Keusters, G; Bakker, H and Houwing, E J (2024) Improving the performance of civil engineering projects through the integrated design process. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 22(2), pp. 344-364. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose: Civil engineering projects around the world have been underperforming for a long time. While the complexity of these projects will continue to increase, there is an urgent need to perform better. Although the integrated design process is critical for project success, the literature lacks studies describing the link to project performance. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the dominant variables that affect the integrated design process and consequently project performance. Design/methodology/approach: A multiple case study was conducted to determine the dominant variables that affect the integrated design process and project performance. The research included four projects. Semi-structured interviews were the main source of data. Findings: The cases indicated that the extent to which an integrated approach is achieved in the design process is essential for project performance. This applies to the integration of stakeholders' interests as well as the integration of disciplines. Above all, it was concluded that the project team participants' competencies for integration are a dominant factor for project performance, as the integrated design process has changed from a technical challenge to an integrative one. Originality/value: This study provides insights into the dominant variable of the integrated design process that affects project performance, which is underexposed in the literature. The study results reveal the importance of competencies related to integration and adoption of the design problem context, which are not yet included in civil engineering design methods. In this respect, empathy is introduced as a new and critical competence for the civil engineering industry, which needs further research.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | complexity; design; human factors engineering; integrated design; project performance |
| Index terms: | interview, integrated approach, design process, competence, methodology, integration, human factor, complexity, case study, project success, engineering design, project performance, project team, integrated design process |
| Subjects: | project delivery, contractual arrangements, design methods, data collection methods, systems engineering, occupational health and safety management, organizational analysis, project management theory and practice, personnel development, design process, research methods |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Human Resources, Procurement, Health and Safety, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Project Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here