IMPACTS OF DESIGN-BUILD DELIVERY SYSTEM ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN TAIWAN

Although the design-build (DB) delivery system has been taking great strides in the world and relevant researches have also been quite abundant, few studies have dealt with its potential impacts on the construction industry as a whole. This research first identified the potential entry barrier factors, which may hinder the market access, based on the theory of industrial economics and characteristics of DB project. Then through a nation-wide questionnaire survey involving 103 construction contractors and engineering consultants, the influences of each factor on company's competitiveness and corporate strategies were scrutinized, and consequently, the evolution of the construction industry was examined. It is found that as opposed to the traditional design-bid-build delivery system, the DB delivery system elevates competitive advantages of large organizations in terms of the financial capability, working experience, human resource, and administrative strength, and among them, the financial strength was concluded to be the most significant force in differentiating corporate strategies and widening the gap of competitiveness between companies. It is inferred if the government extensively adopts DB delivery system, large organizations that already possess the competitive advantage tend to obtain both design and construction abilities, and dominate the DB market. Small and medium sized companies will find little room to maneuver and be forced to become specialty sub-contractors.