Integrated project delivery in the AEC sector: A four-step systematic literature review

Abstract

Considering low productivity rates and insufficient collaboration within the AEC sector; some new methods like integrated project delivery (IPD) have been developed to enhance projects’ life cycles. This search aims to examine 207 studies thoroughly by using the PRISMA Statement and present detailed descriptive statistics, the most common definitions, principles, benefits, and barriers of IPD. A comprehensive definition of IPD is provided, and the main and optional principles for IPD implementation are suggested. Another purpose of this research is to compile studies examined performance outcomes of IPD in 7 performance areas, as well as performance comparisons of IPD with traditional project delivery systems (PDSs). A systematic search was conducted in 2 extensive databases: Scopus and Web of Science (WoS). Bibliometrix and VOSviewer softwares are used in the analysis. According to the performance evaluations in the literature, IPD has no superiority over traditional PDSs concerning cost performance, and no significant differences in HSE performances are found. On the other hand, it is asserted in the literature that IPD has a slightly superior schedule performance over traditional PDSs, and IPD has superior performances in communication, quality, change management, and business areas compared to traditional PDSs.