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

Thesis Keith Gale 2013positioning is from a perspective of public sector engagement, the chosenorganisation is a significant local authority with a recognised standard for designingand managing construction projects. Furthermore, the same organisation hassubstantial out turn data for projects undertaken prior to introduction of frameworksin order to provide a comparison of results.A global assessment of the areas of published literature applicable to this researchhas been undertaken in order to provide boundaries and focus for this thesis. Not allareas require equal representation because predominance is placed upon quantitativedata and interface with associated research will form the substantive part of thestudy. An awareness of other areas is however needed to fulfil the whole case studystory. Graphical representation of this global assessment is shown in Figure 1.2.Figure 1.2: Graphical global assessment of topics associated with this researchAn initial investigation into published research undertaken into frameworkagreements has uncovered anecdotal claims of increases in performance wheresuppliers are engaged though arrangements which embody principles of long termand closer working relationships. Conversely, some practitioners feel that suchclosed arrangements stifle competition and innovation. Central government reports,particularly Government Construction Strategy, recognise the improvement madethrough frameworks but it cautious with results.29