Characteristics of a project that are suitable for a relational PDM

Abstract

Abstract In many countries, there is increasing interest in promoting relational PDMs to avoid the adverse objectives and conflicts that have characterized the industry due to the use of traditional forms. For countries that are new to this concept, deciding on and shifting from a traditional environment to a collaborative one is not easy while the set-up cost for an extensive relational delivery model is not justified for small, less complex projects of low strategic importance. This study focusses on identifying the project characteristics which indicate the relevance of adopting relational PDM by formulating the following research question: • Under what project characteristics should a client consider applying a relational project delivery model? This study is part of a bigger research project (E39 feryfree project) in Norway, finance by Norwegian Public Road Administration (NPRA), while the authors, combined and examined the data collected in three different study connected to E39 project using qualitative content base analysis. This research concludes with the following project characteristics which show the validity of considering relational PDM as delivery model; Fairly High Level of Uncertainty and Complexity, Time Constraints, High Risk, Large Size and Need for Innovation.