Overview of the Research
There is a growing need among building owners for evidence that compares the performance differences of various project delivery methods. Due to restrictive procurement requirements and the lack of objective project data to support decision-making, owners often select delivery methods based on personal preference or comfort level. The goal of this research study is to produce an empirical guide of successful owner best practices that considers, role, system integration, team behavior, delivery method, and project performance in the building design and construction industry.
Goals and Objectives
With a research team lead by the University of Colorado Boulder and Pennsylvania State University, the "Owner's Guide to Maximizing Success in Integrated Projects" seeks to analytically determine the role of delivery methods and team integration factors in project success by answering the following essential questions:
- How does the Owner's role impact project success?
- How do the project delivery method, team selection and contract type impact project success?
- How does team behavior and level of team integration impact project success?
To achieve these goals,the research will collect detailed project performance data using a survey questionnaire to build a project delivery database. Objectivity is the key to success in this study and prior research has demonstrated that no one project delivery method is optimal for every project or owner. Therefore, the research team will conduct all aspects of this project in an objective and unbiased manner. The database will become the engine that informs research deliverables, including owner’s guides written for various industry sectors and owner experience levels that offer how-to guidance for setting up and participating in a successful building project. A copy of the guides will be made available to study participants on request.
Participation in this research study consists of completing the survey provided in the link below for at least one building project finished within the last 5 years
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE SUVERY IN PDF FORMAT
The respondent filling out the survey should be a member of the team who actively participated in the project. Prior to starting the questionnaire, which should take between 20-30 minutes, respondents are encouraged to have the following project information available:
- Project Size (gross square-footage, number of floors, etc)
- Overall project and construction costs (initial and final contracted costs)
- Project Schedule (initial and final design, construction and operation dates)
- Primary sustainability and safety metrics
Completed questionnaires may be returned by mail or by email to:
Dr. Robert Leicht
Department of Architectural Engineering, Penn State University
104 Engineering Unit A, University Park, PA 16802Email: rmleicht@engr.psu.edu
Following the completion of the questionnaire, participants will be contacted by a member of the research team from either the University of Colorado Boulder or Pennsylvania State University. The purpose of this follow-up effort is to confirm key data points, discuss any unique conditions contributing to the project’s performance and collect lessons learned related to the success of the project.
