This timely new ICE paper, based on lessons learnt from some of the UK’s largest recent construction programmes, shows how better procurement practices can help to address poor productivity.
In the current economic climate, with public funding stretched, inflation running high and carbon reduction essential, productivity is more important than ever.
Construction clients are under considerable pressure to take action and show that productivity is being improved. This has been recognised by the 2021-22 ICE President Ed McCann, who has made productivity in construction a key theme of his term.
The Procuring Improved Construction Productivity: Guidance Note outlines how better procurement and commercial practices can help to address poor productivity in construction.
It provides a framework of considerations and actions that can be used by professionals who play a role in construction and infrastructure procurement.
The guidance note has been prepared by ICE’s Procurement Advisory Group and is based on experiences, insights and lessons learnt from some of the UK’s largest construction programmes of the past decade.
It highlights the key causes of inefficiency and poor productivity that may be avoided or mitigated by procurement strategies and practices.
Many of the identified sources of inefficiency may be familiar to professionals who are regularly involved in the procurement process of construction projects.
The guidance note sets out a range of potential actions that can be taken to help maximise productivity when preparing and implementing procurement strategies.
The suggested actions can be developed into more detailed plans based on further productivity advice contained in major reviews and publications. To support this process, key reading is listed and can be accessed via the links at the end of the paper.
Procuring Improved Construction Productivity: Guidance Note
Content type: Briefing sheet
Last updated: 24 August 2022
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