Search results

1 – 10 of 206
Article
Publication date: 2 November 2021

Huimin Li, Limin Su, Jian Zuo, Xiaowei An, Guanghua Dong, Lunyan Wang and Chengyi Zhang

Unbalanced bidding can seriously imposed the government from obtaining the best value for the taxpayers' money in public procurement since it increases the owner's cost and…

Abstract

Purpose

Unbalanced bidding can seriously imposed the government from obtaining the best value for the taxpayers' money in public procurement since it increases the owner's cost and decreases the fairness of the competitive bidding process. How to detect an unbalanced bid is a challenging task faced by theoretical researchers and practical actors. This study aims to develop an identification method of unbalanced bidding in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The identification of unbalanced bidding is considered as a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. A data-driven unit price database from the historical bidding document is built to present the reference unit prices as benchmarks. According to the proposed extended TOPSIS method, the data-driven unit price is chosen as the positive ideal solution, and the unit price that has the furthest absolute distance measure as the negative ideal solution. The concept of relative distance is introduced to measure the distances between positive and negative ideal solutions and each bidding unit price. The unbalanced bidding degree is ranked by means of relative distance.

Findings

The proposed model can be used for the quantitative evaluation of unbalanced bidding from a decision-making perspective. The identification process is developed according to the decision-making process. The finding shows that the model will support owners to efficiently and effectively identify unbalanced bidding in the bid evaluation stage.

Originality/value

The data-driven reference unit prices improve the accuracy of the benchmark to evaluate the unbalanced bidding. The extended TOPSIS model is applied to identify unbalanced bidding; the owners can undertake objective decision-making to identify and prevent unbalanced bidding at the stage of procurement.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 June 2020

Huimin Li, Limin Su, Lelin L.V. and Qing Xia

To achieve sustainability for a construction project requires the achievement of economic, environmental and social sustainability at the same time. The economic sustainability of

Abstract

Purpose

To achieve sustainability for a construction project requires the achievement of economic, environmental and social sustainability at the same time. The economic sustainability of a project should be built into the stipulated cost. The unbalanced bidding always contribute cost overrun for a construction project. The purpose of this paper is to develop a method for identifying unbalanced bidding.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem of identifying unbalanced bidding is a comprehensive evaluation problem. All line items and bidders in bills of quantities are evaluation factors and evaluation objects, respectively, and the engineer’s estimated prices are considered as the evaluation benchmarks. The weights of these factors are determined through integrating the entropy weight method and the analytic hierarchy model, which consider subjective and objective factors in the weighting process.

Findings

The proposed model can be used to quantitatively evaluate unbalanced bids. The identification process can be analyzed within a short period, specifically with the aid of Microsoft Excel, reducing delays in awarding contracts. The results show that the model will support owners as they efficiently and effectively identify unbalanced bids in the bid evaluation stage to mitigate the negative consequences of unbalanced bidding.

Practical implications

A case study is given to verify the feasibility and practicability of the proposed method, which not only assists owners in efficiently and effectively identifying unbalanced bidding, but also promotes the economic sustainability of construction projects.

Originality/value

The fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is used to detect unbalanced bidding, allowing owners to be objective as they identify and reduce unbalanced bidding at the procurement stage.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. 21 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 November 2023

Khaled Hesham Hyari and Mujahed Thneibat

Skewed pricing is a typical tactic used by tenderers in unit price projects to gain additional advantages at the expense of the owner or other competing tenderers. This paper aims…

Abstract

Purpose

Skewed pricing is a typical tactic used by tenderers in unit price projects to gain additional advantages at the expense of the owner or other competing tenderers. This paper aims to describe the development of a model for detecting skewed pricing in competitive tendering for unit price contracts.

Design/methodology/approach

The model evaluates how much the offered unit rates for work items deviate from the reasonable rate identified from the item’s submitted unit rates. Item rate deviations are integrated into a total deviation score for each submitted tender based on the relative weight of the work item to the total project amount. The model allows for assigning higher weights to work items that are more prone to skewed pricing, such as those that are performed early and those that are expected to experience quantity fluctuations.

