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

Thesis Keith Gale 2013success factor of a project is instead viewed using quality based outcomes comparedbetween framework agreement projects and discrete projects.Research into effects of competition upon quality levels and the inherent costsassociated with maintaining quality for engagement of property and constructionservices by public sector organisations was undertaken Hoxley (2001). Findingsreached as part of the conclusions to examination of responses from 189 publicsector clients suggested that ‘fee tendering has not led to a decline in clients’perceptions of service quality’ (Hoxley, 2001 p138). Whilst this underlines thefinancial insignificance of costs involved with quality Hoxley also concluded that‘public sector clients can positively influence the likely level of service received fromtheir consultant by taking care with the pre-selection of tenderers’. Hoxley’sresearch is set within the context of service provision from professional firms ratherthan works provided by contractors. As the construction industry moves towardintegration of roles where contractors provide services and works, Hoxley’s viewscould be considered applicable to professions and contractors alike.Summation of research upon the influence of quality upon cost is not conclusive dueto differing measures and contextual positioning. Clearly the cost of defects andrework is sufficient to warrant further investigation elsewhere but for the purpose ofthe procurement performance model within this research, a contractual basis requiresall work to be undertaken to the correct specification with completion to thatstandard. Quality performance metrics are measured in this research at completionand operational incentives – positive or negative - reflect these outcomes.PART C: CONSTRUCTION OF PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT MODEL3.19 Construction of a performance management model - conceptsConstruction research, represented by case studies where the interaction ofparticipants and groups is being studied, is usually aided through graphical modellingusing visual and logical patterns. Fellows and Liu (2008, pg 74) suggested that suchmodels provided ‘directions of relationships among the variables’. Hofstede (2001)recognised that graphical models are by necessity subjective, but can attract criticismthrough oversimplification of a complex process. Nonetheless, such models areuseful in providing a starting point to include key elements of research and provide a73