Overcoming information opacity in construction: a commentary

Abstract

Provides an overview on the development of information production in construction. It is suggested that there is a need for the professional organisations to re-think the way they produce project information so that the opacity in current project information is replaced by transparency so that all the stakeholders in the procurement process can move from their adversarial/bargaining positions to one that encourages a team problem-solving approach.

Transparency in the Assessment of Takaful Claims for Construction Works Loss & Damage

“…Indeed, BQ is set as device to improve trust between parties in construction. BQ is designed to provide extensive construction information in terms of quantities, worksmanship, items, costs and specifications so it shall promote transparency (Jaggar, Ross, Love, & Smith, 2001). …”

Review on the fundamental usage of Bills of Quantities (BQ) by contracting organisations

“…This step further gives the building owner a sense of control over the financial aspect of their project while removing the problem of excessive claims as inherent in the earlier practice (Seeley and Winfield, 1999). The client-sponsored BQ has since become the practice of the construction industry and eventually become the standard of today's practice with the exception of the non-traditional system of construction procurement (Jaggar, et al, 2001;Seeley, 1997).…”

“…It essentially remains as the quintessence of the construction management (Winch, 2010). Additionally, valuable information also plays a major factor that contributes to the success of a project (Jaggar et al, 2001;Kwakye, 1997;Mohamed and Stewart, 2003). According to Ashworth and Hogg (2007); and Choy and Sidwell (1991); good information has a wider role to control the quality standard of a project.…”

“…These are seemingly in line with a much earlier comment by Waterworth and Weddle (1978) and Benedict (1972) who criticize the value that this type of BQ provided to contractors. Jaggar, et al (2001) remark it as the negative impact resulting from the client-sponsored BQ that diminish in terms of its utility to the contracting organisations.…”

“…However, historical development has witnessed the BQ evolve and advance from the practice of the builders (Holes, 1990;Wexler, 1986). According to Holes (1990) ;Jaggar, et al (2001); Mohd Hisham and Azman (2008); Seeley and Winfield (1999), the BQ was historically sponsored by builders competing for the job. Hence, major development to the practice of producing BQs during this period is mainly builder-centric.…”