Let’s change tack, not wind direction: a response to Kog and Yaman (2016)
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
ISSN: 0969-9988
Article publication date: 16 April 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to field a critical response to Kog and Yaman (2016) specifically; and more widely, to strengthen debate on contractor selection (CS) research.
Design/methodology/approach
Critical narrative and opinion based on personal worldview, experiential knowledge and future insight/vision.
Findings
It is argued that enduring CS research has become somewhat stagnated. It has over-emphasised selection process models vis-à-vis the reliability and currency of their processing components, and has inadequately focused on achieving real-life impact.
Research limitations/implications
The principal implication is to engender constructive debate in the field and encourage a change of direction in CS research. The limitation is that this response reflects a personal view and so will be open to “challenge”.
Practical implications
Potential to encourage increased practicability, accessibility and generalisability of CS research products, leading to their increased real-life take-up and improved impact on practice.
Social implications
For society, the optimal implications would be improved project outcomes; healthier stakeholders’ financial interests; and an enhanced constructed environment.
Originality/value
The content is entirely original insofar as it comprises a personal viewpoint.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The alleged quote of Jimmy Dean (I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination) is acknowledged for influencing this paper’s title.
Citation
Holt, G.D. (2018), "Let’s change tack, not wind direction: a response to Kog and Yaman (2016)", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 25 No. 3, pp. 335-341. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-02-2017-0019
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited