A Project Delivery Methods Essay

We are going to talk about project delivery methods in this conversation. We believe that the chosen project delivery method is one of the main keys to success in the process of a project’s realization. Especially, it is important in the modern unstable business conditions. First of all, we have to define the term “project delivery method”. One of the most appropriate definitions of this term is the following.

A project delivery method is a system used by a particular organization for organizing and financing the different projects: design, construction, operations and supportive services. Such system is usually implemented via legal agreements with other entities.

There are a lot of types of a project delivery method. Among them the following ones may be pointed out:

1. Design Bid Build or Design Award Build (An owner develops a contract, where all the details are mentioned. Then the contract is assigned to the bidder that proposes the lowest price)
2. Design Bid Build with Construction Management (A special construction manager is hired. An owner shares work and risk with this construction manager)
3. Design Build or Design Construct (A conceptual plan is developed. The following step is to accept bids from contractors that develop construction plan)
4. Design Build Operate Maintain (A single contractor performs all the tasks, related to the process of a project’s realization)
5. Build Operate Transfer Integrated Project Delivery

We have chosen the last delivery method for the project under consideration. A formal definition of this method may be the following.

“Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is a project delivery approach that integrates people, systems, business structures and practices into a process that collaboratively harnesses the talents and insights of all participants to optimize project results, increase value to the owner, reduce waste, and maximize efficiency through all phases of design, fabrication, and construction” (Integrated Project Delivery: A Guide).

Of course, this particular project has some advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages the following ones may be pointed out:

1. It is based on partnership and collaboration. As a result it is possible to talk about synergetic effect (every party is able to bring something positive in the project);
2. It helps to use time in a more effective way and meet all the deadlines (we have a clear plan and deadlines);
3. It can be used via the newest technological solutions (it will eliminate possibility of mistakes, human factor and wasting of time);
4. It is easy to implement (there are a lot of guides and even special developed instruments).

Among the disadvantages of the chosen method the following ones may be pointed out:

1. An owner is responsible for the all project management functions (we cannot be totally sure in the degree of professionalism);
2. Project costs are known later. As a result, it is more difficult to prepare some budgets;
3. The costs of a project’s realization may growth (it may affect our budget and financial abilities).

Finally, we have to explain why this approach can be applied to the project under consideration. We believe that there are a lot of reasons. The main reasons are the following:

1. It responds to the character of the project (this particular project in this particular area can be realized in the optimal way, using this approach);
2. It responds to the preliminary budget (other approaches are more expensive according to preliminary estimations);
3. It has already proven its efficiency (we can mention experience of other companies and other projects);
4. There are reliable specialists that can realize this approach (we can use outsourcing to implement the approach);
5. There are special IT solutions (generally, these solutions are not very expensive and they are easy to implement).

References

Integrated Project Delivery: A Guide. 2012, Web.