Examining Criteria for Choosing Subcontractors for Complex and Multi-Systems Projects

Shimon Fridkin and Sigal Kordova ()
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Shimon Fridkin: Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Technology Management, HIT—Holon Institute of Technology, Holon 5810201, Israel
Sigal Kordova: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 22, 1-16

Abstract: Numerous companies from diverse industries use subcontracting in their operations. In complex projects, subcontractor selection is a crucial managerial decision that significantly impacts project success. The current mixed-methodology study examines that criteria that high-tech defense and civilian companies use to choose optimal subcontractors. The qualitative aspect derives from semi-structured interviews; the quantitative findings were obtained using three statistical methods: Friedman’s two-way analysis of variance by ranks, hierarchical cluster analysis, and multidimensional scaling (PROXSCAL). Data analysis yielded twelve leading criteria for subcontractor selection, categorized into four clusters of varying strength. The three highest-rated criteria were significantly stronger than the others and included system reliability and quality, level of service, and flexibility to change. The lowest rated criteria were leadership and innovation, and number of systems supplied in the past. The findings provide practical insights applicable to subcontractor selection and expand our knowledge of complex project management.

Keywords: subcontractors; complex projects; project management; hierarchical cluster analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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