Avoiding disputes through effective procurement in large infrastructure projects

Disputes in construction projects are known to adversely affect project and project management success. Fortunately, it is possible to avoid some disputes in construction projects despite the widespread belief that they are inevitable. Research shows that disputes in construction projects in some developing countries are rooted in incompetence and a general lack of professionalism of internal project stakeholders, which are linked to inadequate procurement of goods and services in projects. Accordingly, the research reported in this paper aimed to develop a framework to minimise the occurrence of major contract disputes in large construction projects in a certain developing country. The framework is expected to facilitate effective procurement across the project’s pre-construction and construction phases and foster successful project delivery and performance. The research employed problem-solving methodology focusing on two case study projects in the developing country. This involved problem definition; information gathering; generation of multiple solutions; analysis and selection of a solution; and intra-design verification. The research highlights that minimising disputes on large construction projects should involve ensuring effective procurement of goods and services.