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Construction contract administration in Malaysia using DFD: a conceptual model

Heap Yih Chong (Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
Balakrishnan Balamuralithara (Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
Siong Choy Chong (Asian Institute of Finance, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Industrial Management & Data Systems

ISSN: 0263-5577

Article publication date: 27 September 2011

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual model which is aimed at assisting end‐users, i.e. construction practitioners who are without a proper legal background for effective administration of construction contracts, to enable them to make correct interpretations and decisions in dealing with vast amount of legal information.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes the application of data warehouse technology in the contract administration process of the construction industry. Upon identification of a comprehensive list of problems associated with construction contracts based on the feedback from 12 reputed experts in the construction industry, a conceptual model is developed using data flow diagram.

Findings

The results show that data warehouse technology is feasible and practical to the construction practitioners in the contract administration process.

Research limitations/implications

This research focuses only on the development of a conceptual model and thus the practicability aspect of the model is a major concern. As such, the resulting practical implications are limited and are constrained only to the construction industry in Malaysia, raising the question of generalizability of the proposed model, as well as across different industries and countries.

Practical implications

It is posited that the proposed conceptual model, when implemented, would enable construction practitioners to administer construction contracts with better clarity and accuracy, so that interpretation errors and disputes can be mitigated. This will facilitate the development of harmonious working relationships.

Originality/value

The application of data warehouse technology in contract administration is rather new in the construction industry. The conceptual model thus offers a more effective and proactive approach in construction contract administration towards dispute resolution and/or prevention.

Keywords

Citation

Yih Chong, H., Balamuralithara, B. and Choy Chong, S. (2011), "Construction contract administration in Malaysia using DFD: a conceptual model", Industrial Management & Data Systems, Vol. 111 No. 9, pp. 1449-1464. https://doi.org/10.1108/02635571111182782

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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