Public Sector Clients Research Articles

Exploring the role of consulting in local government digital transformation

IMPACT To improve the way external consultants can support public sector reforms, a better understanding of their relationship with their public sector clients is required. In this context, understanding the different ways consultants and their public sector clients engage in digital transformation projects and the effect of this relationship on project success is crucial. Against the backdrop of scarce financial resources and high accountability requirements, particularly at the local level, the authors’ findings will help senior officials in local governments understand how government departments should be managing their relationships with external consultants to achieve better results. The research results presented in this article will also help external consultants to better understand the working mechanisms at the municipal level in order to be able to offer better services.

The influence of private sector consultants on public management reforms: taking stock

IMPACT This article will help policy-makers and managers understand the roles private sector management consultants have played in public management reforms, what kinds of problems their involvement in public management reforms can entail and how to address these shortcomings. Although management consultants can provide useful expertise in planning and implementing public management reforms, their advice does not always consider public sector needs. Furthermore, the growing use of consultant services can hollow out public sector capacities. The authors highlight different rhetorical devices that consultants have used to increase their influence on public sector clients. Practitioners need to be aware of such techniques when making decisions about involving consultants in public management reforms. The authors also discuss how public managers can improve the commissioning of management consultants in order to address potential shortcomings and enhance the transfer of useful knowledge from consultants.

Construction framework process: a qualitative investigation of behaviour change drivers and project outcomes

Purpose Construction framework agreements are identified by the UK Government’s Construction Strategy 2025 as an integrated procurement path to improve construction industry efficiency. However, criticisms from the industry have arisen from the lack of transparency and incorrect application of such frameworks. This paper aims to examine the client and supplier relationships within a framework agreement to discover what behaviour change drivers should be applied in the framework process to achieve the desired project outcomes. Design/methodology/approach A triangulation approach was adopted. An initial literature review on organisational behaviour and job performance theories was conducted followed by a qualitative expert review survey of client construction managers to confirm the project outcomes desired by public-sector clients and the associated behaviour change drivers. This was followed by a qualitative multiple-case study investigation of eight typical framework projects to form a commonality of views to explain the impact of behaviour change drivers on project outcomes. Findings Results from both qualitative studies demonstrated that improvements in project outcomes of time, cost, quality, sustainability and closer relationships can be driven by two sets of behaviour drivers: client organisational behaviour change drivers (setting up incentive and risk-sharing procurement approach, effective communication through development of stronger relationships and performance monitoring using contract key performance indicators) and supplier contextual behaviour change drivers (motivating conscientious behaviour and attitude towards self-improvement and innovations, supporting shared culture of providing services aligning with the client needs, promoting learning and development amongst all suppliers and most importantly providing trust and collaboration to the client). Research limitations/implications The investigation was based on an expert review with eight multiple-case studies conducted within the geographical area of England. Further research should be conducted nationwide so that the findings can become more robust and benefit the entire public sector. Practical implications It is suggested that framework managers should apply the supplier contextual performance drivers as selection criteria in the procurement process, whilst the client organisational performance drivers should be applied in the whole procurement and construction monitoring process to drive project outcomes aligned with the government construction policy objectives. Originality/value This research demonstrates that the project behaviour of clients and suppliers can be shifted within the construction framework environment to yield the desired project outcomes. This can be achieved by applying the client organisational behaviour drivers and the supplier contextual behaviour change drivers in tandem to optimise the framework process.

Good practices in COVID-19 risk reduction adopted by Australian construction enterprises

PurposeThis research investigated the impacts of COVID-19 on construction enterprises and good practices adopted by the enterprises in reducing COVID-19 risks. The Sendai Framework (TSF) is widely accepted as a strategic roadmap to reduce disaster risks throughout the life cycle of a disaster. As such, with the aim of enhancing the resilience of Australian construction enterprises, the identified good practices were mapped with TSF priorities to consolidate COVID-19 risk reduction practices that can be adopted by Australian construction enterprises.Design/methodology/approachCase study research approach was used, and three case studies were conducted with small, medium and large construction enterprises. Small, medium and large enterprises were selected based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics classification of the business size. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with three executive members from the three enterprises. Data were analysed using content analysis.FindingsThe study found that construction enterprises faced demand and supply side impacts. Infrastructure projects, funded by public sector clients and larger enterprises were least affected. Investments and demand for residential and other building projects were reduced by private sector clients, affecting small and medium enterprises. Findings also show that the construction enterprises adopted good practices in identifying, managing, investing on resilience and recovery that align with TSF priorities. All three enterprises agreed on some common good practices on risk identification, risk management and effective recovery. Different views were shared on investments related to disaster resilience.Practical implicationsThis study contributes to mitigate the COVID-19 impacts on construction enterprises and subsequent economic and social impacts.Originality/valueThis research found how Australian construction enterprises survived during COVID-19. The study adopted TSF to construction and COVID-19 context while consolidating COVID-19 risk reduction practices.

Decision preferences of procurement delivery method in public sector construction projects using TOPSIS

This research aims to stride for the most persuasive factors affecting the selection of procurement delivery methods and aid in decision preferences to the public sector clients to select the right procurement delivery method when their preferences vary over parameters such as time, cost, quality, risk, etc. Technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) decision making technique was applied to compute procurement delivery method preferences by considering various alternatives from selection criteria. TOPSIS decision technique computed the procurement delivery method ranking in descending order as: design and build, public private partnership, design-bid-build and management-oriented. This study offers a greater range of options to clients in case of their different preferences, which are not limited to basic time, cost, and quality but other criteria such as risk, client characteristics, project characteristics and external environment.

Making time for life: A whole-of-industry initiative to reducing work hours and promoting health and gender inclusion in project-based construction work

A cross section of participants representing a ‘vertical slice’ of the construction industry workforce were interviewed to: (i) understand the way that long hours are experienced by project-based workers and the factors contributing to the long hours culture, and (ii) explore the factors motivating a ‘whole of industry’ cultural reform initiative focused on reducing work hours in the Australian construction industry. Deeply entrenched systems of work within the construction industry, including competitive tendering processes and the imposition of financial penalties for time overruns, contribute to long work hours that are detrimental to workers' health and wellbeing. Moreover, construction companies develop project programs on the basis of assumptions that projects will run smoothly in all respects. Risks associated with program ‘slippage’ are passed down the supply chain to subcontractors. The problem of long work hours in construction project work means that a single organisation (whether client or constructor) cannot adequately address the issue. This has led to public sector client organizations and private sector construction organizations to engage in a unique collaborative initiative to reduce work hours and, in doing so, enable health, wellbeing and gender diversity in the Australian construction industry.

Factors influencing the organisational capabilities of the public sector for implementation of building information modelling in construction projects

PurposeThis study examined factors influencing the organisational capabilities of the public sector for building information modelling (BIM) implementation in construction projects with a view to enhancing the performance of public sector projects.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a quantitative descriptive analysis that was based on primary data. In total, 198 valid questionnaires obtained from construction professionals within the public sector provided primary quantitative data for the assessment. The respondents provided the responses on the factors which were identified through an in-depth synthesis of literature relating to organisational capabilities of the public sector. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.FindingsThe findings established that the potential of the public sector to deploy BIM in construction projects is greatly influenced by varying degree of organisational capability attributes with bureaucratic culture (mean score, MS = 3.37), structural complexity (MS = 3.17), lack of skilled and trained staff (MS = 3.12), personnel stability (MS = 3.11), staff cooperation (MS = 3.09) and political constraint (MS = 3.07) ranked highest. Through factor analysis, these and other highly influential factors were grouped into eight components, namely management-related, policy-related, technical-related, attitude-related, work structure-related, work ethic-related, decision-related and feedback-related factors. This grouping reflects the various components of organisational capability attributes which the public sector needs to efficiently develop to benefit from project management paradigm introduced by BIM.Practical implicationsThis study provided information for improving specific capability attributes with respect to human and technical resources as well as other soft infrastructure to support BIM implementation on building projects by the public sector client. The study also serves as a guide for understanding BIM implementation by the public sector in similar socio-political and economic contexts.Originality/valueThis assessment indicates various degrees by which the organisational attributes of public sector have influenced the attributes' capability to implement BIM on construction projects. Thus, findings provide information on areas of improvement for better implementation of BIM by the public sector in project delivery.

Health and Safety Integration into the Procurement Stages of Public Construction Projects in Developing Countries: A Case of Ghana

The potential to promote health and safety (H&S) through public procurement has resulted in increased expectation for public sector clients to integrate H&S matters into their procurement decisions and practices. Developing countries are however far behind in this endeavour. Using qualitative research, therefore, this study explored how public clients integrate H&S into the procurement of public works. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 contractors and public sector clients who have vast experience in the procurement of public works. The data was analysed using both inductive and deductive thematic analyses. The findings show that the extent of H&S integration into the procurement process depended on the funding source(s) for public projects. H&S matters are generally overlooked in the various procurement stages for public projects funded by the government, while in those funded by international development agencies, H&S matters are prioritized, and therefore, given considerable attention. The research contributes to construction H&S improvement research in developing countries by giving insight into the extent of H&S integration into public procurement. It also contributes to the understanding of the influence of funding sources on the extent to which H&S matters are integrated into public procurement in developing countries.

What are the prospects for the hormonal IUD in the public sector? A mixed-method study of the user population in Zambia

BackgroundThe levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (IUD)—also known as the hormonal IUD—is a highly effective contraceptive method that has not been widely available in the public sector in Zambia. Early introduction efforts can provide critical insights into the characteristics of users, reasons for method choice, and experiences getting their method.MethodsWe conducted a survey with 710 public sector clients who received a hormonal IUD, copper IUD, implant or injectable in two provinces of Zambia, and additional in-depth interviews with 29 women. We performed descriptive analyses of survey data and fitted multivariable logistic regression models to assess factors associated with hormonal IUD use. Qualitative interviews were analyzed thematically.ResultsFactors associated with hormonal IUD use included full-time or self-employment (relative to both implant and copper IUD use), as well as being older, wealthier, and partner not being aware of method use (relative to implant use only). Common reasons for choosing long-acting methods were duration, perception that the method was “right for my body,” and convenience. In addition, a portion of hormonal IUD acceptors mentioned effectiveness, potential for discreet use, few or manageable side effects, and treatment for heavy or painful periods. Between 83 and 95% of women said that they were counseled about menstrual changes and/or non-bleeding side effects; however, more hormonal IUD acceptors recalled being counseled on the possibility of experiencing reduced bleeding (88%) than amenorrhea (43%). Qualitative interviews indicate that women seek methods with minimal or tolerable side effects. While most women reported their partner was aware of method use, men may be more consistently involved in the decision to use contraception rather than in the choice of a particular method. Qualitative results show an appreciation of the lifestyle benefits of reduced bleeding (especially lighter bleeding), although amenorrhea can be cause for concern.ConclusionsInitial efforts to introduce the hormonal IUD can provide valuable learnings that can inform broader method introduction to expand choice and better suit women’s needs in Zambia and elsewhere. Scale-up plans should include emphasis on high quality counseling and demand generation.Plain English SummaryThe government of Zambia is committed to increasing access to high-quality contraception and making more choices available to users. To date, the hormonal IUD, a highly effective, long-lasting contraceptive has not been widely available in the country. A study in pilot introduction settings provided insights into why women chose the methods, their characteristics, and their experiences getting their methods. The 710 women in the study received family planning services in public sector settings in two provinces in Zambia. Women in the study who received a hormonal IUD, copper IUD, implant, or injectable completed a quantitative survey; in-depth interviews were also conducted with 29 women. Results showed common reasons for choosing the long-acting methods (hormonal IUD, copper IUD or implants) were their duration, perception that the method was “right for my body,” and convenience. In addition, some hormonal IUD acceptors indicated that they were attracted to the method’s effectiveness, potential for discreet use, few or manageable side effects, and treatment for heavy or painful periods. Qualitative interviews with women also showed that women want contraceptive methods that lead to minimal or tolerable side effects. Male partners were typically aware of contraceptive use; however, men were less involved with decisions about the particular method women selected. Use of the hormonal IUD can lead to reduced menstrual bleeding, and in the interviews, women indicated that they liked reduced bleeding (especially lighter bleeding), although amenorrhea (paused bleeding) can be cause for concern. The results can help inform broader method introduction.

Introducing Client-Focused Research (CFR) Projects into the Research Methods Curriculum: Key Considerations for Political Science Instructors

Client-Focused Research (CFR) offers an approach to teaching research methods that brings classes into a professional environment by working directly with nonprofit or public sector clients. Students work with clients to define the scope of the research project, design the research methodology, create data collection instruments, gather and analyze data, and report findings. This real-world application of principles taught in research methods classes engages students in addressing client research needs, demonstrates the value of research methods in the world outside the academy, enhances an understanding of political science concepts, teaches skills valuable to employers, and lays the foundation for democratic citizenship, while promoting course learning objectives. This article discusses the authors’ experience with CFR at a mid-sized, public university across a five-year period, and provides a “how to” guide for faculty interested in integrating CFR projects into their research methods classes. A discussion of course evaluation results highlights pedagogical benefits of adopting the CFR model.

Determining The Effects Of Awarding Lowest Bid Price System On The Construction Projects Of Ethiopian Southern Nation

Identifying the effects of low bid award system in construction projects can be used as benchmark to find alternative method to low bid award system in the future of construction industry. The results of questioner survey conducted to determine the effects of awarding lowest bid award system in construction projects of Ethiopian southern nation are presented in this study. Personnel from consultants, owners and contractors are among the survey`s respondent. The result of the study outlines promote transparency, avoid fraud and corruption, promoting competition amongst contractors, excessive time overrun, compromise quality and hindering profitability of contractors as the top ranked effects of low bid award system. Construction industry participants have started recognizing that accepting the least price bid does not guarantee maximum value. Achieving a value-based procurement approach is a challenge, particularly for the Pakistani public sector clients, who are limited in their ability to evaluate the competitive bids based solely on the lowest-bid award system. Persisting problems of inferior quality of constructed facilities, high incidence of claims and litigation, and frequent cost and schedule overruns have become the main features of public construction works contracts. This research was undertaken to assess the performance of public owned construction projects awarded on a lowest bidder bid awarding system.

Capability improvement measures of the public sector for implementation of building information modeling in construction projects

Abstract This study examines the capability improvement measures of the public sector client for enhancing the implementation of building information modeling (BIM) in construction project delivery. The study adopted a quantitative descriptive analysis based on primary data obtained through a structured questionnaire. A total of 198 valid questionnaires obtained from construction professionals within public sector organizations in Lagos State, Nigeria, provided primary quantitative data for the assessment. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicated the measures to enhance the capacity of the public sector for BIM implementation including the following: team-based structure and recruitment of adequate number of staff (with mean score [MS] = 3.66), government support and involvement (MS = 3.64), government policies, adoption of process open to innovation, and investment in equipment and technology (MS = 3.60) had been considerably entrenched. However, measures that resulted in improved efficiency were limited to the following: reward system for performance (MS = 3.81), government policies, and education and training of staff (MS = 3.74), government support and involvement (MS = 3.73), and clear job description (MS = 3.71). Most of the measures with high level of impact were not necessarily those that are frequently used. On this basis, the public sector needs to differ from the status quo by adopting improvement measures that are appropriate for enhancing its capabilities for BIM in project delivery. The findings indicate implications that could enable the public sector to adjust and make necessary policies in a bid to improve BIM implementation in project delivery.

Influence of selection criteria on clients’ satisfaction with construction consultancy services in Nigeria

Purpose To receive a satisfactory consultancy service, a construction client must first select suitable consultants. While numerous criteria for the selection of construction consultants have been suggested in the literature, their influence on client satisfaction has hardly been statistically established. This study aimed to reduce the criteria for the selection of construction consultants into a more manageable set of fewer factors and ascertain the influence of the factors on client satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered through a purposively administered cross-sectional survey of public sector clients in Nigeria. Analyzes were done using relative importance index, factor analysis and multiple regression analysis. Findings The results proved that the criteria for the selection of consultants can, in the order of decreasing influence on client satisfaction, be grouped into service delivery approach (SDA), relationship with the client, the caliber of personnel, firm reputation and firm certification. However, SDA is more influential on client satisfaction. All the factors were found to have significant statistical effects on clients’ overall satisfaction with consultancy services. Originality/value The study demonstrates the extent to which construction consultant selection criteria are relevant to client satisfaction. It shows that SDA is the most important predictor of clients’ satisfaction with consultancy services. The results are helpful for grouping consultant selection criteria in future studies, and in guiding clients on the weights to assign to consultant selection criteria during tender evaluation.

Innovation in emerging economies: How do university-industry linkages and public procurement matter for small businesses?

Small businesses face major challenges to becoming more innovative. These challenges are particularly prevalent in emerging economies where high uncertainties are a barrier to innovation. We know from previous studies that linkages to universities, on the one hand, and public procurement, on the other, support large and innovative firms in their efforts to become more innovative. However, we do not know whether these positive effects also hold true for small businesses. In this paper, we focus on how policy strategies reducing information, market and financial uncertainties shape small businesses’ innovation in China. Based on a sample of 926 small businesses derived from the World Bank Enterprises Survey in China (2012), we find that university-industry linkages enhance innovation, though only when it comes to minor forms of innovation. In line with the resource-based view of the firm, this effect is stronger for small businesses with higher capabilities. Moreover, we show that bidding for or delivering contracts to public sector clients has a positive effect on innovation, and in particular of major forms of innovation. In the bidding selection process, private firms and firms with higher capabilities are selected. Our findings show that both policy strategies have enhanced innovation, though with different effects on the degree of novelty. We attribute this finding to the different degrees of uncertainties they address.

Automated two-stage continuous decision support model using exploratory factor analysis-MACBETH-SMART: an application of contractor selection in public sector construction

Public sector client marks contractor selection decisions on technical and financial bid considerations where efficient use of public resources is never unheeded. A plethora of past studies has developed two-stage models; however, continuous assessment of contractors is disregarded, and the models compromise on the discontinuous progression that partially recognizes the prominence of the technical stage in the selection process. This research aims to develop a novel automated two-stage continuous decision model for contractors’ assessment and selection where each contractor would be assessed on corresponding performance assessment grading levels. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) assimilated with MACBETH (Measuring Attractiveness by a Categorical Based Evaluation Technique) employed to assess the model criteria, whereas, criteria assessment stage is developed using a novel hybrid combination of SMART (Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique), which in turn entails the EFA-MACBETH-SMART triplet-combination. The model encompasses extensive model criteria; thus, 76 model criteria were investigated and evaluated. Final selection of a contractor is proposed on technical bid/financial bid ratio mechanisms based on performance levels such as RT/F: 80/20; 75/25; 70/30; 65/35; and 60/40. A hypothetical case is encompassed to portray the operational mechanism of the automated assessment system. Findings from the model unveil that continuous progression of technical assessment stage in final selection make justice with the highly qualified contractors, and the likelihood of project success increases. The developed model further conclude that technically highest bidders may be awarded the contract if additionally offers a feasible bid. The developed model preserves the concept of efficient use of public resources alongside supporting the technically highest bidders.

Cloud Contractor Selection Model for Design-Build Open Tender

AbstractFor transparency and accountability, public sector clients typically select a contractor using lowest-price open tendering. This paper focuses on improving the selection of a design-build c...

Attempts at low carbon dioxide construction: successes, failures and the way forward

Many public-sector construction clients and their civil and structural engineering consultants are trying to address the climate emergency, but with varying degrees of success. Ambitions include reusing structures and selecting construction materials with low or negative carbon dioxide emissions. This paper evaluates attempts at low carbon dioxide design in typical building and civil engineering projects, including using local hardwood for structural purposes. It concludes that while major opportunities exist in many projects to lower the structure’s embodied carbon dioxide, misconceptions and commercial realities can get in the way. Suggested actions for civil engineers and others are proposed.

Use and performance of conventional and sustainable building technologies in low-income housing

Few studies have investigated the use and performance of conventional and sustainable building technologies of use in low-income housing construction. Hence, this study investigates the use and performance of the conventional and sustainable building technologies used in low-income housing construction towards proposing the most sustainable technological solution for low-income housing development in South Africa. Using a case study research approach, the study developed a rating tool for use in assessing the sustainability performance of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) low-income houses within the nine provinces of South Africa with measures drawn from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) technical manual. Findings of this study show that the most commonly used method of construction for low-income housing in South Africa are concrete floor slab, brick and mortar for the external envelope and a combination of timber structures fitted with Inverted Box Rib (IBR) sheeting for the roof system. The results also show that conventional building components had a much lower sustainability level due to the high use of concrete and that innovative building components have a lower environmental impact due to the low carbon dioxide emission associated with the manufacturing process. The study concludes with regards to the socio-economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability that buildings constructed using sustainable technologies are more sustainable than those produced using conventional methods. The study recommends that public sector clients involved in the provision of low-income housing should encourage the use of sustainable construction technologies. Further, the research also suggests that the GBCSA should develop measures which specifically targets low-income housing development to allow for the determination of both the socio-economic viability and environmental impact of the RDP houses produced in South Africa.

Challenges and opportunities in adopting early contractor involvement (ECI): client’s perception

ABSTRACT The emerging project delivery methods increasingly encourage collaboration between the client, designer and contractor to develop longer-term relationship between project parties. In Australia development of Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) was an endeavour to involve the contractor at the early stage of design and planning of a project. While ECI promises benefits to the project outcomes, clients should have a good understanding about this delivery system to make sensible decision as to whether adopt it for a project. Despite the growing use of ECI by public sectors in Australia, there has been limited research that investigated the characteristics of ECI from the client’s views. This paper explores the opportunities and challenges in adoption of ECI in Australian through the public client’s perspective. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 construction professionals who held senior leadership roles for their departments with several decades of experience in the establishment and delivery of collaborative contracts for complex projects and programmes. The study results show cultural barrier, demonstrating value for money, change in relationship protocol, and inadequacy of contractor remuneration for early stage engagement are the challenges that are most experienced in ECI projects. It further shows that there is inconsistency in the use of ECI within the public sector clients as a result of the ambiguity in the definition of ECI. This study also finds a number of opportunities for clients when ECI is adopted, the chief amongst which are enhancement in constructability, improving working relationship, greater certainty in price and scope, and innovation.

The client’s role in promoting work health and safety in construction projects: balancing contracts and relationships to effect change

It is increasingly expected that public sector clients embed work health and safety (WHS) into procurement and project management practices for infrastructure/engineering construction projects. Client practices in relation to the management of WHS were examined in a longitudinal case study conducted in a public infrastructure programme of work in Australia. Control mechanisms for WHS at the client-contractor boundary were explored over a 12-month period. Interviews were held with representatives of client and contractor organisations. Formal control mechanisms were implemented. Initially, the implementation of formal controls created tension at the client-contractor interface as it was interpreted as signalling a lack of trust and client interference with contractors’ processes. However, these tensions were alleviated through the development of interpersonal relationships between client and contractor personnel at a local project level. The resolution of issues at the client-contractor interface was facilitated by individuals who engaged in boundary spanning behaviours to facilitate knowledge sharing and coordination of effort on both sides. Relationship-based control mechanisms supplemented the use of formal controls and enhanced the client’s ability to influence contractors’ WHS practices. The study provides important new knowledge regarding the client’s role in driving WHS performance in infrastructure/engineering construction projects.