Management evaluation system as a complement to the national Benchmarking of chilean construction companies

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the first application of a management evaluation system for benchmarking management practices in the construction industry. The system supports a National Benchmarking System recently established en the Chilean Construction Industry by incorporating qualitative management aspects in addition to quantative performance indicators. Different analysis were made to determine trends in the industry sector by correlating the qualitative evaluations from surveys with the performance indicators. Thirteen construction companies participated in the initial application of the benchmarking system. A correlation analysis found that safety performance was strongly related to companies having superior planning and control, quality management, cost control and subcontractor management policies.   An factor analysis undertaken found that Central office priorities center on strategic management policies having longer term competitive impact, whilst site management emphasizes tactical management dimensions consistent with shorter term impact. There is scope to elevate the profile of continuous improvement initiative to strategic significance at central office level.