Outsourcing Engineering Tasks by Construction Firms: State-of-the-Art

Abstract

: Engineering tasks performed by construction firms, including design review, preparation of shop drawings, planning and follow-up, cost control, value engineering, and as-built drawings, are essential for completing construction projects. Contractors usually perform these tasks using their resources. However, some contractors outsource engineering activities to specialized engineering or consultant firms. The main objective of this article is to review and summarize outsourcing studies published in different databases. In addition, studies related to engineering tasks by construction firms are reviewed to relate to the most comprehensive research on outsourcing these tasks. The overview process includes a basic definition of outsourcing and the different engineering tasks performed by construction firms. Additionally, this study presents the drivers of outsourcing, risks, and outsourcing decisions. The study highlighted a shortage of existing research on the outsourcing of engineering tasks performed by construction firms. It may serve as a starting point for researchers interested in outsourcing engineering tasks.