Key competences of design‐build clients in China
Abstract
Purpose
Design‐build (DB) clients play a vital role in the delivery of DB system and the clients' competences are critical to the success of DB projects. Most of the DB clients, however, remain inexperienced with the DB system. The purpose of this paper is to identify the key competences that DB clients should possess to ensure the success of DB projects in the construction market of China.
Design/methodology/approach
Five semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews and two rounds Delphi questionnaire survey were conducted in the construction market of China to identify the key competences of DB clients. Rankings have been assigned to these key competences on the basis of their relative importance.
Findings
Six ranked key competences of DB clients have been identified, which are, namely: the ability to clearly define project scope and objectives; financial capacity for the projects; capacity in contract management; adequate staff or consulting team; effective coordination with DB contractors; and experience with similar DB projects. Calculation of Kendall's coefficient of concordance (W) indicates a statistically significant consensus of panel experts on these top six key competences.
Practical implications
Clients should clearly understand the competence requirements in DB projects and should assess their DB capability before going for the DB option.
Originality/value
The examination of DB client's key competences will help the client deepen the understanding of the DB system. DB clients can also make use of the research findings as guidelines to improve their DB competence.
Keywords
Citation
Xia, B. and Chan, A.P.C. (2010), "Key competences of design‐build clients in China", Journal of Facilities Management, Vol. 8 No. 2, pp. 114-129. https://doi.org/10.1108/14725961011041161
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited