PhD Final Thesis April 2013.pdf - Anglia Ruskin Research Online

Thesis Keith Gale 2013Figure 7.6: Scatterplot graph exploring relationship between supplier(contractor) and supervisorConclusions from Figure 7.6:Figure 7.6 illustrates use of a scatterplot to explore a relationship between supplierand supervisor. The purpose of this investigation was to detect bias between aparticular supplier and supervisor in terms of scoring key performance metrics or anyfavouritism in awarding contractual certificates for timescales. Although not allprojects (discrete and frameworks) have been supervised by all engineers, nor allsuppliers gained a place on the frameworks – use of a scatterplot allowed a graphicalview of supervisors and suppliers to be undertaken. It was anticipated that no bias(positive or negative) would exist because this has not been detected during thequestionnaire or interview process. As values are categorical, the results are notdisplayed as linear, but as polarised points. The scatterplot provides a usefulgraphical detection device for patterns around these points. It was expected that thescatter would be wider for discrete projects because the number of suppliers andsupervisors are larger and this is displayed. Within these constraints however there isno discernible pattern of relationship. An assumption that neither relationship, norbias exists between supplier and supervisor appears confirmed.136