Collaborative procurement and private-sector housebuilding and refurbishment works

Abstract

Purpose Framed as a pilot study, the purpose of this paper is to study the perceived appropriateness of an existing collaborative procurement procedure (CPP) framework from the housebuilder’s perspective, seeking to improve its utility and stimulate further exploration. Design/methodology/approach Informed by an existing CPP framework and conducted by a UK-based development professional, four in-depth semi-structured interviews were undertaken with senior housebuilding practitioners from London and surrounding counties. A qualitative analysis was then conducted for this sociological study. Findings Perceived appropriateness of the framework was high; however, a number of procedural improvements were identified, along with limitations. Future studies are recommended including the influence upon project performance of groundworker integration at the design stage. Research limitations/implications Limited to four interviews from one regional area, the study provides an initial insight into the appropriateness of an existing CPP framework. Insights into why CP uptake is marginal within housebuilding were also gained. The research purpose was achieved but by offering a self-reflection upon practice (vis-à-vis wider generalisations), the findings provide a springboard for further studies. Practical implications The research identifies with current practice, industry perceptions and paths towards improving the utility of the CPP framework. Social implications This study offers insights into the perceptions of private housebuilding practitioners of their own practices and the factors they find challenging within the social constructs of their industry. Originality/value This research constitutes one of the first studies in the UK to examine the CPP framework from the perspective of the private housebuilder and is undertaken with the express purpose of furthering that framework’s utility.

Development of Adapt-ABLE smart system – an end-to-end system for speeding up disabled housing adaptation process

“…One participant said, "We would really welcome an online platform, we spent ages developing something that legal and procurement were happy with, but it's not online." Costin et al (2019) suggest that collaborative tools positively improved innovation, cost, time, quality and work environment.…”

Collaborative Procurement Practices in Public Organizations: A Review of Forms, Benefits and Challenges

“…Collaborative procurement has been described in various contexts in the literature (Costin, Nakai Kidd, Simon & Edwards;Laryea, 2019;Reijonen, Saastamoinen & Tammi, 2016;Chen & Manley, 2014). It has rapidly gained popularity as a public policy due to its ability to ensure savings, promote transparency in financial resources, rationalize specifications, and simplify processes (Gobbi & Hsuan, 2015).…”

“…Collaborative procurement allows two or more procuring entities to combine their expertise and experience, resulting in money savings and increased efficiency in meeting project or service objectives (Goldsmith & Becker, 2018). Although it is more common in the private sector (Costin et al, 2019;Reijonen et al, 2016), collaborative procurement has also been extensively used in infrastructure projects (Eriksson, Volker, Kadefors, Lingegård, Larsson & Rosander, 2019;Laryea, 2019;Chen, Manley, Lewis, Helfer & Widen, 2018;Manley & Chen, 2017;Chen & Manley, 2014) and transportation organizations (Cherrington, Edrington, Malki, Beruvides, Simonton, Waters, Chaivichitmalakul, Palikhe & Walewski, 2010;Beruvides, Simonton, Waters, Palikhe & Chaivichitmalakul, 2015). Collaborative procurement is also an interesting option for public organizations such as public colleges and universities, public hospitals, public schools, ministries, and local government authorities, which share common requirements (Schotanus & Telgen, 2007).…”