In the U.K., Holt et al. (1995) undertook a comprehensive review of the background, prime influences of the available methods of contractor selection and trends of overall tendering
practices. Based on the critique of a number of available reports in the U.K., the research recommended the inclusion of contractors' prequalification practice as one of the key criteria
in the tendering process. Over-reliance of clients on contractors success based on subjective analysis was reported to be a major lacuna across current industry practices. While the need for
contractors' evaluation in the contexts of time, cost and quality success on projects was clearly identified, the findings were not quite useful in articulating any “structural pathways” describing clear links between contractor selection and overall project success. However, based on the review of several decision methodologies applied in the contractor evaluation and selection process, Holt (1998) articulated the necessity of a two-phased assessment approach, contractors' desirability for the job being the first criterion and contractors' suitability for
the project being the second.