Comparing the Performance of Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build Building Projects in Singapore

Design-build (DB) and design-bid-build (DBB) are two of the most common project delivery systems used in many countries. Which delivery system to use may depend on how well the project could perform under each system. The aim of this study is to empirically compare the performance of projects which used these two procurement systems. Project performance is operationalised into 14 metrics. Data were collected from 107 building projects in Singapore. The main finding is that in most instances, there is no significant difference between the performance of DB and DBB projects. Some of the limited differences include: DB projects have higher delivery speed in general; and DB office projects are easier to commission than DBB projects. The implication of the findings is that there is a need to look beyond procurement system to control project performance.