Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of performance measurement
(PM) within construction research and development (R&D) activities to enhance its efficiency and
effectiveness.
Design/methodology/approach – A comprehensive literature review is used as the methodology
of this paper where it will look into two main areas. First, the paper discusses R&D work in
construction industry with particular reference to its role, main contributors, and the issues which
hinders its successfulness. From this section the paper arrives at a definition for construction R&D and
the scope of the study. The second section of the paper defines PM and identifies the importance of it in
general. Finally, the paper justifies how the issues within construction R&D could be minimised by
implementing PM system.
Findings – The paper justifies the implementation of PM within construction R&D and identifies
how PM could enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of construction R&D through: identifying
requirements of the parties involved within the research process; defining clear aims and objectives;
evaluation of the successfulness of activates/confirmation of milestones; providing information for the
research funders regarding the utilisation of resources; improving the communication and
coordination of the parties involved; and providing feedback for future improvements of the
research work.
Originality/value – The paper reveals the impact and influence of PM towards the construction
R&D activities.
