A rational procedure for the selection of appropriate procurement systems for construction works in Ghana

Abstract

Construction work is procured via a number of systems, such as being Open and Competitive, Selective, and Negotiated tendering systems. The choice of the most appropriate system for a particular project is dependent on the client, level of risk, time availability, etc. The basis for the selection of such systems has been branded experience-based, which is tied to an individual and not available to the wider industry for consideration, validation, documentation and acceptance. In this paper, a rational procedure has been developed that facilitates the selection of procurement routes for construction projects as a means to enhance the quality of management decisions on projects. A brief review is given of the mode of selection of construction procurement systems and identifies the key factors affecting the choice of such systems in Ghana. The development of a weightage system for these factors based on which a novel approach to construction procurement decision-making is pro-posed is also highlighted. A computer-based model for this approach is presently being implemented within a prototype system to demonstrate the potential of integrated knowledge-based systems to decision-making procedures in the construction industry.

Journal of Applied Science and Technology (JAST) , Vol. 5, Nos. 1 & 2, 2000, pp. 168- 176