collaborative climate (i.e. the trust and commitment among partners) in the project and moderated by the overall project characteristics (i.e. how challenging the project is in terms of complexity, customization, uncertainty, value/size, and time pressure). Based on our contribution, future research can test the framework empirically to further increase the knowledge about how procurement factors may influence project performance.     

How does Government Procurement Law affect bidding price competition in Taiwan?

To conform with the requirements of the international Government Procurement Agreement and the regulations of the World Trade Organization, the Taiwan Government Procurement Law (GPL) was enacted in 1999. The main points of the agreement and barriers affecting price competition are illustrated. Award prices for subcentral government civil engineering projects are compared before and after the law went into effect. The result suggests that civil engineering prices have decreased significantly since the introduction of the law, that the transparent and open-tendering system enforced by the law has led to an increase in competition, and that tender prices decreased during the initial period. During the same period, construction companies' average rate of profit on sales moved from positive to negative. It is concluded that severe bidding competition is expected after Taiwan completes accession to the agreement.     

Relational Selection for Collaborative Working Arrangements

Procurement arrangements for collaborative working arrangements (CWAs) should arguably provide suitable protocols under which different project partners can interact effectively and maintain harmonious relationships and mobilize their collective efforts towards common project objectives. Technical abilities of different project partners for carrying out the works are important. Also critical are their “soft” or “relational” qualities to work jointly and synergistically in the project team. The aims of the reported study are to examine the importance of a single set of different factors for selecting consultants, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and clients for CWAs; and to assess the relative importance of various factors and strategies for building CWAs. Data were collected internationally from 17 countries through a questionnaire survey and statistical analyses were conducted. Results attribute varying degrees of importance to various factors for selecting different project partners and suggest an interrelated and consolidated selection approach in general, except for “selecting” clients. The study confirms that trust and business ethics related factors and strategies are more helpful for CWAs than some others. Outcomes of this study are expected to benefit both industry practitioners and researchers, in exploring, designing, and implementing suitable CWAs and selecting appropriate project partners.     

物资采购计划自动生成系统

本文论述物资采购计划自动生成的系统结构，以及在ＰＣ机上用ＦＯＸＢＡＳＥ开发工具编程实现原理与算法。系统实现了数据维护、物资采购计划生成及报表输出功能，为实现物资采购的现代化科学管理提供了一些参考。     

Planning for claims: an ethnography of industry culture

Claims by contractors for additional payments have been identified by commentators as a major source of difficulty in the industry. Ethnographic research with industry members reveals some key features of planning practices that underlie such events. Claims are sometimes planned at tender stage and sometimes during the course of a project. One practice at tender stage is a pricing technique that minimizes the tender price while maximizing the out‐turn cost of a contract by exploiting mistakes in the bill of quantities. Another is the programming of work to maximize its vulnerability to delay. More reactive techniques may be employed during the course of the project, often to make up for an unanticipated increase in costs. These and other similar practices may be reported as features of an integrated culture, defined in such a way as to encompass activity and reject Cartesian dualism. The unique adequacy requirements of methods are suitable criteria for the evaluation of such reports. The claims culture arises from economic conditions in the industry, which include low entry barriers and competitive tendering. However, removal of these conditions alone cannot guarantee that the practices will cease.     

Knowledge-Driven ANP Approach to Vendors Evaluation for Sustainable Construction

This paper presents a multicriteria decision-making approach to evaluate contractor candidates in the open competition of construction project procurement by means of a knowledge-framed analytic network process (KANP), which embeds a construction knowledge framework into a formal analytic network process procedure. An applied KANP model named KANP.BID is set up and used in an experimental case study. The paper concludes that the KANP.BID model is a viable and capable tool for selecting the most appropriate tender alternative under criteria of sustainable construction. It is expected that the proposed KANP.BID model can attract interest from both practitioners and researchers in terms of further research and development.     

Perceptions of Contractual Risk Allocation in Construction Supply Chains

Common perceptions of contractual risk allocation are the basis of a harmonious, effective and efficient construction project. This paper explores the extent to which common perceptions of risk allocation exist along the construction supply chain. The results of a survey indicate that differing perceptions are worryingly high in all relationships, but particularly further down the supply chain. The paper indicates the relationships in which this is most likely to occur and the types of risk it is most likely to affect. The results provide important lessons for project managers, negotiators and contract drafters. In particular, by providing a better understanding of where and how differences in risk perceptions are likely to emerge, they help those negotiating and drafting contracts focus their energies more effectively to help minimize the potential for unnecessary loss and dispute. Finally, our results indicate that the key to better managing perceptions of risk is fundamentally one of communication, consultation and involvement in contractual decision-making. The key point is that contractual allocations of risk have little meaning if they are separated from the social and behavioral context in which risk is experienced by those involved in a project.     

浅谈国产空分设备在总承包中应注意的几个问题

国产空分设备在总承包工程中由于缺少经验,容易产生影响工程进度和竣工验收的问题,从明确投标的指导思想、编写投标文件、协调各方工作以及与业主建立信任关系等方面进行分析,国内空分设备制造企业应大胆改革创新,提高市场竞争力。