A desk study on the methods of improving partnerships in the construction industry

Padalkar, Gauri Milind (2012) A desk study on the methods of improving partnerships in the construction industry. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

We know enough about the world being fast-paced and every- changing. Markets are unpredictable and highly dynamic. Nothing is constant. This affects businesses in more ways than we can imagine. A very important industry like construction currently faces a paradigm shift. Contractors till now have been majorly antagonistic towards partnering with other important parts of the chain, mainly, suppliers, subcontractors and clients. Most construction projects today are short-term, collaborative and project based. This means that their life span is short. The plan of the project is not strategically spaced over several time periods and extensive resources. It is of a ‘project’ nature. Engineered relationships are no longer effective. They need to be allowed to evolve over time. But time, again, is a huge constraint. Construction projects don’t have much time to be completed.

This is a complicated situation for any business to be handling all alone. Literature previously written on this subject indicates that construction firms will greatly benefit them in terms of sharing risks and working collaboratively. Yet, despite knowing this, contractors and suppliers are unwilling to work in collaboration.

What exactly may be the problem? How can we address it? In the complex situation of there being less time, yet aiming to satisfy the project requirements by simultaneously developing long term, substantial relationship with all the actors partnering with the firm in the project, seems to be a daunting task. This change is not easy. But we will demonstrate through this piece of work, that by using basic frameworks, this task becomes easier than we think it is. Even though the statistical veracity of the theories we propose is yet to be determined, we can call this the advent of the new dynamic era in construction. These theories can be tested for their practical application during future research ventures. But, laying down a specific framework and idea-set is essential. This study contributes a theoretical perspective on how affinity towards the partnering approach can ne increased.

Item Type: Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Depositing User: EP, Services
Date Deposited: 08 Apr 2013 12:46
Last Modified: 19 Oct 2017 13:18
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/25961

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