To read this content please select one of the options below:

Factors influencing contractor performance: an international investigation

Hong Xiao (Hong Xiao is a Researcher, Director of Research at the Built Environment Research Unit, School of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK.)
David Proverbs (David Proverbs is Postgraduate Co‐ordinator, at the Built Environment Research Unit, School of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK.)

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

ISSN: 0969-9988

Article publication date: 1 October 2003

5118

Abstract

International comparisons of contractor performance can provide robust benchmarks for contractors in different countries and help to identify ways towards performance improvement. Based on a hypothetical construction project, overall contractor performance (OCP) in Japan, the UK and the USA is compared. Overall contractor performance is defined to embrace construction cost, construction time, construction quality and sustainable development, the philosophy being that the achievement of one aspect of performance should not be at the expense of another. Multiple regression analysis reveals that overall contractor performance is dependent on: their past performance on previous similar projects; their commitment towards lifetime employment; their perceived importance of time performance; their relationship with subcontractors; and the number of design variations during construction. To improve their overall performance, contractors are advised to focus on construction time, reduce delays, maintain a stable workforce and establish partnerships with their subcontractors. Clients should attempt to reduce design variations during construction.

Keywords

Citation

Xiao, H. and Proverbs, D. (2003), "Factors influencing contractor performance: an international investigation", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 10 No. 5, pp. 322-332. https://doi.org/10.1108/09699980310502937

Publisher

:

MCB UP Ltd

Copyright © 2003, MCB UP Limited

Related articles