A public commissioning maturity model for construction clients

Being a public organization with construction needs, whether they are housing, building or infrastructure related, implies close co-operation and interaction with the supply chain. Substantial research exists that focuses on project related aspects of commissioning and on the role of the construction client in general. Only limited research has been done, however, into the impact of organizational characteristics on the level of professionalism and competences of commissioning entities. This research is particularly relevant, when public organizations are re-evaluating their sourcing strategy. As part of the establishment of a new chair of public commissioning, the development of a 'Public Commissioning Maturity Model' (PCCM) is presented in this paper. The model aims to identify the key characteristics of being a competent construction client. The overall aim of this research is to establish an overview of and insight into the nature and impact of characteristics of public organisations as determinants of their professionalism as public commissioning entities. In the PCMM, for each aspect of the commissioning role, maturation stages are defined. Research methods used include a literature survey and expert sessions. The model and methodology build on maturity models developed in asset and project management, supply chain management and purchasing. The research resulted in a framework containing a set of coherent aspects jointly framing the concept of 'professional public commissioning'. This framework can be applied by public commissioning entities to explore their current status and define their desired further development.