Nam, C H and Tatum, C B (1992) Noncontractual methods of integration on construction projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 118(2), pp. 385-398. ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
Several progressive engineering and construction firms are now working to overcome the well-recognized problems of disintegration. One critical problem is the adverse consequences for technological advancement. Familiar and new forms of contracts, such as design-build and partnerships, are one way to increase integration. Organizational and information integration offer other alternatives to improve coordination and efficiency. Based on investigations of several recent construction innovations, this paper describes four noncontractual means of integration on construction projects: (1) Owner’s leadership; (2) the long-term relationship; (3) employing integration champions; and (4) the professionalism of project participants. Providing real-world examples of construction innovations, the paper describes how each method helps overcome disintegration. The conclusions and practical applications highlight the need for new forms of integration, the feasibility of using noncontractual means, and the significant benefits of these means. The applications include actions by government agencies, owners, contractors, and educational institutions to increase the frequency and benefits of noncontractual integration.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Index terms: | investigation, government agency, form of contract, partnership, information integration, construction project, construction firm, integration, professionalism, construction innovation, coordination, efficiency, disintegration, owner |
| Subjects: | material degradation and durability, organizational analysis, administrative law, sociology, building construction, partnership management, production management, performance management, information systems, management, contractual arrangements, organization, professional development, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Information Management, Organizational Design, Business Strategy, Digital Applications, Project Management, Quality Management, Legal Issues, Construction Materials, Research Practice, Stakeholder Management, Procurement, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCA |
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