Abstract:
Up till now, most research on the selection of subcontractors
in construction projects has focused on the factors
considered by the main (general) contractors. The goal of
this study is to identify the factors that other main stakeholders,
namely clients and consultants, believe should be taken into
account when selecting subcontractors. The paper presents
the results of a survey of experts from various backgrounds in
the construction industry and conducts a comparative study
of their perspectives in factors that should be considered in
selecting subcontractors. The results of the survey show that
there are similarities and dissimilarities between perceptions of
respondents with different background. For example, nearly all
the respondents identified subcontractor’s past experience in
similar projects and subcontractor’s available resources, as the
most important factors that should be considered in selecting
subcontractors. However, while respondents from contractor
organizations identified the lowest bid as one of the most
important factors, those from consultant and client organizations
identified subcontractor’s safety record, compliance with
project schedule, and safety programs and past safety record
as their top considerations in selecting subcontractors. The
paper provides an extensive statistical analysis to identify the
impact of stakeholder’s background on their perspective in the
importance of factors that should be considered in selecting
subcontractors and discusses the similarities and dissimilarities
in their perspectives.
Keywords: Subcontractor; Construction
bids; Selection;
Comparative;
Statistical analysis
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