Implementation of Collaborative Procurement Method to Sri Lankan Construction Industry

Abstract

Construction procurement methods have developed for decades under four main categories to address different financial arrangements, different relationships between parties, different project delivery methods and to suit the client’s requirements. The joint venture, partnering, alliancing and voluntary agreement were developed as sub-categories of Collaborative Procurement Methods (CPM). Currently, these methods are being practised all over the world considering the benefits it provides whereas less practice in Sri Lanka (SL) due to plenty of barriers. This study explored the current procurement practices in SL, implementation possibilities and barriers for successful practising of CPMs in the country. Further, proposals for mitigating the identified barriers are also recognized through this study. To achieve this aim, a comprehensive literature review, a questionnaire survey and a semistructured interview survey were conducted. Less awareness of the concept and associated benefits, the government’s promotion of traditional procurement method, and issues in trust-building among parties were identified as the foremost barriers for the successful implementation of CPMs. Moreover, the findings implied the requirement of cultural changes in Sri Lankans to experience these new procurement practices, challenges and to develop trust between parties within the construction industry.