Findings

The paper presents a detection model that uses only the submitted prices of the competing tenderers to perform the needed calculations, which reduces subjectivity in identifying skewed tenders. Two examples are given to demonstrate how the model may be used to detect skewed tenders.

Originality/value

The model supports tendering officials in the challenging task of identifying skewed tenders, which is required by rules and regulations governing public procurement. The model’s ease of use is expected to make it more widely used as a decision-support tool during the tender evaluation stage of real-world projects.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 March 2023

Hoang Nguyen Ngoc, Eslam Mohammed Abdelkader, Abobakr Al-Sakkaf, Ghasan Alfalah and Tarek Zayed

The construction industry is facing an enormous number of challenges due to continuous advancements in construction technologies and techniques. Hence, construction management…

Abstract

Purpose

The construction industry is facing an enormous number of challenges due to continuous advancements in construction technologies and techniques. Hence, construction management theories have to confront critical newly issues concerning market globalization and construction innovations. The key factor to address these challenges is to ameliorate the competitive abilities of the competing construction firms. In this context, measuring competitiveness of construction firms is an efficacious approach to amplify their competitive growth and profitability. To this end, the purpose of this research paper is to design a three-tier multi-criteria decision making model for competitiveness assessment and benchmarking of construction companies, meanwhile tackling a wide range of essential factors and attributes that covers broad aspects of the present competitive market.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first tier, four new pillars (4P) of competitiveness assessment are introduced for construction firms, namely, organization performance, project performance, environment and client and innovation and development. These pillars are able to aid in construction firms’ management on both long and short term basis. Hence, 21 key competitive factors and eighty key competitive criteria are identified, incorporated and analyzed in this research study. The second tier encapsulates carrying out a questionnaire survey in the Canadian and Vietnamese market to garner two main sets of information. The first set of information incorporates responses of the pairwise comparisons between competitiveness factors and criteria. The second set involves gathering utility scores pertinent to each competitiveness criteria. The developed model then leverages the use of analytical hierarchy process to scrutinize the relative importance priorities of competitiveness factors and criteria. The third tier of the developed model encompasses the use of multi-attribute utility theory to compute competitiveness scores for construction companies through blending criteria’ relative importance weights alongside their respective utility functions. In addition, the third tier comprises conducting a sensitivity analysis to derive the most important criteria influencing the overall competitiveness of construction companies. The developed model is tested and validated using three case studies; one construction company from Canada and two construction companies from Vietnam.

Findings

Results demonstrated that the developed model has a potential to render a synthesized and methodical performance evaluation for the competitive ability of a given construction company. Furthermore, it was found that Vietnamese companies are more considerate towards pillars pertaining to environment and client while Canadian companies are more attentive towards innovation and development. The outcome of sensitivity analysis revealed that effectiveness of cost management highly affects the competitive ability of Vietnamese companies while effectiveness of cost management exhibits the most significant influence on the competitive of Canadian companies.

Practical implications

The developed model can benefit construction companies to understand their competitiveness in their market and diagnose their strengths and weaknesses. It is also can be useful in efficient utilization of their limited resources and development of sustainable and long-term strategic plans strategic plans, which consequently leads to maintaining better position in their dynamic business markets.

Originality/value

Literature review manifests that reported competitiveness assessment models and practices are not able to address present challenges, technologies and developments in construction market.

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2017

Nilesh Agarchand and Boeing Laishram

Infrastructure development through public-private partnership (PPP) route in India has exhibited concerns about not promoting progress toward sustainable development goals…

2900

Abstract

Purpose

Infrastructure development through public-private partnership (PPP) route in India has exhibited concerns about not promoting progress toward sustainable development goals, particularly social and environmental perspectives. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to identify the shortcomings in the Indian PPP procurement process using the key principles of sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research inquiry through grounded theory approach by using the literature and interview source was used to identify the challenges encountered in sustainable infrastructure development of PPP projects. These challenges were, first, reviewed from the perspectives of key sustainability principles and then discussed with the key stakeholders through focused interviews. Furthermore, micro-interlocutor analysis was carried to get an insight on the extent of consensus amongst the experts regarding these identified shortfalls.

