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

Thesis Keith Gale 2013frameworks from the contextual position of a central government organisation, butthese attributes are also recognised by a number of local and regional authorities.Construction Framework South West (2009) is a regional body consisting ofgeographically adjacent local authorities formed to share resources for effective andefficient delivery of projects and their literature added further incentives for use offrameworks:• Earlier involvement of suppliers• Faster delivery of projects• Collaborative working• Elimination of contractual disputesThe Department for Communities and Local Government has instructed the NationalImprovement and Efficiency Partnership (NIEP) to provide expertise and adviceregarding procurement, asset management and client leadership. The preferredvehicle of procurement for efficient and effective delivery of projects is theframework agreement where strategic decisions for long term programmes of workcan be applied (NIEP, 2011). This endorsement is also considered by ConstructionExcellence (2009, p7) stating:‘better results could be achieved through long-term relationships based on clearperformance measures and sustained improvements in quality and efficiency bycontinuing to learn and improve as a team, rather than competitively tendering andhaving to create a new team for every piece of work.’ In recognition of successfulteams that have integrated processes and achieved results through programmes alliedto these recommendations, Construction Excellence (2009) named certain publicsector organisations for the positive approach adopted in improving relationshipsbetween stakeholders:• NHS Estates Procure 21• Defence Estates Prime Contracting• Birmingham City Council• Manchester City Council• Hampshire County CouncilAn explanation of economic benefits with frameworks cited by authorities’ concernstransaction costs through aggregation of projects. Figure 2.2 states the value of works36