Success Factors, Benefits, Obstacles and Applicability in Construction Industry in Gaza Strip

Abstract

Construction industry is considered to be one of the most unique and complex industries. It involves enormous number of activities that are accomplished by large number of parties from different sectors such as the owner, the consultant, the contractor, the supplier, the project manager, the man power, finance and other sectors. Those parties could have different goals and sometimes opposite ones, so there should be "Partnering" to arrange the relationships between them and to lead to construction projects being delivered quickly, efficiently and cost effectively, as the partnering arrangements can reduce construction time and can lead to efficiency on site by partnering every party of the project team such as consultants, contractors, manufacturers, and project managers. The aim of this research is to improve and enhance the construction industry throughout providing valuable research contribution that supports integrating partnering concept in construction industry. The general aim in this research will be achieved throughout the following objective: study the partnering concept in construction industry, identify the success factors required for the success of partnering, investigate the benefits expected from adopting partnering concept, highlight the obstacles that would be faced during the implementation of partnering, identify the appropriate conditions for applying partnering concept and practices. To fulfill these objectives, research was carried in two stages: literature review, and questionnaire survey. A total number of 73 questionnaires targeted contractors have been analyzed to obtain more in-depth and valuable information. Based on the results, there is about 91.8 % of the surveyed contractors found to have background about partnering concept. 87.7% have worked on at least one project that involved partnering concept and practices. 76.7% have worked in projects that partnering had occupied a significant proportion of work undertaken. Finally, recommendations were suggested for individuals and the various stakeholders in the construction industry in order to improve construction industry by applying partnering concept and practices.