An ICT framework to improve the tendering process in the governmental construction sector in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia

This research explores the nature of tendering procurement process within the public construction sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the first instance an outline ofthe general characteristics of the environment in which construction projects take place in the KSA is stipulated. In addition, an overview of the makeup and structure of theKSA government is stated.Utilising "Process Thinking" and IT tools as well as the previous research, a comprehensive analysis of the processes inherent in the tendering stage was conducted,right from its inception phase to completion and explores the established practices observed during these processes in order to identify the inherent problems and impediments that affect such projects. From the previous analysis, a model of the current process practice is robustly analysed and documented. Thereafter, the core of the research focuses on the three case studies which were investigated to shed light on the covert as well as overt problems inherent in the tender process. The findings from thecase studies were generalised by the findings of the Questionnaire.The overall findings revealed that the current public tender procurement processes - especially the communication practices - suffer from key problems and impediments, and improvements are necessary. Many specific reasons have been identified and grouped together as underlying causes of the present problems and impediments. This will ultimately provide recommendations that may contribute to an improvedperformance of future projects. The key recommendation of the research that contributes to improving the current practices in the public tender procurement processes is the incorporation and utilisation of an ICT enabled framework