Multilayer subcontracting system is widely used within construction industry for better efficiency of subcontractors’ operation due to their unique skills. However, the practice raises poor quality products in construction practice and contributes to poor project performance. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objectives to investigate the practice of multilayer subcontracting in Malaysian construction industry, to identify the problems arisen from multilayer subcontracting and to identify the methods for improvement of quality performance by multilayer subcontracting. A questionnaire survey was conducted. Based on the results, implementation of multilayer subcontracting system contributes largely to the poor performance across all major aspects including ineffectively time and cost management, quality works deficiency and poor communication and coordination performance. With various layers, the long communication channel causes various problems such as less control on bottom layers subcontractors, communication errors with the consequent of extra cost and time incurred due to abortive and remedial works are being taken. Recommendations for improving the practice are suggested to enhance prequalification of subcontractors, restrain the use of “supply-and-fix” subcontracting arrangement, and formulate an appropriate subcontractor evaluation system. The findings of this study provided a baseline in examining the multilayer subcontracting practices among main contractors and subcontractors and exploring the areas where the improvements can be made for obtaining the benefits of using this practice.
There is a lack of research studies showing the specific practices that enable QS consultancy firms to achieve profitability in Malaysia’s construction industry. As firm profitability is expected to have a positive and significant impact on firm growth, this put Malaysia's QS consulting firms at risk and affected firm growth if the problem they face remains unresolved. Despite the current Covid-19 pandemic has led to the global financial crisis, weaker global growth is still a big issue to developing countries including Malaysia. Construction firms such as QS consultancy firms face a lot of challenges due to the globalisation and competitiveness of the construction industry. Quantity surveying (QS) consultancy firms need to adopt suitable strategies to survive and grow in an evolving business environment. Thus, this paper focuses on the theoretical framework of the strategies for QS consultancy firms.
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