Procurement and delivery management

The construction industry delivers its products in a uniquely project-specific environment. Client procurement and delivery management practices (the client buying functions) are central to the performance of the infrastructure supply chain and have a direct impact on the realisation of the client's value proposition for the project. All too often the gap between what was planned and what was achieved is significant. Research has found that the root causes of project failures commonly relate to a lack of governance and poor procurement and delivery management practices, all of which are under the control of the client. This chapter describes the role of the client, examines the reasons for poor project outcomes and outlines client practices aimed at consistently delivering value for money. Such practices focus on client governance and organisational ownership, the provision of CEO-level client leadership and strategic and tactical approaches to procurement, all of which support effective implementation.