Implementing a new procurement strategy: the case of social housing associations

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the barriers that Dutch housing associations encounter in implementing new procurement strategies. Design/methodology/approach Several aspects of purchasing, portfolio management, project delivery and supply management are discussed in relation to the changing role of housing associations as semi-public commissioning bodies in the Dutch construction industry, based on data derived from workshops with six Dutch housing associations. Findings Housing associations are adapting their procurement strategy towards a more integrative and performance-based approach to supply management. Due to the complexity of implementing this process, housing associations struggle especially with moving beyond pilot projects, increasing the maturity levels throughout the organisation and aligning new policies with daily practices at a tactical and an operational level. Practical implications Increased knowledge of change processes and seeing the potential of maturity models will be valuable for practitioners who are dealing with changes on the work floor. Social implications Client organisations are considered one of the key drivers of change in the construction industry. Insights into these particular organisational change processes contribute to the potential of industry reform. Originality/value Most studies on collaboration and integration in the supply chain focus on the inter-organisational level or on the supply side, rather than the internal organisation of the client.

Sustainable renovation of non-profit housing in the Netherlands: from projects to programs

“…Although some studies do come a little closer to the central theme of this paper. For instance in the Netherlands the study of Van Zoest et al (18) addresses the barriers that Dutch housing associations encounter in implementing new procurement strategies, touches on the theme of strategic partnerships. On a more general level Koolwijk et al (19) explore how and why the social structures of strategic partnerships in the construction industry are shaped by actors and how these interrelate with a team's interpersonal relationships over time.…”

Procurement 4.0 and Organizational Performance in the Malaysian Construction Industry

“…Strategies are crucial in ensuring that the organization stays prepared in any circumstances and develops confidence. Nowadays, construction organizations realize its importance and have begun implementing various strategies to improve the organization (Zoest et al, 2019). Relating to procurement management, Windapo and Adediran (2017) stated that the adoption of procurement strategies could be seen to direct better management of the construction project.…”

“…Relating to procurement management, Windapo and Adediran (2017) stated that the adoption of procurement strategies could be seen to direct better management of the construction project. For example, Zoest et al, (2019) mentioned that better procurement management, such as early involvement of contractors, will reduce the delivery time, improve the constructability, and create efficiency in the industry. Nawi et al, (2017) stated that the strategies must incorporate tools to measure the effectiveness of supply chain management.…”

Procurement innovation as a vehicle for sustainable change – a case study of the Danish model of strategic partnerships

“…Previous research related to construction procurement has focused on the outcomes of implementing a specific procurement practice (Osipova and Eriksson, 2011; Witt and Liias, 2011; Carbonara and Pellegrino, 2020). Some research has been carried out with a focus on the implementation of new and innovative procurement practices (Bao et al , 2019; van Zoest et al , 2019; Lindblad and Karrbom Gustavsson, 2020). There is however a distinct lack of literature describing the development of procurement innovation in construction and in particular about relational contracts.…”