Experiences from Implementing a Collaborative Project Delivery Method

This guidebook describes various project delivery methods for major airport capital projects. The guidebook also evaluates the impacts, advantages, and disadvantages of these various project delivery methods. The project delivery methods discussed include design-bid-build (DBB), construction manager at risk (CMR), and design-build (DB). The guidebook offers a two-tiered project delivery selection framework that may be used by owners of airport projects to evaluate the pros and cons of each delivery method and select the most appropriate method for their project. Tier 1 is an analytical delivery decision approach that is designed to help the user understand the attributes of each project delivery method and whether the delivery method is appropriate for their specific circumstance. Tier 2 uses a weighted-matrix delivery decision approach that allows users to prioritize their objectives and, based on the prioritized objectives, select the delivery method that is best suited for their project. The report will be helpful to airports with determining the most appropriate project delivery methods (e.g., DBB, DB, or CMR) for various types of airport capital projects.

The province of Quebec, Canada, seeks to implement relational alternate project delivery methods to achieve sustainability and energy efficiency in public construction. However, the relational differences between the formal written parts of different delivery methods have yet to be analyzed and understood, as is the case with the relational aspects of contracts and the achievement of sustainable and energy-efficient infrastructure. Using a hermeneutic interpretation of Macneil’s relational contract norms and grounded theory, 26 contracts involving Quebec’s largest public client of vertical infrastructure and representing three different types of project delivery methods (design–bid–build (DBB), design–Build (DB), and construction manager–general contractor/integrated project delivery (CMGC/IPD)) were analyzed using NVivo. It was found that CMGC/IPD is the most relational project delivery method available to Quebec’s public clients, namely because of the public client’s active involvement in the realization process, the increasing complexity of roles, the multitude of common management structures, and the internalization of sustainability measures and conflict resolution. Furthermore, Quebec’s CMGC/IPD was found to be an IPD-ish delivery method, lacking the early involvement of the construction manager and the risk/reward sharing mechanisms necessary to achieve pure IPD status. The findings and theoretical considerations discussed here will help policymakers, contract drafters, and public clients interested in implementing relational contracting practices in public construction projects.

Integrating Research Findings into Sustainable Building Delivery Teaching

Appropriate project delivery method (PDM) is vital to ensure good performance of construction project. For decades, numerous researches have been conducted to develop a structured and descriptive decision-making framework for selecting an appropriate PDM. However, the adoption of structured and descriptive decision-making in selecting PDM in the construction industry is still understudied, especially in the Malaysian public sector. Thus, this paper attempts to investigate the practices and constraints of the Malaysian public sector in PDM selection for construction projects. This paper adopts an interpretive approach by conducting in-depth literature reviews of the numerous related researches, government policy and guidelines of PDM selection. This paper also assesses the effectiveness of the current PDM selection practices based on previous study findings and reports on PDM performance. Findings indicate that the traditional delivery method is prevalent PDM in most Malaysian public-funded construction projects. The Malaysian public sector has practised authoritarian and prescriptive decision-making governed by the government procurement guidelines in selecting PDM, which intentionally preserves political interests. Inappropriate PDM selection in project execution has produced an unconvincing performance by showing optimism bias on the expected outcome. The Malaysian public sector needs to improve the decision-making process by introducing a structured and descriptive PDM selection framework to derive better outcomes and convincing results. Thus, this paper is significant in improvising the decision-making mechanism in selecting appropriate PDM for the Malaysian public construction project.

The construction industry is evolving in how it incorporates construction teams into the planning and design phases, where integrated delivery methods have attracted recent interest due to their various advantages. This paper introduces a new integrated delivery approach, referred to as integrated trade delivery (ITD), that further expands the principles of integrated project delivery (IPD). The ITD model goes beyond IPD by mandating the integration of major trade partners and/or subcontractors to the multiparty agreement and as part of the shared risk and reward framework. Although existing research provided valuable insights into IPD, this paper proposes and explores ITD as a new project delivery method. First, 20 drivers and 20 barriers of ITD were identified. Second, a survey was distributed to assess the likelihood of occurrence and the relative impact of the drivers and barriers. Third, the criticality of each driver and barrier was quantified. Fourth, a statistical analysis was conducted to compare the alignments among various project participant groups. The results showed that the top five drivers to ITD are (1) competent project participants through qualification-based selection; (2) expertise, knowledge, and skill sharing; (3) improved constructability; (4) early involvement of key project participants; and (5) positive working environment and team behavior. The findings also indicated that the top five barriers to ITD are: (1) opposing goals and interests between project participants; (2) uncertainty in project planning and design; (3) financial and cash flow risks due to huge investments and late profits; (4) lack of appropriate distribution of incentive and compensation plans; and (5) involvement of several participants. This study adds to the body of knowledge by being the first research to propose and explore the ITD concept and analyze its drivers and barriers. The findings are expected to inspire further research and practice in this novel area of ITD.

