Assessing the impact of main contractor's site co-ordination on sub-contractors' performance in Hong Kong

It is a common practice in Hong Kong for the main contractors of local building projects to sub-let most of their works, consequently their roles have gradually transformed from a constructor to a manager of sub-contractors of the project. The outcome of most projects therefore depends heavily on the sub-contractors' performance. However, most Hong Kong based sub-contractors complain that they are unable to operate efficiently and effectively due to main contractors' poor co-ordination of construction information, temporary works, interfacing works and temporary power supply. A list of the most serious problems caused by main contractors during the construction stage that reduce sub-contractors' performance has been produced. A questionnaire survey has been conducted to identify and analyse the frequency and potential impact of the problems. The aggregated impact on sub-contractors' site work is analysed. The findings have been used to formulate guidelines for the improvement of site co-ordination by main contractors.