Application of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) in Egypt: Implementation and Challenges: Fid-Bau Portal

Application of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) in Egypt: Implementation and Challenges

Sherif, Mohamed / Abotaleb, Ibrahim

Traditional contractual delivery methods are perceived to have flaws that become more apparent when projects increase in size or complexity. The Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is a contractual framework that features enhanced collaboration, risk and reward sharing, and early contractor involvement under a single contract among the major project parties (owner, engineer and contractor). This delivery methodology became more apparent due to the increasing level of complexity of the construction projects and the need for efficient risk and cost sharing to enhance project performance and foster collaboration rather than the traditional hostility. IPD methodology has proven promising results in many parts of the world. However, it has not been applied in Egypt. In addition, no significant investigations have been made to address the adaptability of the Egyptian construction sector to the IPD delivery. The objective of this research is to analyze the Egyptian market’s preparedness to the adoption of IPD delivery. First, a thorough literature review was carried out to identify common barriers and enablers of applying IPD in construction. Second, a survey was carried out to assess and rank such barriers and enablers as specific to the Egyptian construction sector. Finally, through structured interviews with contract experts, strategies and guidelines were devised to be used by Egyptian owners, consultants, and contractors who have the intent of implementing the IPD delivery in their projects. The findings reveal that the main barriers to implementing IPD stem from cultural resistance to the new system and lack of knowledge about it. In addition, even if owners overcome their cultural barriers and intend to apply IPD in their projects, there is a significant shortage of IPD experts in the country to help them with that. The results and subsequent strategies outlined by the research are expected to help the construction industry in Egypt gain more depth on the benefits and application of IPD. Consequently, the authors hope that such study encourages the adoption of IPD in Egyptian projects so that they can healthier construction in terms of better collaboration, less cost overruns, enhanced schedule performance, and minimal waste.