Research on factors influencing project delivery system selection for construction projects

Abstract

The selection of a proper PDS is a complex decision that involves many factors. With considerable studies, the factors influencing PDS selection have already been identified. However, the clients still have difficulties in selecting PDSs, because so many indicators still puzzle clients. To address this issue, this study employs collective intelligence of experts and practitioners to quantitatively analyze relative importance of factors influencing PDS selection. This paper begins with a literature review to identify the factors already known to be associated with PDS selection. Then we survey a large panel of experts and practitioners about the importance of each factor, and aggregate these opinions to reliably weigh different factors. The results presented in the paper suggest that client’s characteristics and requirements play more roles in PDSs selection than project characteristics and external environment. Also, those quantitative results illustrate that clients need focus more on project type, client’s capability, client’s requirement for schedule, risk distribution, client’s requirement for cost, project scale, and responsibility when choosing PDSs. Such results could deepen understanding of PDS selection and offer references for clients’ decision-making on PDS.