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

Thesis Keith Gale 2013appropriate systems of measurement are incorporated, a significantimprovement in performances outcomes can be achieved. Establishedthrough a single case study and defined by extension into a regionalframework, an opportunity for further confirmatory research is appropriate.• This research has examined the impact to tender price values through aframework agreement engagement. Such purpose is to compare financialperformance of discrete traditional ‘lowest price wins’ public sectortendering arrangements with those of collaborative framework procedures.As framework arrangements allow the potential to form closer relationshipsbetween parties, detailed examination of costs spread throughout the supplychain may be available. This could allow an opening for study intocompetitiveness of suppliers as suggested by Flanagan et al (2007).• The case study projects are set predominantly in the field of highways civilengineering. This has allowed a detailed comparison of outcomes due to thespecific classification, but other types of projects could be explored. It issuggested that buildings and other projects sharing characteristics are usedfor further research purposes.• Contextual placement of this research is limited to construction projects setwithin the public sector and subject to European legislation and UKregulation. The influence of latter legal restrictions may be significant whentransferred to other counties. It is suggested that this study is replicated inother countries where framework agreements display similar characteristicsin order for comparative analysis to be undertaken.12.7 Final wordsIn summary, this research sought to explore through quantitative and qualitativeinvestigation if any statistically significant performance difference may be detectedbetween projects procured through a traditional discrete procedure when comparedwith those within a framework agreement. The conclusion is within context of apublic sector environment; such frameworks may produce measurable improvementin performance.286