Critical Factors Inhibiting Performance of Small- and Medium-Scale Contractors in Sub-Saharan Region: A Case for Malawi

Table 10

Comparison of previous and current study results of the first 10 top ranked variables.

Rank	Previous study results^†	Current study results
1	Uncertainty in supplies of materials and prices^A	High lending interest regimes for SMEs offered by financial institutions^A
2	Obtaining interim payment^B	Stringent conditions for small- and medium-scale contractors to access capital^A
3	Procuring work: scarcity of openly advertised tenders^A	Fluctuation of currency/exchange rate^A
4	Access to capital^A	Stringent requirements for obtaining bonds/guarantees/sureties^A
5	Negotiating variation order^A	High taxes^A
6	Access to plant and equipment^A	Inability to compete with bigger construction companies^C
7	Inappropriate contract conditions^B	Inflation of prices^A
8	Maintaining plant and equipment^A	Unavailability of credit lines from suppliers^A
9	Failure to resolve contract disputes^A	Lack of incentive from government to encourage emerging contractors^A
10	Meeting contract deadlines^A	Theft by employees^C

^†Source: Adams (1997) [7].
^AConstraints emanating for the business environment (external factors).
^BConstraints emanating from clients or client representations.
^CConstraints emanating from contractors’ deficiencies.