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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Realization of Benefits from Best Value Approach by Proper Utilization of Expertise in Infrastructure Projects

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description

In the search for improved contract and project management in construction, the Best Value Approach (BVA) is a concept that has been introduced with a proven track record for better performance. The BV-philosophy stresses the importance of proper utilization of vendor expertise, as well as reducing management, direction and control by assumed non-expert clients. The development of BVA has mainly taken place through lessons learned from a number of projects, and existing research is mostly concerned with practicalities and “how” to apply it. However, research is scarce on what characterizes an expert in a BV-context, and the concept lacks scientific documentation regarding underlying premises. To fill this void, we pose the following research question: How can vendor expertise be utilized in order to achieve BVA benefits? We develop a framework for vendor expertise in BVA, and how it can be utilized to realize proposed BVA benefits. The framework is based on both relevant theories and findings from an in-depth case study. Our contribution is an increased understanding of the expert-role in BVA, and how clients can facilitate the experts in BVA projects. In this paper, we question the rationale behind BVA and discuss the underlying premises for transferring supreme responsibility of public construction projects to private marked vendors.