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R. Nazir:
"Productive Relationships among Subcontract Teams in Construction Supply Chain";
Supervisor, Reviewer: H.G. Jodl, A. Taudes; E 234/1, 2011; oral examination: 2011-03-21.

Construction industry contains many small and medium sized companies
which depend on one another in a construction project. The practice of
subcontracting is common in the construction industry; it has been observed
that a major portion of any construction project is handed over to
subcontractors by the main contractor. Subcontractors have to work
simultaneously with other subcontractors during a construction project but real
cooperative behavior among them is rare. The main contractor mainly acts as
team leader or project manager of these subcontractors. Generally clients and
developers consider big contractors, very important stakeholders in
construction projects. Very little focus is paid to subcontractors and supplier
which overall execute major portion of the project and they are the important
part of construction supply chain. A problem which commonly arises in
construction projects is that these subcontractors are contractually bound to
the main contractor and not to one another while the construction process
flows from one subcontractor to the other. Therefore it is necessary that these
partner organizations have cooperative relationships with one another. These
cooperative relationships will certainly prove very beneficial not only for these
partner organizations but also for the main contractor and the client, whenever
they will work together. The main focus of this study is Pakistan construction
industry. In Pakistan construction industry, lack of cooperation is generally
observed among participants, in construction projects.
In this thesis, previous literature has been reviewed to identify the
necessity and nature of cooperation among subcontractors in the construction
industry. An out come of a survey is also discussed. The survey was carried
out in form of interviews/questionnaires among contractors and
subcontractors working in construction industry of Pakistan. The purpose of
survey was to investigate the relationships among main contractors and
subcontractors. Development of suggestions to create cooperation among
these parties during construction projects was also the aim of this survey.
Productive Relationships among Subcontract Teams in Construction Supply Chain
Rizwan Nazir
VI
In order to explore conditions for cooperation in construction supply
chain, analytical modeling is carried out with the help of game theory. Game
theory is an interesting process for analysis of competitive situations. The
result of this analysis provides fundamental suggestions for cooperation
among construction supply chain members.
In view of the literature research, survey findings and analytical
modeling, a strategic model has been developed. Recommendations have
been suggested in strategic model to achieve better coordination among
different partners in construction projects.
Due to the increased role of subcontractors in construction projects,
provision of balanced subcontract conditions have become very important.
Subcontract conditions have been reformed and introduced in construction
industry all over the world. Keeping in view the contract laws in Pakistan
construction industry, standard subcontract conditions have been developed.
These fundamental subcontract conditions will helpful in preparation of a
balanced subcontract for any organization.