Solutions to overcome integrated project delivery implementation barriers: A meta-synthesis approach

Construction projects encounter myriad problems, some of which may be connected to the project delivery model. Integrated project delivery (IPD) is an approach that removes the gap between the planning and the construction stages of a project. Various barriers to implementation exist within the construction industry and these can be resolved by effective solutions. Identifying and classifying these solutions is considered essential for successful project delivery. In this context, this study aims to illustrate and classify the solutions that have been proposed since the introduction of IPD as a new approach for the implementation of construction projects. In this study, a meta-synthesis approach has been used as a qualitative method, and pattern and descriptive coding and analysis have been used to analyse the data. The solutions analysed in the meta-synthesis suggest that all stakeholders—including designers, construction engineers, construction team members and operation and maintenance team members—each have the same responsibility to improve IPD and meet the project goals. This study is significant because it suggests important resolutions to the barriers to IPD implementation and may help construction industry stakeholders better facilitate IPD and enhance clauses of their contracts.