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Improved reliability in planning large-scale infrastructure project delivery through Alliancing

Derek H.T. Walker (School of Property Construction and Project Management, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia)
Paulo Vaz Serra (Melbourne School of Design, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia)
Peter E.D. Love (School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, Australia)

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business

ISSN: 1753-8378

Article publication date: 6 June 2022

Issue publication date: 30 June 2022

641

Abstract

Purpose

Price reliability for complex and highly complicated infrastructure projects is problematic. Traditional project delivery approaches generally fail in achieving targeted end cost reliability. However, integrated project delivery (and particularly Alliancing), develop a far more reliable and robust project delivery plan and outturn time-cost targets. This paper aims to explore why this may be the case.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study investigated the project design, planning, cost/time estimation approach and how risk/uncertainty was dealt with. Five senior project delivery experts from an organisation that delivers multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects in Australia were interviewed. These five experts collectively had 100+ cross-disciplinary experience years delivering complex infrastructure projects.

Findings

Alliancing adopts a radically different approach to project design, time/cost planning and risk assessment and management to traditional project delivery approaches. Key findings explain how the project alliance agreement designs-in processes that maximises team integration and collaboration. Analysis concludes that design thinking is used to craft and shape collaborative behaviours and project governance. Additionally, including project owner and facilities operator representatives in the project team adds valuable insights, expertise and knowledge contributing to planning reliability.

Research limitations/implications

This study is exploratory and focussed on complex infrastructure projects so findings cannot be generalised.

Practical implications

We unpack Alliancing processes that develop the target outturn cost plan, comprising a holistic and realistic plan to design a project to meet expected project outcomes. This case study may serve as an exemplar for complex project delivery.

Social implications

This paper illustrates how Alliancing more effectively delivers best value than traditional procurement approaches through its TOC-TAE processes.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the scant existing academic literature analysing these processes. Its novel contribution is explaining how Alliancing treats unexpected events that in traditional delivery forms trigger expensive and time-energy-wasting disputation. This case study may serve as an exemplar for complex project delivery.

Keywords

Citation

Walker, D.H.T., Vaz Serra, P. and Love, P.E.D. (2022), "Improved reliability in planning large-scale infrastructure project delivery through Alliancing", International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, Vol. 15 No. 5, pp. 721-741. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-02-2022-0035

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited

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