Document Type

Theses, Masters

Master Thesis

Master thesis

Rights

Available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike 4.0 International Licence

Disciplines

Business and Management.

Publication Details

Successfully submitted for the award of Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) to the Dublin Institute of Technology, 2010

Abstract

When undertaking a traditional tender in Ireland, computer applications are heavily relied upon. Documents, from drawings to Bills of Quantities, are created with an array of computer applications. These documents are subsequently exchanged from surveying firms to a number of main contractors and, additionally, from the main contractors to subcontractors. However, even though the documents have originated in an electronic
form, the majority of the documents are communicated in a paper format. Therefore, with each new communication between the parties more paperwork is created. This system of communication is inefficient and process gains can be made through the utilization of already existing Information Communication Technologies (ICT) . The thesis initially provides an analysis of the literature relating to the existing traditional tender process in the Irish construction industry. These findings are then compared with techniques being undertaken in other parts of the world, where ICT is implemented to a greater degree in the tender process. An observation study, subsequently, reveals a clearer picture of the tender process to the author. In particular, the tasks a contractor completes when pricing a competitive tender are clarified. The communication methods used by the contractor between both the PQS and subcontractors are also investigated. This investigation shows that a relatively low level of eCommunication is being undertaken by the individuals within the industry. A survey carried out by the author in the summer of 2008, establishes the current level of ICT usage in Irish construction companies with respect to the tendering process. These results show that there is a similar level of eTendering uptake to that of other countries. However, this uptake is significantly discouraged by a number of barriers identified by the author.
Finally, the thesis presents an industry led pilot project. This pilot project
clarifies the potential cost savings that the Irish construction industry achieved through the application of integrated ICT tools in the construction tendering process

DOI

https://doi.org/10.21427/D71K71

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Document Type

Master thesis