Design Performance Measurement in the Construction Sector: A Pilot Study

Richard Torbett, Ammon J Salter (), David M Gann and Mike Hobday ()
Additional contact information
Richard Torbett: SPRU, University of Sussex, http://www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/
Ammon J Salter: SPRU, University of Sussex, http://www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/
David M Gann: SPRU, University of Sussex, http://www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/
Mike Hobday: SPRU, University of Sussex, http://www.sussex.ac.uk/spru/

No 66, SPRU Working Paper Series from SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex Business School

Abstract: This paper examines the role and deployment of design performance measurements (DPMs) in the construction industry, focusing on the consulting engineering sector, the design 'heart' of construction. Compared with manufacturing, there has been very little research on the use of DPMs in construction, and firms often struggle to find appropriate performance indicators. Using results from structured questionnaires, the paper shows that the few DPMs which do exist focus mainly on cost. Other measures are needed to address quality, innovative performance and client satisfaction. In contrast to manufacturing, DPMs in construction also need to address the project-based, multi-firm and non-routine nature of construction design, as well as the separation of design from manufacturing, build and operation. Interviews and workshops with industrialists were used to identify recent DPM practices in construction and combine these with lessons from other sectors. The resulting DPM tools provide guidance on how to: (a) integrate design into wider business processes in construction; (b) identify key design indicators, at both project and firm level; and (c) use DPMs to provide a balanced scorecard for design performance.

Keywords: performance indicators; design integration; design indicators; construction industry (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L2 L74 O2 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 47 pages
Date: 2001-04-01
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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