Post-decision project evaluation of UK public–private partnerships: insights from planning practice

Abstract

There is a concerning paucity of Post-decision Project Evaluation (PdPE) of public private partnership (PPP) projects, given how significant this model of public infrastructure delivery has become. Drawing from previous academic and policy proposals, we explore the evidence of PdPE in the planning practice of UK PPP projects. Our findings suggest the planned practice for PdPE is under-developed and ambiguous. IMPACTAlthough the UK is no longer developing new PPP projects there are over 700 existing projects entering their mature operation stage. However, we know very little about how to evaluate whether these projects are still delivering expected outcomes. This paper provides policymakers and managers with an overview of how PdPE was represented at the planning stage of projects, as a basis for developing future PdPE frameworks.

Understanding absences and ambiguities of Post-decision Project Evaluation in the UK's PPPs: drawing from the sociology of ignorance

“…For the PAC (2018), highlighting the lack of PdPE and absence of historical data leaves a gap in our understanding of PPP success and related implications. Scarcity of robust PPP evaluation data is echoed by others (Verhoest et al, 2016;Shu et al, 2021). The PAC (2018) advances a reason for the scarcity: "data on the benefits of PFI does not exist, and to collect retrospective data against credible counterfactuals across the entire stock of projects would be a huge amount of work and a significant expense" (p. 10).…”

“…Despite the early research interventions, there remains a lack of robust and systematic evaluation of PPPs at either project or programme level (NAO, 2009): more recent reviews and studies continue to highlight that PdPE in practice is still lacking locally and internationally (see Acerete et al. , 2019; Helby Petersen, 2019; Shu et al. , 2021).…”

Subcontractor trust issues on payment and valuation practices in UK private projects

“…Manu et al (2015) explored both the contextual issues that give rise to trust issues and paid attention to the psychological nature of trust. Ashkanasy et al (2000), Martin and Benson (2021); Shu et al (2021); and Ma et al (2022) explored construction organisations culture and project behaviour that can influence the attitude of employees. The authors mentioned above opined that the psychology of trust is predicated on previous relationships and successes in previous projects.…”

“…Recent studies around trust between subcontractors and construction considered strains emanating from the relationships on risk, health and safety, financial rules governing payment, partnership, procurement practices and construction project delivery (Capen et al , 1971; McArdle and Gunning, 2018; Oswald et al , 2020; Guo et al , 2021; Koolwijk et al , 2021; Martin and Benson, 2021; Shu et al , 2021; Ma et al , 2022). This investigation delved deeper into the construction organisational culture of trust and its influence on trust.…”

Editorial: Comparison as a habit—The case for international governmental accounting research

“…We had the opportunity, however, to cover two topical research areas in this issue. First, Shu et al (2021) focus on the Post-decision Project Evaluation (PdPE) of public private partnership (PPP) projects. Their analysis of the British case shows that the planned practice for PdPE is under-developed and ambiguous, which can have implications for policy and practice-in the UK and beyond.…”