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Duffield, C F (2001) An evaluation framework for privately funded infrastructure projects in Australia, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Fayek, A (1996) A competitive estimating and tendering strategy model for use in the civil engineering construction industry, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
- Type: Thesis
- Keywords: fuzzy set; uncertainty; civil engineering; cost control; estimating; integrated system; integration; tendering; civil engineer; client; owner; Australia; validation
- ISBN/ISSN:
- URL: http://hdl.handle.net/11343/36674
- Abstract:
The Australian civil engineering construction industry does not have a formal methodology for setting margin (markup) on project tenders. A need exists to structure and formalise the decision-making process used in setting margin, since the margin-size decision is critical to a company's success in winning work and its subsequent profitability. Despite the number of software systems available for cost estimating, none has features to help in making the margin-size decision. Numerous competitive tendering strategy models for setting margin have been developed, but very few are used in practice. A number of disadvantages in the features of these models make them unsuitable and difficult to apply. The objective of this thesis is to improve the procedures and tools available for use in the competitive tendering process in the civil engineering construction industry. This objective is achieved primarily by the development of a competitive tendering strategy model. The competitive tendering strategy model uses fuzzy set theory, a modelling technique designed for handling linguistic and approximate information, to model the margin-setting process and provide recommendations of margin size. The use of fuzzy set theory allows assessments to be made in qualitative terms, which suit the subjective nature of the margin-size decision. The goal of the competitive tendering strategy model is to help a company achieve its objectives in tendering. The model provides over ninety factors that may influence the choice of margin size, and enables the company to assess the impact of those that are relevant to its tender situation. The competitive tendering strategy model formalises the decision-making process and provides a standard methodology for setting margin on civil engineering project tenders, which can be tailored to suit the individual practices of each company. The implementation of the model in the form of a software system, named PRESTTO, makes the model quick and easy to use. The PRESTTO software system can increase the efficient use of the brief time available for setting margin. The competitive tendering strategy model provides accurate recommendations of margin size, based on its validation with actual project tenders collected from a survey of the Australian construction industry. The model therefore reflects current sound decision-making practices in setting margin and can be used with confidence as a guide to setting margin. The objective of this thesis is also achieved by the development of a theoretical framework that defines a standard methodology for the integration of cost estimating, tendering, and cost control, for use by both clients (owners) and contractors. The competitive tendering strategy model is placed in the context of this overall framework, since the margin-size decision is not made in isolation. This framework provides the theoretical basis for the implementation of a fully integrated software system. The PRESTTO software system, which consists of a cost estimating module integrated with a tendering module, is a partial implementation of this fully integrated system. A major conclusion of this thesis is that fuzzy set theory can be applied successfully to model the margin-size decision. Fuzzy set theory is an enhancement on previous modelling techniques because it allows assessments to be made in qualitative and approximate terms, which suit the nature of the margin-size decision. The competitive tendering strategy model developed, which supports subjective judgement and experience, can help civil engineering contractors gain a competitive edge in tendering. By providing them with a standard methodology to improve the quality of their decision-making, this model can help contractors reduce the uncertainty associated with setting margin, resulting in a more competitive bid.
Gurmu, A (2017) An investigation into construction management practices influencing labour productivity in multi-storey building projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Horman, M J (2000) Process dynamics: Buffer management in building project operations, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Jennings, I C (1997) Systemic integration in construction project organisations, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Karunaratne, R (2022) Optimisation of prefabricated modular-integrated residential construction using hybrid customisation methods, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Kenley, R (1986) Construction project cash flow modelling, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Department of Architecture and Building (Now Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning), University of Melbourne.
London, K (2004) Construction supply chain procurement modelling, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Mills, A J (2002) Client and contractor attitudes to prequalification and selection processes for construction work, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Ryan, P W J (2017) Unlocking the key to mega project delivery, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Sivam, A (1999) An approach to improved housing delivery in large cities of less developed countries, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Smith, J (2002) Strategic client briefing: A model for building project inception, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Trigunarsyah, B (2001) Implementing constructability improvement into the Indonesian construction industry, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.
Ullal, A (2018) Clear, Hold and Build: Conditions and practices characterising construction in conflict and post-conflict settings, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, University of Melbourne.
Xu, M (2010) The value of critical project decisions: measurement and modelling, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Melbourne.