Specialist task organisations procurement approach for re-engineering construction project processes

This dissertation provides a framework for improving owners' contracting strategies through a specialist task organisations (STOs) procurement approach for re-engineering construction project processes. The aim of this dissertation is to develop a procurement system that improves an owner's project implementation process in order to meet the project objectives in terms of time, cost and quality. This study involves the analyses of the construction practices, processes, and procedures, the conditions of construction management (CM) contracts, the review of the theoretical bases, the design of a novel procurement method (STO), its initial validation in terms of the theoretical and empirical validation as well as conclusions and summary. The study reveals interrelationships between contracting practices, processes, procurement routes, payments, and risk allocation. The contracting practices of the USA, the UK, Japan and Finland are used as a frame of reference. The dissertation proposes a task-oriented approach to procurement through the integrated product (task) development, the integrated management and the fragmented execution via task organisations. The application area of the suggested STO route is limited to the project and procurement management of large building projects. The STO route allows an owner's design team to produce an overall design that is used by STOs to produce technical detailed engineering design solutions and project cost estimates. The validation of the suggested STO route has been carried out through the mapping against the organisation theories, the case-questionnaire results and the case study examples. These outcomes support the applicability of the STO. 35 case questionnaires were used to compare the prevailing procurement routes in relation to the suggested STO route. The four case examples provide some additional validation. The suggested merits of the STO route include the shift from only-single-designs and cost-based competition toward more advanced competition based on multiple designs, life-cycle costs, alternative materials, constructability and maintainability. The STO route assumes a modular approach to building design. It allows the use of experts' knowledge in design and construction through their involvement in all project stages.reviewe

Service planning and delivery outcomes of home adaptations for ageing in the UK

In response to the impact of demographic change on the healthcare system, ‘ageing in place’ was introduced as a national policy to support elderly people living independently in their homes. Housing adaptation is essential for successful independent living and has been given increased political priority. However, adaptation policies and practice vary regionally, reflecting statutory limits, policy choices and local planning. This study investigated the current status of adaptation provision in different regions in the UK and assessed the effectiveness of local service planning and management. A mixed-methods sequential explanatory research strategy was employed. In the first quantitative phase, a questionnaire survey was carried out involving all 378 local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales. This was followed by a second qualitative phase involving individual interviews with five professionals and two clients and a focus group meeting with six key stakeholders. The study found that the current number of adaptations was relatively small compared with potential demands in most local areas, as was funding for adaptations. On the operational side, the adaptation process was fragmented, involving different service groups in many local authorities. There were disconnections between these groups, which often caused inefficiencies and poor effectiveness. Moving forward, local authorities need to have a clear vision of the overall need for adaptations and allocate sufficient resources. Practical guidelines are also needed for better integrated working and performance management