Journal of Construction Engineering and Project Management

Korea Institute of Construction Engineering and Management (한국건설관리학회)
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Improving the Contractor-subcontractor Relationship Through Partnering on Construction Projects in Zambia

  • Mudzvokorwa, Tafadzwa (Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Zambia) ;
  • Mwiya, Balimu (Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Zambia) ;
  • Mwanaumo, Erastus M. (Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Zambia)
  • Received : 2019.03.14
  • Accepted : 2019.12.09
  • Published : 2020.03.31
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Abstract

With the increased dependence on subcontracting in the construction industry, the operational relationship between main contractors and subcontractor plays an imperative role in successful project delivery. Consequently, improving this relationship increases the probability of project success and enhancing project performance. A wide range of research has confirmed that partnering improves the main contractor-subcontractor relationship. Though the positive impact of partnering on project performance is supported by a plethora of evidence, the guiding theory on practical partnering process steps is limited. The study aimed at improving subcontracting in the construction industry through a partnering process relevant to Zambia guided by factors obtained from industry expects. Questionnaire surveys and Semi-structured interview were adopted to investigate the perception of construction industry professionals and academics towards the main contractor-subcontractor relationship along with improvement factors. The findings showed that the relationship between main contractors and subcontractors on most projects in Zambia is unsatisfactory therefore justifying attention. Top factors that can enhance the main contractor-subcontractor relationship were identified. From the factors deduced and guidelines on partnering best practices, a project partnering model was developed.

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