Competitive strategies in construction firms : the impact of alternative project delivery systems

• Main Author: Mbuthia, George
• Other Authors: Hindle, Bob
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: University of Cape Town 2014
• Subjects: Construction Economics and Management
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/8750

Bibliography: leaves 185-194. === This thesis investigates the impact of the introduction of alternative project delivery systems to the traditional on the competitive strategies of construction firms. The work focuses on project delivery systems from a construction company perspective, and draws from the experiences an over the world for its findings. A literature review of project delivery systems, their evolution and introduction was undertaken in depth. This showed the types of delivery systems: their advantages and disadvantages and the reasons they were preferred. A review of strategy was then undertaken to introduce and discuss the concepts that influence competing firms. The construction industry has unique characteristics that differentiate it from other industries. A short discussion of these characteristics and how they influence strategy in construction companies was therefore done. This then led to a review of strategy in the construction industry. The concepts of project delivery and strategy in construction companies were then linked to show, with illustrations, how delivery systems are used as competitive strategy. To investigate the topic further construction companies were surveyed to find out the connection between the two concepts. It was found that alternative delivery systems are increasingly being used by the firms. They were also familiar with concepts of formal strategy and were actively using such concepts. Firms were found to be using delivery systems specifically as a competitive strategy and intended to do so more in future. The findings suggest that the use of delivery in such a manner was not the result of a deliberate plan but more a reaction to the changes in the industry. Construction firms need a greater appreciation of the role of project delivery systems in their strategy as this will help them achieve their objectives better, and result in a more efficient industry.