In recent years there have been a substantial number of projects conducted in the Zambian construction industry. Due to the magnitude and complexity of many of these projects, contractors have resorted to subcontracting to share responsibilities and mitigate project risks. The Zambian government has also invigorated the practice of subcontracting in the construction industry as it plays an important role in increasing economy viability and building capacity. Instead of improving project success, subcontracting can act as a catalyst for poor project outcomes. Though there are many reasons that contribute to problems from subcontracting, a poor relationship between main contractors and subcontractors can be seen as a notorious contributor affecting construction works.
The study aimed at investigating the relationship between the main contractors and subcontractors in the Zambian construction industry and recommend a framework that can be implemented to better the relationship. The study also examined the effects of a poor interface between main contractors and subcontractors in Zambia. Data collection techniques used included literature review, interviews and questionnaire surveys. The relative importance index was used to determine the ranking of the results of the study. Using the results adduced from the study a main contractor-subcontractor non-contractual partnering model was developed.
The study established that the relationship between main contractors and subcontractors in Zambia is poor therefore needing attention. Interface problems were caused by payment issues, poor communication, unexpected price escalations and poor construction work. In order to address interface problems, the study found that there was need for better communication between the parties, timely payments and subcontractors’ access to labour and machinery. However, the study, had some limitations that need consideration when interpreting the results found. The limitations included scarcity of specific literature on subcontracting in the Zambian construction industry, the size of the sample only being limited to Lusaka. Nevertheless, these limitations could be addressed through further studies.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1:
INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background
1.2. Problem statement
1.3. Research questions
1.4. Aim of the study
1.4.1. Specific objectives
1.5. Importance of the study
1.6. Brief research methodology
1.7. Organisation of the dissertation
1.8. Chapter summary
CHAPTER 2:
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Introduction
2.2. Subcontracting
2.2.1. Types of subcontractors
2.2.2. Selection of subcontractors
2.3. Subcontracting in the Zambian construction sector
2.3.1. 20% subcontracting policy
2.3.2. Types of subcontractors
2.4. The relationship between the main contractor and subcontractors
2.4.1. Types of relationships
2.4.2. Factors contributing to relationship problems
2.4.3. Impacts of interface problems
2.4.4. General solutions to interface problems
2.5. Partnering
2.5.1. Definition of partnering
2.5.2. Types of partnering
2.5.3. Benefits and difficulties of partnering
2.6. Chapter summary
CHAPTER 3:
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Research methodology
3.3. Research approaches
3.4. Research design
3.5. Research strategy
3.5.1. Experiment
3.5.2. Action research
3.5.3. Archival research
3.5.4. Survey
3.5.5. Grounded theory
3.5.6. Case study
3.5.7. Ethnography
3.6. Data collection
3.6.1. Primary research
3.6.2. Secondary research
3.7. Processing and analysis
3.7.1. Relative importance index
3.7.2. Average rating
3.8. Sampling
3.8.1. Probability sampling
3.8.2. Non-probability sampling
3.8.3. Response rate
3.9. Chapter summary
CHAPTER 4:
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
4.1. Introduction
4.2. Questionnaire data and analysis
4.2.1. Section one: respondents’ general information
4.2.2. The main contractor-subcontractor relationship
4.2.3. Interface problem caused by main contractors
4.2.4. Interface problem caused by subcontractors
4.2.5. Interface problem caused by other factors
4.2.6. Top ten factors out of all the factors combined
4.2.7. Improving the interface between main contractors and subcontractor
4.3. Interview data and analysis
4.3.1. Interviewee general information
4.3.2. Involvement in a project affected by main contractor-subcontractor relationship.
4.3.3. Factors that contribute to relationship problems.
4.3.4. Factors that can improve the relationship
4.3.5. Contractual factors
4.3.6. Effect of nominated subcontractors
4.3.7. Effect of the 20% subcontracting policy
4.3.8. Subcontracting practice in Zambia.
4.3.9. Improving the Zambian subcontracting environment
4.4. Summary of top factors
4.5. Chapter summary
CHAPTER 5:
THE PARTNERING PROCESS FLOWCHART MODEL
5.1. Introduction
5.2. Development of a non-contractual project partnering model
5.2.1. Decision to adopt partnering
5.2.2. Self-assessment
5.2.3. Engagement of facilitator
5.2.4. Partnering awareness training
5.2.5. Making the offer to partner
5.2.6. Kick-off partnering workshop
5.2.7. Follow-up partnering workshops
5.2.8. Facilitated dispute resolution session
5.2.9. Closeout workshop
5.2.10. Continuous improvement
5.3. Chapter summary
CHAPTER 6:
CONCLUSIONS, STUDY LIMITATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1. Introduction
6.2. Conclusions
6.2.1. Nature of the relationship between main contractors and subcontractors in Zambia and how it was affecting projects
6.2.2. Establish the factors leading to contention between subcontractors and main contractors in Zambia
6.2.3. Establish factors that contribute to an effective interface between subcontractors and main contractors in Zambia
6.2.4. Options to ensure relationship between main contractors and subcontractors in Zambia support the attainment of project goals.
