Assessing the acceptability of integrated project delivery in the public construction sector of Uganda

Abstract

Integrated project delivery (IPD) is a collaborative approach to construction project management that emphasizes shared risk and responsibility and has been widely adopted in the private sector. However, its implementation in the public construction sector of Uganda remains limited. This study aimed to assess the acceptability of IPD among public construction stakeholders in Uganda. To achieve this objective, a mixed-methods approach was employed to collect data from public construction stakeholders in Uganda. Specifically, a survey was conducted with 100 participants, followed by semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 10 respondents. The results indicated that IPD was generally accepted among public construction stakeholders in Uganda, with a high level of agreement on the potential benefits of collaboration, risk-sharing, and communication. Respondents viewed IPD as a more efficient and effective way of managing construction projects and as a means of reducing project delays, conflicts, and budget overruns. However, concerns were raised about the potential challenges of implementing IPD in the public construction sector of Uganda. Issues related to procurement, project governance, and cultural barriers were identified as potential obstacles to successful implementation. The study contributes to the literature on IPD and public construction by providing insights into the potential benefits and challenges of IPD implementation in the Ugandan context. The findings suggest that IPD has the potential to enhance collaboration, risk-sharing, and communication among stakeholders in public construction projects in Uganda. However, successful implementation will require addressing the identified challenges, such as improving procurement practices and establishing appropriate project governance structures. In conclusion, the study provides valuable information for policymakers, construction practitioners, and other stakeholders in the public construction sector who are interested in adopting IPD. The study recommends further research on the implementation of IPD in other African countries, and capacity-building initiatives to support successful IPD adoption in the public construction sector of Uganda.