Comparison of national construction industry performance through benchmarking

The research investigates the means by which the use of industry performance metrics and a framework for competitiveness can be used to compare the construction industries and lay the foundation for industry benchmarking initiatives. The motivation for the research is the central role of the construction industry in the development of Bhutan and evidence of its current underperformance.;The impediments to an assessment of competitiveness are highlighted and proof of concept provides insight into what would be an appropriate benchmarking scheme for a developing country. The scheme suggested includes a holistic set of performance metrics that cover cost, time, scope, quality, safety, innovation, and sustainability. In addition the scheme must account for impact of the industry assets by focusing on an assessment of human resources, industry infrastructure, and technological and government capabilities; as well as the impact of industry processes by focusing on planning, implementation, synergy amongst participants, and the importance of the industry.;The research consisted of data acquisition from various government statistics for Canada and Bhutan to complete a multi-facet competitiveness model, as well as data collection of performance metrics through questionnaires, interviews, and project file searches for 20 completed construction projects in the Province of New Brunswick and 15 projects in Bhutan. The research addresses the following objectives: (1) integration of assets, processes, and performance for industrial comparison, (2) application of comprehensive performance metrics, (3) identification of improvements in this benchmarking process, and (4) recommendation of a strategy for benchmarking programmes in Bhutan.