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

Thesis Keith Gale 2013that integrates with operational data. The full equation is described in paragraph 7.10and operational data in paragraphs 7.11.1 to 7.11.5.Favie and Maas (2008) undertook exploratory research to consider if projectcharacteristics affected performance outcomes and these were used to filter the casestudy projects for variance. Only one characteristic was realised, (that of value)which may affect outcomes. Empirical analysis therefore proceeded upon the basis oftwo groups. Stage One group analysis examined all projects irrespective of value anduses independent samples t-tests to determine differences between all 164 discreteand framework projects. Stage Two group tests matched the closest 120 by size(value) in order to ascertain if the value characteristic affected outcomes. Paragraph7.16 examined both sets of results and concluded that project outcomes includedwithin this study were not affected by size (value).Of the five critical success factors for project success analysed by this research, onlyCSF1A (starting on time) produced a small magnitude of difference between discreteand framework projects. CSF1B (finishing on time) and CSF3 (right first time)produced significant differences, whilst CSF2 (accuracy of payments) and CSF4(health and safety) demonstrated significantly large differences with the magnitude.A radar diagram in Figure 7.7 illustrates performance outcomes for the twoengagement methods showing impact of the framework approach.12.3 The impact of framework approach upon transaction and production costsAn empirical investigation of financial viability of frameworks arises from questionsraised through professional practice and a recent government report. TheGovernment Construction Strategy (Cabinet Office, 2011) made reference to the’highly effective use of frameworks, but also to other frameworks which are lesseffective’. In this context, the report makes specific mention of restrictions placed bythe closed nature of framework agreements to new participants. Operation ofeconomic theory (Locke, 1691) dictates that restrictions to perfect market conditionsresult in higher prices. In recognition of economic theory (Morgan, 2009) and areduction in fiscal spending by public sector organisations, a partial return to ‘lowestprice wins’ selection remains despite concerns with this method (RICS, 2011b).In order to examine possible effects into restrictions placed by frameworkagreements three areas of financial viability in chapter 8 were selected for study:275