Interactions of factors affecting the implementation of Integrated Project Delivery in the New Zealand construction industry: a system dynamics and network analysis approach

Abstract

Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is a collaborative project delivery approach that brings together people, systems, and practices to reduce waste, enhance sustainability, and improve project outcomes. This study examined the factors and their interactions hindering IPD implementation in New Zealand (NZ) through 18 semi-structured interviews with local construction professionals. Using manual coding and VENSIM visualisation, the study identified key challenges and their interactions. Critical factors include resistance to change, low technology adoption, high initial investment costs, insufficient mutual respect and trust, client’s resistance, and lack of industry standardisation. Key challenges in NZ include a lack of information on IPD outcomes, a limited number of contractors and consultants, governance conflicts, a preference for traditional models, resistance to change among experienced professionals, contractor liquidations, subcontractors taking main contractor roles, and project size. The research used network analysis methods, such as degree and eigenvector centrality, and causal chain analysis to identify critical factors and chains affecting IPD uptake. The findings compare NZ’s challenges with global experiences, highlighting both unique and common obstacles. While the limited sample size (18 professionals) is a constraint, the research provides insights to help researchers and practitioners address factors and their interactions to support sustainable construction practices in NZ.