ABSTRACT
This research was carried out to assess and establish the criteria used by consultants in prequalifying and selecting Mechanical and Electrical subcontractors in building projects in Nigeria. Field survey involving construction consultants and staff in the client organizations in Lagos was conducted. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaires. 60 well-structured questionnaires were administered on the professional survey, 53 responses were gotten back which gave a response rate of 88% and 50 were used for analysis. Information gathered include the major prequalification and selection criteria used by consultants to assess Mechanical and Electrical subcontractors in building projects. The data collected was analyzed with basic descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and relative importance index (RII). The core findings from the results obtained revealed that Experience on similar projects, financial stability, quality of staff / key personnel, financial statements, past management performance, past project failure and Plant / Equipment Resources were considered as the main criteria used by consultants in prequalifying Mechanical and Electrical subcontractors in building projects. Subjective judgement was identified as the most prevalent model used by consultants in prequalifying Mechanical and Electrical subcontractors in building projects. Single stage selective tendering, Negotiated tendering, and Serial tendering were identified as the most frequent methods adopted by consultants in selecting Mechanical and Electrical subcontractors in building projects and Estimated cost of project / Tender price, Access to credit, Technical competence, Organization and Management capabilities, Experience of the team, Capacity of company, Litigation history of company, Available plant/equipment for project, Experience of company with similar project and Number of staff were identified the as key criteria considered by consultants in selecting Mechanical and Electrical subcontractors in building projects. The study recommends that, the actors in building construction projects should aspire to understand, adopt and implement the requirements of subcontractors prequalification and selection criteria of building works and also ensure to Procure subcontractors that have adequate experience on similar project, technical capacity, plant/equipment resources and the financial capacity to execute work effectively at an agreed cost, time and quality.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Title Page i
Certification ii
Dedication iii
Acknowledgements iv
Abstract v
Table of Contents vi
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Background to the Study 1
1.2 Statement of the Research Problems 7
1.3 Research Questions 8
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study 8
1.5 Significance of the Study 9
1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the Study 9
1.7 Definition of Key Terms 10
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW 12
2.1 Introduction 12
2.2 Concept of Prequalification and subcontracting 12
2.3 Factors Influencing Consultants Choice in Projects 19
2.3.1 The cost consideration framework 19
2.3.2 The TOPSIS and SAW-G Grey Techniques 19
2.3.3 The Prequalification Method 20
2.3.4 The Construction Management at Risk Method 23
2.3.5 The Multi Criteria Evaluation Models 24
2.4. Methods of Prequalification Selection of Subcontractors 25
2.5. Subcontractors and suppliers selection criteria in projects 42
2.5.1. Tendering Methods 44
2.5.2. Criteria for the award of contract 45
2.6. Areas of Subcontracting in Building Construction Projects 48
2.7. Summary 51
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 RESEARCH METHOD 53
3.1 Introduction 53
3.2 Research Design 53
3.3 Study Population 53
3.4 Sampling Techniques 54
3.5 Sample Size 54
3.6 Method of Data Collection 54
3.7 Method of Data Analysis 56
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS 57
4.1 Introduction 57
4.2 Data Presentation 57
4.3 Presentation & Analysis of Research Questions 64
4.4 Discussion of Findings 71
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 74
5.1 Summary of Findings 74
5.2 Conclusions 75
5.3 Recommendations 76
5.4 Area of Further Research 77
References 78
Appendix 83