Findings

The key shortfalls identified from the study that adversely affect progress toward sustainable development include incomprehensive environmental impact assessment and social impact assessment studies; lack of stakeholder and local participation; high bidding and transaction cost; high user charges; improper risk allocation; lack of transparency and accountability; goal conflicts between public and private sector; and lack of skill and knowledge about sustainability.

Practical implications

The study findings will help in devising appropriate strategies for enhancing the mechanisms, policies, and governance structure of PPP process in order to overcome these shortfalls and help in accomplishing the goals of sustainability while developing infrastructure even through PPP route.

Originality/value

The paper presents different insights into PPP from sustainability perspective which has not been the focus of the current studies on PPPs. Sustainability assessment of PPP procurement is an area of research which is in a nascent stage.

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8378

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 5 October 2018

Nima Gerami Seresht, Rodolfo Lourenzutti, Ahmad Salah and Aminah Robinson Fayek

Due to the increasing size and complexity of construction projects, construction engineering and management involves the coordination of many complex and dynamic processes and…

Abstract

Due to the increasing size and complexity of construction projects, construction engineering and management involves the coordination of many complex and dynamic processes and relies on the analysis of uncertain, imprecise and incomplete information, including subjective and linguistically expressed information. Various modelling and computing techniques have been used by construction researchers and applied to practical construction problems in order to overcome these challenges, including fuzzy hybrid techniques. Fuzzy hybrid techniques combine the human-like reasoning capabilities of fuzzy logic with the capabilities of other techniques, such as optimization, machine learning, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) and simulation, to capitalise on their strengths and overcome their limitations. Based on a review of construction literature, this chapter identifies the most common types of fuzzy hybrid techniques applied to construction problems and reviews selected papers in each category of fuzzy hybrid technique to illustrate their capabilities for addressing construction challenges. Finally, this chapter discusses areas for future development of fuzzy hybrid techniques that will increase their capabilities for solving construction-related problems. The contributions of this chapter are threefold: (1) the limitations of some standard techniques for solving construction problems are discussed, as are the ways that fuzzy methods have been hybridized with these techniques in order to address their limitations; (2) a review of existing applications of fuzzy hybrid techniques in construction is provided in order to illustrate the capabilities of these techniques for solving a variety of construction problems and (3) potential improvements in each category of fuzzy hybrid technique in construction are provided, as areas for future research.

Details

Fuzzy Hybrid Computing in Construction Engineering and Management
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-868-2

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 February 2015

Chiara Verbano and Maria Crema

Energy commodities are characterised by rigid demand and high price volatility, linked to many variables such as climate factors, exchange rates, availability of resources. At the…

1804

Abstract

Purpose

Energy commodities are characterised by rigid demand and high price volatility, linked to many variables such as climate factors, exchange rates, availability of resources. At the same time, the authorities often set prices, so wholesale energy companies need to create margins carefully by managing the procurement process and selecting appropriate tools to manage the risks associated with the volatility of energy prices. The purpose of this paper is to analyse and evaluate price and volume risks in the energy procurement process considering a “non-speculative” point of view, which is understudied in the literature review.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a quantitative approach to risk evaluation, based on accounting indicators, and applies it to a large Italian energy wholesale company.

Findings

A set of key risk indicators to measure price and volume risks is presented in the results, split into synthesis risk, unbalanced risks, modulation risks and risks derived from bilateral contracts. These indicators are applied to the case study, and each risk is prioritised and discussed.

