Abstract
Being an insidious risk to construction projects, collusion has attracted extensive attention from numerous researchers around the world. However, little effort has ever been made to assess collusion, which is important and necessary for curbing collusion in construction projects. Specific to the context of China, this paper developed an artificial neural network model to assess collusion risk in construction projects. Based on a comprehensive literature review, a total of 22 specific collusive practices were identified first, and then refined by a two-round Delphi interview with 15 experienced experts. Subsequently, using the consolidated framework of collusive practices, a questionnaire was further developed and disseminated, which received 97 valid replies. The questionnaire data were then utilized to develop and validate the collusion risk assessment model with the facilitation of artificial neural network approach. The developed model was finally applied in a real-life metro project in which its reliability and applicability were both verified. Although the model was developed under the context of Chinese construction projects, its developing strategy can be applied in other countries, especially for those emerging economies that have a significant concern of collusion in their construction sectors, and thus contributing to the global body of knowledge of collusion.
Highlights
Collusion has been defined as a set of behaviours where competitors coordinate their market behaviour surreptitiously, which is contrary to the principles of free competition (Chotibhongs, Arditi 2012a, 2012b; Zarkada-Fraser 2000)
This paper established a comprehensive framework of collusive practices in Chinese construction projects, which consists of 20 specific collusive practices related to all contracting parties
This paper developed an artificial neural network (ANN) model to assess the collusion risks in Chinese construction projects
Summary
Collusion has been defined as a set of behaviours where competitors coordinate their market behaviour surreptitiously, which is contrary to the principles of free competition (Chotibhongs, Arditi 2012a, 2012b; Zarkada-Fraser 2000). Collusion has sabotaged the construction industry significantly (Vee, Skitmore 2003; Shan et al 2017). It can result in a decrease in bidder numbers and an increase in contract price(Ray et al 1999; Zarkada-Fraser 2000; Ballesteros-Pérez et al 2013), and trigger other unethical behaviours those may lead to quality failures in construction projects (Le, Shan 2014). According to Le et al (2014a) and Bowen et al (2007a, 2007b), collusion has been identified as a significant form of corruption in construction projects that could be encountered in entire construction period, from project conception phase to post implementation phase
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
