Identifying Contractor 'Input' Factors for Predicting Performance Levels: A case study in Hong Kong

Abstract

A ‘price only’ evaluation mechanism in tender selection processes is still causing problems in construction industry practice. Other selection criteria have been recommended by many researchers, where some ‘multi-criteria’ selection models have also been introduced. However, many clients still doubt the reliability and objectivity of non-price-based tender evaluation criteria. Furthermore, recommendations from a model system with the same criteria and fixed weightings of each criterion will not suit different clients and diverse projects. The above background led to this proposal for a dynamic and flexible decision support system for contractor selection. Among the multiple criteria embedded in the proposed system, consolidated past performance is seen as one of the most important parts. To address this need, a case study, based on an on-going review of the present Performance Assessment Scoring System (PASS) in the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA), is presented in this paper. Performance scores of 39 housing projects done by 6 contractors were analyzed to find out the relationships between ‘inputs’ and outputs. Studying PASS data also contributes to selecting potential factors that can be used for predicting performance. Later, these findings will help to generate a questionnaire to contractors, clients and consultants in Hong Kong to identify critical factors, which can predict the performance of contractors most effectively and reliably.