Possible Barriers to a Successful Further Diffusion of the Best Value Approach in the Netherlands: Observations of Major Misunderstandings on the Concept and Theory

Abstract

In recent years Best Value (BV) has gained popularity in the Netherlands. Many clients have adopted BV after the successful application in the ‘Spoedaanpak Wegen’ projects (Fast Track Projects) by Rijkswaterstaat (Department of Public Works). The social system of users of BV is evolving. In the past years primarily the procurement community was interested in BV (where it all started), but recently risk managers and project managers are becoming increasingly aware of the philosophy. Van de Rijt & Santema (2012) observed that (potential) users of BV all have a different level of awareness of the BV methodology and that experts in BV cannot force others into the “right” or “pure” methodology. However, BV experts can reflect upon major misunderstandings in order to improve the understanding and implementation of the philosophy. In this paper, the authors elaborate on this matter. They observe ten common misperceptions in the everyday application of the Best Value approach, which may hinder a successful further diffusion of the Best Value approach in the Netherlands.