Strategy of minimizing delay in public construction projects through implementation of electronic procurement system

Abstract

Delays in construction projects have become a common global phenomenon, due to the complex nature of the industry. Iraq is one of the developing countries which faces delay problem in time of urgent need to develop and rebuild the destroyed infrastructure caused by successive wars. The aim of this study is outline the strategy of minimizing delays through implementation of electronic-procurement system in public construction projects. There are three objectives to achieve this aim. First, determining the relation of procurement systems used with the delay factors. Second, determining the contribution of e-procurement systems in minimizing delays. Third, suggesting an appropriate strategy to assist in carrying out an effective e-procurement system for public construction projects. These objectives were achieved through an intensive literature review and a survey which included a questionnaire used to assess the perceptions of the main participants involved in the construction projects. Interviews conducted with experts to validate the questionnaire form before distributing. The questionnaire was divided into three sections. The main section focused on the causes of delay, which related to procurement system. The 34 causes compiled through the literature review and the interview with experts were classified into four groups according to phase related. Answers collected from 53 respondents representing the parties involved in the construction projects. Data collected was analysed quantitatively and ranked through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to identify the significant effects of the procurement system on the delay. It was concluded that the most effective delay factors related to procurement system in Iraq are: the administrative bureaucracy, appointing inexperienced contractors and Incompetent design team, Inadequate early planning, absence of transparency, and limited competition. Finally, appropriate strategic steps identified to carry out an effective e-procurement system in public construction projects.