One of the most critical factors in the implementation of wastewater projects is the development of a plan for the implementation of the project as well as the optimal project delivery method and contract strategy that suits it, which may affect the success of the project. This research aims to explore the joint planning between the project delivery system and contract strategy, with the aim of providing a conceptual framework for designing an appropriate project delivery method and contract strategy. The researcher identified seven basic delivery methods based on a review of previous studies and a questionnaire that were conducted with a group of experts working in sewage projects in Wasit Governorate / Iraq. This research designs PDCS through the analytical hierarchical process This technique has been used for several reasons, including the ease of application and its ability to identify any quality problem, as well as allowing diversity between viewpoints and its ability to bring different opinions together. It can also be applied with many applications such as linear programming and targeted programming, where the main and sub-factors that affect the choice of PDCS are studied. The design process is divided into two stages, the preliminarily design and the detailed design.

Airport projects are sensitive in terms of security and control over operations. They are usually complex undertakings and require a comprehensive risk analysis. Many airport projects have a phased plan for expansion which equates to simultaneous operation and construction. These distinguishing characteristics affect the choice of project delivery method (PDM) as each PDM provides the airport with its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of risk, control and security. This paper studies the interactions of risk, control and security in airport projects and discusses these interactions in the context of major available PDMs, namely design-bid-build (DBB), design-build (DB) and construction manager at risk (CMR). Several interviews with airport authorities were conducted to ensure the validity of findings. This paper shows that there is no ideal delivery method that can facilitate risk transfer and security measures implementation while giving the owner a high level of control over the project with the lowest possible contract price. The trade-off between risk and control in airport projects is the main focus of the paper.

Purpose This paper presents an in-depth case study on an agile hybrid project delivery approach in the context of a complex building design problem. The study aims to understand and evaluate the effectiveness of adaptive project delivery strategies in uncertain and complex project processes where integrated and agile methods are necessary for project development. Design/methodology/approach The study employed a qualitative research design based on an instrumental case study. An agile hybrid project delivery framework was devised by combining agile and integrated project delivery methods. The interdisciplinary design and engineering tasks were recorded and evaluated with the process and product quality dimensions. The findings were reported through a thematic analysis to highlight the strategies, benefits, and challenges within the agile hybrid project experience. Findings The results from the case study suggest that the proposed agile-hybrid approach provided an adequate basis for complex design projects with changing factors, varying needs, stringent performance requirements, and integration imperatives while addressing complexity issues, project quality and stakeholder effort. The adaptive and flexible nature of the employed project delivery framework allowed for the identification of interconnected design problems, the breakdown of design tasks into manageable and interdependent sprints, and the catalysis of dynamic and efficient stakeholder interactions for improved decision-making, increased project value and collaborative processes. Parametric BIM models facilitated the robust exchange of information during iterative and incremental project development cycles. Originality/value The study introduces an unprecedented agile hybrid approach with an adaptable and integrated project delivery framework with a comprehensive real-world case study that explores various aspects of wide-range implementation. These include compliant project types, transformed stakeholder roles and responsibilities, cross-functional team building, critical uncertainty dimensions, facilitation of iterative and cyclic workflows, situated BIM use along with strategic considerations, and suitability markers. The study also offers evidence-based insights and actionable recommendations on the effective deployment of agile hybrid project delivery methods in specific AEC projects characterized by uncertainties and ongoing changes.

For cost-efficiency, public safety, and sustainability, improving long-term performance in highway projects is imperative for public administrations. Project delivery and procurement methods provide an opportunity to align design and construction processes with this goal. While previous studies have explored whether project delivery methods impact the long-term performance of highway projects, these studies did not focus on how core elements within project procurement relate to long-term performance. Thus, to fill this gap, this research explores how and to what extent long-term evaluation criteria are considered in design-build best-value procurement of highway projects. To this end, the team conducted content analysis on 100 projects procured between 2009 and 2019 by 19 DOTs across the U.S. The analysis of 365 evaluation criteria found that (1) roughly 11% of them related to long-term performance. (2) The weight given to these criteria in the overall technical proposal was lower than 30%. (3) Sixty-five percent (65%) of long-term evaluation criteria focused on design while 15% related to materials and technology, respectively. The results of this study are a stepping stone to initiate a deep exploration of the relationship between procurement practices and actual project performance. Currently, as sustainability and life cycle assessments remain top concerns in infrastructure projects, this line of research may benefit DOTs and highway agencies across the U.S. and worldwide.

The proposed study investigates the differences in project owner decision outcomes for selecting the most suitable project delivery approach, using two Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods, the Analytic Hierarchy Process and the Technique of Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution. The study considers three primary project delivery approaches: Design and Build, Traditional Design Bid Build, and Construction Management. The factors affecting owners' delivery preferences were explored in the literature and data was collected from project owners across the United Arab Emirates. The analyses were carried out on the three delivery methods. The results from the two methods were compared to find the differences in decision outcomes related to delivery type selection. The analysis showed that both methods yield the same results. Hence, both methods are applicable to use as a basis for decision making regarding the appropriate project delivery method and based on typical owners' preferences.

Despite the efforts for sustainability studies in building and infrastructure construction, the sustainability issues in industrial construction remain understudied. Further, few studies evaluate sustainability and benchmark sustainability issues in industrial construction from a management perspective. This study presents a phase-based benchmarking framework for evaluating sustainability practices use focusing on industrial facilities project. Based on the framework, this study quantifies and assesses sustainability practices use, and further sorts the results by project phase and major project characteristics, including project type, project nature, and project delivery method. The results show that sustainability practices were implemented higher in the construction and startup phases relative to other phases, with a very broad range. An assessment by project type and project nature showed significant differences in sustainability practices use, but no significant difference in practices use by project delivery method. This study contributes to providing a benchmarking method for sustainability practices in industrial facilities projects at the project phase level. This study also discusses and provides an application of phase-based benchmarking for sustainability in industrial construction.

This report documents the results of the second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) R07 project to develop and implement performance specifications for rapid highway renewal. The project adopted a broad definition of performance specifications to address not only the performance of the physical products of construction (including pavements, bridges, and earthwork) but also contractor performance in terms of time, safety, work zone traffic control, and other important project parameters. Performance specifications were considered in the context of different project delivery methods— including design-bid-build and design-build—and other innovative contracting variations involving warranties or maintenance and operation agreements. The products of the research include guide performance specifications for different application areas and delivery methods that users may tailor to address project-specific goals and conditions. Implementation guidelines were also prepared to accompany the guide specifications. To validate these materials, demonstration projects were conducted for geotechnical and bridge deck applications. The findings of the study generally support the use of performance specifications as a viable option for agencies interested in empowering the private sector to provide creative solutions to save time, minimize disruption, and enhance durability in the interest of rapid renewal.

Facility owners and project teams often struggle to engage “green” or “sustainable” requirements on building projects and can incur additional project costs as a result. Although “investments” in high performance building features can be paid back through operational savings, the project delivery methods currently adopted by most teams are laden with process waste. Lean production principles have been proven to reduce waste and improve process performance in highly complex development and production environments. Adopting these lean principles, this paper reports a study that identified the presence of value and waste in a sustainable building project. Through an empirical investigation of the Real Estate and Facilities Division of Toyota Motor Sales, Toyota’s capital facility delivery process was mapped to identify both the steps in project delivery critical for success (value) and those that are waste. The investigation focused on the South Campus Facility, which received U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification at a project cost equivalent to a conventional facility. Through post hoc process-based analysis, insight about what added value and waste in sustainable project delivery at Toyota was obtained. The results also identify further improvement opportunities to Toyota’s delivery process. For corporate facility owners and the Architecture Engineering Construction industry, the results unearth insights about how to successfully and economically deliver sustainable facilities.

The demand for commercial interior design and fit-out projects has been increasing steadily, with the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry paying more attention to this area due to the demand for commercial sectors such as offices, retail, and hospitality. Limited research is available on commercial interior design and fit-out practices, particularly on the effectiveness of the design-build (DB) project delivery method in dealing with the project objectives, such as timeline, cost, quality, and client satisfaction. This research aims to identify the significance of commercial interior design and fit-out (CIDFO) in the AEC industry in Auckland, New Zealand. It further evaluates the interior design and fit-out processes and the role and effectiveness of the design-build (DB) project delivery method used by companies in delivering fit-out projects, as compared to traditional project delivery methods. This research engages interpretative and social constructionist perspectives to enrich qualitative data analysis by shedding light on the practitioner’s interplay between social context and individual experiences. Data is integrated through semi-structured interviews with practitioners who work within Auckland's CIDFO industry. The findings of this research captured the practitioner's perception of their understanding of the CIDFO in Auckland and the effectiveness of DB on project timeline, cost, quality and client satisfaction. This was based on their project role and experiences. In narrating the meanings and processes of commercial interior design and fit-out, the practitioners drew on their own real-world experiences of situations and the characteristics of the companies they work in. In doing so, this study fills the research gap on commercial interior fit-out practices and processes. It provides insights into why the design-build project delivery method is perceived to be effective and widely used by commercial interior design companies in delivering fit-out projects. The study will be important for interior designers, architects, builders, and project managers in evaluating the effectiveness of the design-build project delivery method in delivering commercial interior design and fit-out projects.

Project Delivery Methods in Large Public Road Projects – A Case Study of E6 Jaktøyen - Sentervegen