Originality/value

This contribution is one of the first attempts to analyse energy procurement risks in a non-speculative approach. The proposed method allows: first, to evaluate and prioritise the three major types in the energy procurement process, second, to observe the trend of risk exposure, third, the performance measurement of the procurement process, and fourth, benchmarking activities if widely implemented in the energy sector.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 64 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 July 2020

Hicham Meghouar and Mohammed Ibrahimi

The purpose of this research is to highlight the financial characteristics of large French targets which were subject to takeovers during the period 2001–2007 and thereafter…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to highlight the financial characteristics of large French targets which were subject to takeovers during the period 2001–2007 and thereafter deduct the implicit motivations of acquirers.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a global sample of 128 French listed companies (64 targets and 64 non-targets), the authors carried out Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney testing and logistic regression in order to test nine hypotheses likely to discriminate between the two categories of companies (targets and non-targets).

Findings

According to the results, target firms are more unbalanced in terms of growth resources and less rich in liquidity than their peers. They have unused debt capacity, offer greater opportunities for growth than firms in the control group and present low levels of value creation.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is regarding the sample size, limited by the exclusive use of large firms (deals of over $100m). The scope of this research could be broadened in future by including medium-sized companies.

Practical implications

The authors believe that their results have two major implications. First, they enable market investors to achieve abnormal returns by investing in predicted targets through a portfolio of high takeover probability firms. Second, CEO of companies that are potentially targeted can assess their takeover likelihood in order to act and to manage such a situation for the benefit of their shareholders.

Originality/value

This research concerns the last wave of takeover prior to the subprime-mortgage financial crisis (2001–2007), a period that has not been sufficiently covered in empirical studies. This research contributes to the existing literature in two main respects. First, the results of this study improve our understanding of motivations for takeovers, particularly in the French context. Second, the introduction of new accounting and financial variables, not previously tested in the literature, enriches the available information concerning the profile of takeover targets.

Details

EuroMed Journal of Business, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1450-2194

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1998

P.J. EDWARDS and P.A. BOWEN

The literature on construction and project risk management published during the period from 1960 to 1997 is reviewed and analysed to identify trends and foci in research and…

5786

Abstract

The literature on construction and project risk management published during the period from 1960 to 1997 is reviewed and analysed to identify trends and foci in research and practice. This analysis is used to identify gaps and inconsistencies in the knowledge and treatment of construction and project risk. The findings suggested that political, economic, financial and cultural categories of construction risk deserve greater research attention, as do those associated with quality assurance, and occupational health and safety. Temporal aspects of risk, and risk communication, are also important fields for investigation.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 5 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 May 2007

Jeff Hoi Yan Yeung, Willem Selen, Zhou Deming and Zhang Min

This research widens the scope of the use of postponement by addressing how the generic supply chain structure and information sharing/relationship among supply chain actors…

5439

Abstract

Purpose

This research widens the scope of the use of postponement by addressing how the generic supply chain structure and information sharing/relationship among supply chain actors affects the postponement decision, based on empirical data of Chinese manufacturers in the Pearl River Delta.

Design/methodology/approach

Case analysis, cross‐case comparisons, semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

A cross‐case analysis including study of the downstream structure, downstream relationship, upstream structure, upstream relationship, production method and inventory position produced a postponement classification into five categories: balanced structure without customer information; customer dominated; manufacturer dominated; balanced structure with loose suppliers, and finally virtual supply chain. Based on this classification, two propositions are postulated: when a supply chain has a balanced structure, it should use speculation or production postponement. When the supply chain has an unbalanced structure, it should use purchasing postponement or product development postponement.

Research limitations/implications

This study is exploratory in nature, and more empirical data is needed to further validate the postulated results. Another limitation of the study is in its measurement of postponement, measured in this instance by the production method and inventory positions used. Other characteristics of postponement may be included in future research.

Practical implications

This research has extended the scope of the use of postponement by addressing how the generic supply chain structure and information sharing/relationship among supply chain actors affects the postponement decision.

Originality/value

Addresses postponement on the level of the supply chain, rather than company‐level. Addresses how the supply chain structure (balanced/unbalanced) and information sharing/relationship among supply chain actors affect the postponement decision.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 37 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

1 – 10 of 206