An evaluation of the factors for a successful alliance in the United Kingdom (UK) construction industry

Burton, MC; Gameson, RN

Abstract

Numerous authors have advocated that the construction industry should have advanced and moved away from being an industry beset by ‘late delivery, cost overruns and commercial friction’. As the industry examines possible solutions, there has been considerable research and interest in alternative methods of contracting such as ‘alliancing’. The aim of this research was to provide a critical review and analysis of the factors contributing to a successful construction alliance in order to identify key factors. A critical literature review highlighted six key factors. These were incorporated into a theoretical framework, which was then tested empirically, using a qualitative methodology. Interviews, with senior construction professionals, active in UK alliancing projects, were conducted and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data collected; comparing interview results with the theoretical framework. The research concluded that four out of the six factors were shown to be significant contributory factors in successful alliances. Following a comparative review between the literature outcomes and the empirical findings a revised framework was produced. The revisions to the framework introduced two new factors: clear investment strategies and the need for clear risk management processes. In conclusion, the research has identified key factors in the success of construction alliances. The final framework could now be tested further empirically, using a larger sample of research participants, in order to validate the research.

Citation

Burton, M., & Gameson, R. (2017, September). An evaluation of the factors for a successful alliance in the United Kingdom (UK) construction industry. Presented at International Research Conference 2017: Shaping Tomorrow's Built Environment, University of Salford

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: International Research Conference 2017: Shaping Tomorrow's Built Environment
• Conference Location: University of Salford
• Start Date: Sep 11, 2017
• End Date: Sep 12, 2017
• Publication Date: Sep 12, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jan 19, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 19, 2018
• Related Public URLs: http://usir.salford.ac.uk/44058/
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference