A Framework to improve design documentation quality using Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) approach

Abstract

The project delivery method can significantly impact project efficiency and determine the quality of design documentation. While there are numerous project delivery methods in use in the construction industry globally, the conventional project delivery approach is the most widely used method across the world. This approach has been widely criticized for its weaknesses particularly, the lack of collaboration and integration, at the design documentation stage. This often leads to poor design documentation quality and results in project delays, poor project quality, and upsurges in costs. Therefore, this study aims to improve design documentation quality by developing a framework using Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) approach. The research design followed a pragmatism philosophy and employed mixed methods based on a deductive approach. As a strategy, secondary data was collected through literature review followed by primary data using survey and semi-structured interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze and interpret the survey data while content analysis was used for interview data with the aid of IBM SPSS and QSR Nvivo 12 Pro. The research ascertained that the current state of design documentation quality in practice under the conventional project delivery is poor. It identified weaknesses associated with the processes involved in producing design documentation including required capabilities to improve quality. It further identified enablers in IPD that can be adapted to improve design documentation quality. Subsequently, a framework to improve design documentation quality based on enablers adapted from IPD is developed. This will contribute to improving design documentation quality that will be produced under the conventional project delivery approach and significantly enhance value for money. The outcome will also pragmatically inform industry players on appropriate measures towards improving design documentation quality. It is expected that the implementation of the research results will help position the construction industry on the path of using IPD shortly. As a contribution to knowledge, the research offers a solution to bridge the gap in the literature on the processes within the conventional project delivery approach that often produces poor design documentation quality.