Project Procurement in the UK - The Global Approach

By

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

There is an immense role of my supervisor, family and associations for the completion of this research study. I would be gratitude to them for supporting me and assisting me.

DECLARATION

I take oath that the entire thesis has been completed by me, the entire work has been done by writing, and no copy pasting material has been added in this thesis.

Signed __________________ Date _______________

ABSTRACT

In this research study, the aim is to find out the current procurement methods used in the UK construction companies. The study also investigates how UK construction companies can implement the cost effective procurement systems in order to take competitive advantage for building projects in future. The study also investigates the UK legal rules and regulations within existing supply chain arrangement. The study also investigates how legal framework helps the UK construction companies to implement cost effective procurement systems. For this purpose, the secondary case study methodology was used. The analysis of case studies suggests that the construction companies must implement a flexible supply chain approach. The companies in order to achieve the savings in their procurement process have to implement the supply chain methods, which do not have any geographical restrictions. In order to control cost of the business operations, e procurement must be used. Companies by implementing e procurement can get ROI within minimum time span. E-procurement helps organisations in reducing cost, and time. This also helps in achieving competitive pricing from suppliers. Thus, it can concluded that while breaking the barriers is an opportunity, it is equally important to consider the threats that can pose to the UK construction industry if they fail to adapt to the challenges of the global economy. The legal framework helps the UK construction companies to execute cost effective and efficient procurements systems.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the study1

Research Aims and Objectives2

Aims2

Objectives2

Layout of Dissertation3

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW4

UK construction and supply chain procurement4

Globalisation and the supply chain5

Project Activities and Global collaboration5

Construction Productivity6

Research and development6

Human Resources6

Technology7

Environmental Pollution7

Banwell, Latham and Egan views of the failing construction projects and their recommendations7

International legal framework and international economic Collaboration8

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY10

Introduction10

Research Design10

Appropriateness of research design11

Data collection11

Data analysis11

CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION13

Introduction13

Case study analysis13

Case study of Global e-procure (2011) - Supply chain without borders13

Case study of FedEx13

Case study of Eastman chemical company: e procurement gives competitive edge.14

Case study of BT India14

Summary of case study analysis15

Secondary research findings15

Legal framework and UK construction industry15

Threats and issues with supply chain in UK construction companies17

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS21

Recommendations22

REFERENCES24

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Construction industry is considered as a major contributor towards the revenue generation in country's economy. In fact, many of the key UK economic indicators are derived solely from the construction industry (Robins 2007 11). Even while this document maintains a UK focus, the construction industry is impacted by global events and trends. The construction industry is inextricably linked to the course taken by the economy and society at large. Nearly all people in modern mainstream society maintain ...