Integrated project delivery in the Nigerian construction sector: an unexplored approach from the stakeholders’ perspective

Abstract

Purpose – Over the past years, high waste and inefficiencies in the construction industry may have contributed to many projects failing to meet clients’ expectations. Among the new project delivery mechanisms to tackle this problem is integrated project delivery (IPD). IPD has been proved as a mechanism that increases stakeholders’ collaboration at the early stage and delivers the highest value-for-money projects. In Nigeria, research regarding practitioners in the application of IPD in construction delivery is scarce. Thus, this study aims to investigate the level of awareness, issues hindering the implementation of IPD and proffer solutions to promote the use of IPD in project delivery. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative research was adopted. Twenty virtual interviews via Zoom and Whatsapp Videos were used to collect data from the selected participants and analysed via a thematic method. This is because of the unexplored dimension of the issues. Findings – Results show that practitioners are aware of IPD but lax in the application. The emerged issues hindering the adoption and implementation of IPD were grouped into technological, legal, financial and cultural in Nigeria’s context. Research limitations/implications – This study is restricted to the relevance and hindrances facing the usage of IPD in the Nigerian built environment. The study proffers solutions to promote the use of IPD in the built environment via a qualitative approach. Practical implications – This paper will contribute towards stirring Nigeria’s stakeholders to create an enabling environment within the industry via IPD friendly policies and promote the use of IPD on construction projects. Originality/value –This paper is one of the few papers that attempted to uncover issues that hinder the use of IPD on construction projects in Nigeria via a qualitative approach.