An evaluation of the effectiveness of contract procurement methods on the performance of construction projects

The method of contract procurement adopted for a certain project determines the engagement of the parties in that project as a way of delivering a solution to business needs. Project objectives need to be identified and prioritized which requires adequate consultation and dialogue between stakeholders for these objectives to be realized. Scholars have advocated for an alternative framework to enhance the performance of construction contracts. The research was aimed at developing a procedure of effective procurement methods based on past performances of contracts. A survey method was adopted because research intended to gather knowledge and experiences from a natural non-interactive environment. The procurement methods that were interrogated were, design and build, traditional method, management procurement and collaborative approach. Firm contract price, design flexibility and level of risk allocation were some of the factors identified by the researcher that affected the procurement method selection. Analysis of effective performance indicators revealed that quality workmanship scored the highest, followed by timeliness and completion of projects within contract cost. Practitioner’s rigidity, lack of uniformity, incapacity of the contractors and lack of enough resources were some of the barriers identified to the adoption of alternative procurement methods. The study found that if a contractor is given a satisfactory framework, which is clear and flexible, the chances of project success would be increased. However, clients’ strategy in procuring projects should follow a clearly defined method. The industry does not have an objective means of assessing the effects of different procurement methods on the performance of projects. The study concludes that we need a new approach to make procurement more objective, clear and relevant to the project type. The contract procurement process should provide an effective acquisition of construction projects that is beyond the traditional approach and hence an effective framework as advocated by the researcher should be adopted.