Integrated project delivery

Integrated project delivery (IPD) is a collaborative project management approach that combines all stakeholders’ resources and expertise, including owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and suppliers, to efficiently and effectively deliver a project. All stakeholders enter into a single contract and share in the risk and reward of the project. Throughout the process, the team works collaboratively to identify, analyze, and develop solutions that maximize the project’s success. IPD emphasizes the importance of communication, cooperation, and collaboration among stakeholders, resulting in a successful project.

Example of integrated project delivery

• An example of an integrated project delivery is in the construction of a new building. All stakeholders - the owner, architect, engineers, contractors, and suppliers - are brought together under one contract. Throughout the process, the team works collaboratively to identify and develop solutions that maximize the project’s success. This includes a focus on communication, cooperation, and collaboration among the stakeholders. For example, the project manager may use planning and scheduling tools to ensure all stakeholders are on the same page and that no one is left out of the process.
• Another example of IPD is the development of a new product. All stakeholders - the product manager, designers, engineers, marketers, and suppliers - are brought together under one contract. Again, the focus is on communication, cooperation, and collaboration among stakeholders. The product manager may use project management tools to ensure everyone is in sync and that nothing is overlooked.
• A third example of IPD is in the delivery of a new service. All stakeholders - the service provider, customers, technicians, and suppliers - are brought together under one contract. Again, the focus is on communication, cooperation, and collaboration. The service provider may use project management tools to ensure all stakeholders are on the same page and that nothing is overlooked.

Best practices of integrated project delivery

1. Establishing clear goals: Establishing clear objectives and explaining them to all stakeholders is essential to ensure that everyone is on the same page. A shared understanding of the project’s goals and objectives helps to ensure that everyone is working towards the same vision.
2. Leveraging technology: Technology is increasingly being used to improve the integrated project delivery process. Technology can improve communication, streamline processes, and provide real-time updates to all stakeholders.
3. Establishing a common language: All stakeholders should have a shared understanding of the terminology used throughout the project. This will help to ensure that everyone is speaking the same language and that there is a common understanding of the project.
4. Developing a team approach: All stakeholders should work together to identify and analyze potential solutions for the project. This team approach helps to identify and resolve any potential issues more quickly and efficiently.
5. Managing risks: Risk management is an important part of any project, and this is especially true in integrated project delivery. All stakeholders should be aware of any potential risks, and should have processes in place to identify, analyze, and manage these risks.
6. Establishing contracts: Clear and detailed contracts should be established between all stakeholders. This will help ensure that everyone is aware of their responsibilities and will help to mitigate any potential issues.
7. Creating metrics: Establishing metrics to measure progress and performance is essential for any project. This helps to ensure that everyone is held accountable for their work and that the project is progressing as expected.
8. Promoting collaboration: Collaboration is key in any project and is especially important in integrated project delivery. All stakeholders should be encouraged to collaborate and share ideas to ensure the success of the project.

When to use integrated project delivery

Integrated project delivery (IPD) is an effective approach for managing complex projects with a large number of stakeholders, as it creates an environment of cooperation and collaboration. IPD can be applied to a wide range of projects, such as building construction, infrastructure projects, and product development. Here are some examples of when to use integrated project delivery:

• Building Construction: IPD can be used to manage complex building construction projects, such as high-rise buildings, hospitals, and educational institutions.
• Infrastructure Projects: IPD is often used on large-scale infrastructure projects, such as bridges, roads, and dams.
• Product Development: IPD can be used to manage product development projects, such as software development, automotive design, and consumer electronics.
• Renovations & Upgrades: IPD can be used to manage renovations and upgrades of existing buildings and infrastructure.
• Research & Development: IPD can be used to manage research and development projects, such as aerospace, biotechnology, and nanotechnology.

Types of integrated project delivery

Integrated project delivery (IPD) is a collaborative project management approach that combines all stakeholders’ resources and expertise to efficiently and effectively deliver a project. There are several types of IPD, which include:

• Design-Build: This type of IPD combines the design and construction processes into one contract, making it easier to coordinate between the two teams and speeding up the overall project timeline.
• Design-Build-Operate: This type of IPD includes the traditional design and construction processes, as well as a long-term operations and maintenance component. This type of IPD is ideal for large-scale construction projects such as hospitals or airports.
• Lean Construction: This type of IPD emphasizes reducing waste and improving efficiency in the design and construction processes. The goal is to provide a better overall experience for all stakeholders.
• Building Information Modeling (BIM): This type of IPD focuses on the use of 3D software to improve design accuracy and reduce costs. BIM allows stakeholders to visualize the project in real time and to identify potential problems before they arise.

Advantages of integrated project delivery

Integrated project delivery offers many advantages for a successful project. These advantages include:

• Increased efficiency and cost savings by eliminating overlap and duplication of services, as well as having all stakeholders working together from the start.
• Improved communication among all stakeholders, allowing for better decision-making and problem-solving.
• Improved collaboration and teamwork, leading to better project outcomes.
• Increased accountability among stakeholders resulting in higher quality projects.
• Faster delivery of projects due to all stakeholders working together.
• Reduced risk of unforeseen issues and delays due to improved communication and collaboration.

Limitations of integrated project delivery

Integrated project delivery (IPD) is an effective approach to project management that combines the resources and expertise of all stakeholders. Despite its effectiveness, there are certain limitations to IPD that should be taken into consideration. These limitations include:

• Complexity: IPD is more complex than traditional project delivery models, as it requires a greater level of coordination among stakeholders. This complexity can lead to bottlenecks in the project timeline and can increase the risk of project failure.
• Contractual Risk: IPD requires all stakeholders to enter into a single contract, which increases the risk of contractual disputes and potential litigation.
• Cost: IPD tends to be more expensive than traditional project delivery models, as it requires additional resources and coordination.
• Collaboration: IPD relies heavily on collaboration, which can be difficult to achieve if stakeholders are not fully committed to the process.
• Time: IPD can be a time-consuming process, as it requires the coordination and agreement of all stakeholders. This can lead to delays in the project timeline.

Integrated project delivery — recommended articles

Integrated project management — Product development management — Principles of lean construction — Agile software development — Concept of the project — Project management office — Bim in construction — Benefits of the project — Stakeholder relationship management

References

• Kent, D. C., & Becerik-Gerber, B. (2010). Understanding construction industry experience and attitudes toward integrated project delivery. Journal of construction engineering and management, 136(8), 815-825.
• Ghassemi, R., & Becerik-Gerber, B. (2011). Transitioning to integrated project delivery: Potential barriers and lessons learned. Lean construction journal.