PROJ6000 Principles of Project Management Assignment

After analyzing this case, students should be able to:

 

1. Evaluate the presence of agency related issues in client-contractor relationships
2. Develop methods to overcome agency related issues in client-contractor relationships
3. Operate appropriate procurement strategies for complex projects
4. Assess benefits and weaknesses of collaborative approaches in projects 

Discussion Questions:

1. Which agency related issues can you identify in the case?

2. How were the different issues addressed by Steven and Mark?

3. Do you think the way Steven and Mark addressed the agency related issues was appropriate and effective? Why?

4. Can you relate mechanisms to resolve agency related issues in this case to some of the mechanisms identified in the CURED framework (see Bryde et al, in press)? What does this tell us about Steven’s and Mark’s approach?

5. Steven and Mark decided to develop their own collaborative way of procuring concrete and steel works. Do you think their model should be recommended for replication for other projects? Why?

6. Due to the introduction of additional requirements by the building authorities a major disruption of the procurement process occurred. Do you think Steven’s and Mark’s strategy to postpone this issue post-contract award is suitable? Why?

7. Post-contract award the client offered bonus payments to Construct. Why did they choose to spend extra money if they are not contractually obliged to do so? Do you think it paid off?

8. Bryde et al (in press) point to another area, where agency problems arise, namely in the allocation of benefits and risks in uncertain situations. Which instance in the case study addresses this particular concern of Steven and Mark? Did they adopt a value or a risk sharing perspective? Why?

9. Would you have done anything differently to Steven and Mark? Why?

10. In your opinion, is it likely that Steven’s and Mark’s approach contributes to the success/failure of the project? Why?