6.3. Recommendations
6.4. Limitations of the study
Research Objectives and Themes
The research investigates the current operational relationship between main contractors and subcontractors within the Zambian construction industry. It aims to identify the factors contributing to contention at the interface between these parties, evaluate the impacts of poor relationships on project outcomes, and develop a non-contractual project partnering framework to improve collaboration and project success in Zambia.
- Nature and quality of main contractor-subcontractor relationships in Zambia.
- Identification of critical factors causing interface contention.
- Evaluation of effective strategies for interface management.
- Development of a non-contractual project partnering model.
- Assessment of project performance impacts (time, cost, quality).
Excerpt from the Book
2.4. The relationship between the main contractor and subcontractors
The oxford dictionary defines a relationship as the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected. In a construction project the important relationships are between parties involved in the supply chain. The supply chain in the construction industry involves a set of companies that form an activity chain. Here the output of another activity is the input to the next. Therefore, ideal relationships between parties in the supply chain is essential to the project success (Beach et al, 2005). As a result, many organisations have sought to improve the supply chain relationships in recent years (Beach et al, 2005). However, Beach et al, (2005) noted that in many project environments the concern and improvements in operational relationship has not been significant at the lower levels in the supply chain. Figure 2.2 shows the interconnectivity of activities and relationships in the construction industry supply chain in the UK.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the construction industry context in Zambia, defines the research problem, outlines the objectives, and justifies the necessity of the study for improving subcontractor relations.
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter provides an overview of subcontracting practices, explores the importance of the interface between project parties, and summarizes existing literature on factors leading to contention and potential solutions.
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: This chapter details the mixed-method research design, including data collection strategies like questionnaires and interviews, and explains the analytical techniques like the Relative Importance Index (RII).
CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS: This chapter presents the findings from the surveys and interviews, analyzing the factors contributing to interface problems and identifying key attributes that can enhance the relationship between main contractors and subcontractors.
CHAPTER 5: THE PARTNERING PROCESS FLOWCHART MODEL: This chapter proposes a non-contractual project partnering model for the Zambian construction industry, outlining a structured process from initial assessment to project close-out.
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSIONS, STUDY LIMITATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This chapter summarizes the research conclusions regarding the poor state of relationships, offers practical recommendations for stakeholders and policymakers, and acknowledges the study's limitations.
Keywords
Construction industry, Main contractor, Subcontractor, Partnering, Zambia, Project management, Interface management, Relative Importance Index, Construction productivity, Project performance, Supply chain, Contractual factors, Dispute resolution, Building industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research focuses on investigating the operational relationship between main contractors and subcontractors in the Zambian construction industry and developing a framework to improve this interface for better project outcomes.
What are the primary themes analyzed in the study?
The study examines the nature of contractor relationships, factors causing conflict (such as payment, communication, and scheduling issues), and the potential for implementing non-contractual project partnering to boost performance.
What is the ultimate objective of the dissertation?
The primary goal is to recommend an effective framework—specifically a non-contractual partnering model—that can be implemented by industry stakeholders to ensure that subcontractor-contractor relationships support the successful attainment of project goals.
Which research methodology was utilized?
The researcher employed a mixed-method approach, combining structured questionnaires for quantitative data analysis and semi-structured interviews for qualitative insights, alongside a comprehensive literature review.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The body of the work covers the literature on subcontracting, the detailed methodology used to conduct the study, an extensive analysis of survey and interview results, and the development of a conceptual flowchart model for partnering processes.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The key themes include Construction industry, Main contractor, Subcontractor, Partnering, Zambia, Project performance, and Interface management.
How does the "20% subcontracting policy" relate to the findings?
The study notes that while the policy was intended to empower local contractors, its effectiveness is hindered by a lack of monitoring and reluctance from main contractors, suggesting a need for better management and a standard contract.
What role does communication play in the identified interface problems?
Effective communication is highlighted as a critical factor. The findings indicate that poor communication leads to incorrect work execution and project delays, while regular, clear communication is ranked as a top attribute for enhancing the professional relationship.
- Citation du texte
- Tafadzwa Mudzvokorwa (Auteur), 2016, The Relationship between Main Contractors and Subcontractors in the Zambian Construction Industry, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/369925
