Identifying contractor selection criteria in Egyptian construction tenders: a SNA and PLS-SEM approach

Purpose Selecting the construction contractor is one of the most difficult decisions in the construction industry. This decision is not simple and is a multi-criteria decision that requires much concentration and effort. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to identify the important criteria for contractor selection (CS) and ensure the adaptation of these criteria to the Egyptian context. Design/methodology/approach A pilot study was used to validate the present listing of CS criteria, which was produced after a thorough literature investigation. Then, social network analysis (SNA) was used to pick the most important criterion. A Python programming technique was used to compute all of the matrices. Next, Smart PLS software was used to assess and validate the impact of identified selection criteria, ensuring a robust and systematic evaluation framework. Finally, using a questionnaire poll, 84 professionals in the Egyptian construction industry further validate the model’s output. Findings This study revealed that there are 60 criteria investigated as the most important criteria, categorized into technical; financial; resources; health and safety; management; experience; past performance; and bid. Additionally, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis showed that those criteria had a strong beneficial impact on CS in Egypt. Originality/value Although conducted in Egypt, this study’s findings align with regional practices, offering valuable insights for construction professionals across the Middle East. It aims to help construction managers enhance CS in Egypt.