UK construction clients' opinions of the contractor selection process

The rigour of the methodology used to select a main contractor ultimately impacts the outcome of a project. Combined quantitative and qualitative assessment of contractors' attributes can facilitate selection of a good contractor. Quantitative approaches include: multivariate discriminant analysis; multiple regression; fuzzy set theory; the PERT approach; and cluster analysis. Growing awareness of these selection methods reflect the increasing needs of the industry and importance attached to the selection task. However, lack of attention has been given to clients' opinions impacting the selection process, particularly, in aiding the knowledge of understanding contractors' attributes. This paper surveyed UK construction clients in this respect to elicit clients' preferences and opinions regarding contractor pre-qualification practices, and final selection methods and opinions. Findings from analysis of these data are presented. Direction for future research is also provided.