The Design-Build delivery method has gained popularity in the construction industry in the 21st century among clients seeking singular responsibility, shorter delivery time frame and management of complex works. In this exploratory study, a model that considers the effects of project technical system on the project organisation structure has been proposed. Project technical system comprises of two dimensions: technical uncertainty and technical complexity, while integration, organisational differentiation, information processing and project size were considered as dimensions of the project organisation structure. Several hypotheses linking the relationship between technical uncertainty, technical complexity and project structure has been developed. A self-administered questionnaire was developed as the data collection instrument. Field data were collected from design-build projects in the civil and architectural construction industry in Taiwan, and analysed at the project level. The technical system-structure relationships were tested statistically mainly by multiple regression. Results indicate that various scholarly perspectives of uncertainty have a common underlying construct. Several inter-correlations among components of the technical system were identified, and interactively they affect the project organisation structure. Technical uncertainty was found to be a better predictor of information processing and internal integrative efforts than technical complexity. Less structured and flexible information processes and coordinative mechanisms were favoured under high levels of technical uncertainty and complexity. Technical complexity was found to partially predict organisational differentiation, particularly by the interacting effects of project scope and concurrency. The level of technical staffing could be explained by project scope and technical differentiation of the complexity dimension. Lastly, the results were mixed for technical complexity as a predictor of the extent to which project work is subcontracted. The findings of this study contributed to the understanding of the relationships between technical system and organisation structure in complex Design-Build projects. Various managerial implications were outlined. The model proposed in this study can be extended to include project effectiveness, which may lead to the identification of key structural arrangements that contribute to improved project performance.

Abstract Recently, the engineering scale has been generating larger and larger, and the engineering content tends to be more complicated as a result of the rapid development of engineering techniques. There were so many defects incurred in traditional contracting method by separating and entrusting design and construction service work to different contractors. The owner of petrochemical industry therefore tends to adopt ¡§design-build contracts¡¨ in order to reduce engineering management manpower, shorten work duration, clarify engineering obligation and liability, advance engineering quality as well as save engineering cost. Engineering contractors have to go through the proposal preparation process and then the open bid or individual negotiation to bid for ¡§design-build contract¡¨. After being awarded, the successful contractors have to establish the objectives of projects as per contract and exert management expertise to enable the plant-building work being completed on schedule and under the fixed budget. And then hand over the plant to owner in smooth process and achieve the objectives simultaneously. Through literature review, theoretic structure of petrochemical plant¡¦s design-build projects and practical cases, this research integrates the theory of project management and sums up seven management methods as follows: (1) Proposal preparation; (2) Contract signing; (3) Project planning; (4) Project execution; (5) Project control; (6) Handing over engineering; and (7) Project closed-out for engineering contractors. These comprehensive management methods are aimed to achieve the five goals of engineering project, i.e. quality, schedule, cost, safety and the interaction with owner. Finally, the research makes some conclusions and recommendations to which the contractors can refer in undertaking design-build projects in the future.

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The cyclic trajectory described here exemplifies a loosely defined, continuously evolving set of questions, results, and methodologies that have emerged during the process of design by making. Through a series of prototypical building components and assemblies this collection presents a design process that began with a top-down program-specific design process that informed the development of a unique building system and enabled a bottom up formal exploration. As the design thesis for the first professional Master of Architecture degree, this exploration surrounds the design, fabrication, and deployment of a series of component-based building assemblies. One example, the SEEDS Pavilion At Hawks Ridge, serves as a remote base of operations for a local youth organization that supports field-based environmental education. The pavilion continues an investigation of user assembled construction and is based on a component group that can be assembled on-site by camp children. Each building component was manufactured using on campus fabrication laboratories and was assembled on-site by a group of supervised SEEDS camp student-volunteers during a two-day design-build workshop at the Hawk's Ridge Preserve in Floyd, Virginia. The form of the structure is derived by the limitation of component number, size, and assembly sequence and represents the conflict between a parametrically derived prescriptive shape and the forms that result from the bottom up exploration of the physical system itself. The component-based construction is made possible by a series of nodal linkage assemblies designed to accommodate variations in on-site conditions using a strategic 'sloppy detail' that enables a high degree of assembly and deployment tolerance. The following collection of sequential images outlines construction of several prototypical components and assemblies and is intended to represent a continuance, not an end, to a long-term effort. / Master of Architecture

This thesis investigates a constructive technique, within the materials and methods of conventional practice, which allows for a common building material such as concrete block to carry form and beauty. Furthermore, this project seeks to demonstrate the role human ingenuity, patience, attention, and perception can continue to play in architecture and construction. The project focuses on an experimental wall type consisting of regular eight inch concrete half-block masonry units, stack-bonded in elevation and subtly transformed in plan to reveal a gradual shift of the exposed faces of the units. A wall was constructed at the Building Research and Demonstration Facility to investigate one example of this wall type. / Master of Architecture

As the scale and scope of infrastructure projects have increased, so too has the array of stakeholders either involved or impacted. Such projects often take years to come together and evolve with time through the actions of project sponsors and the engagement of various stakeholders. Stakeholders through engagement and input can help legitimize and improve large-scale project initiatives. Stakeholders can also marshal opposition that can delay or block these projects. Consequently, the significance of stakeholder involvement is critical in megaprojects. Governments have increasingly utilized public-private partnerships (PPPs) for megaproject delivery. This method introduces characteristics that distinguish PPP megaprojects from others such as: private control, profiteering, foreign profits, and long-term concessions. This study investigates whether differences exist between PPP and non-PPP megaprojects with respect to stakeholder involvement strategies and stakeholder issues raised in such projects. This research employed a longitudinal multiple case study approach that examined four tolled fixed crossing megaprojects; two of them were delivered as PPPs and two were delivered as design-build (i.e. non-PPP). The approach followed the design of prior studies in this area by De Schepper, Dooms, and Haezendonck (2014) and Winn (2001). Pre and post milestone event analysis captured trends and shifts in involvement strategies and stakeholder issues. Subsequently, stakeholder issue tables (organized by issue themes) and stakeholder mechanism tables (organized by mechanism type and information flow) were utilized for across case synthesis and comparison to identify similarities and differences. Analysis of stakeholder involvements across cases showed that NEPA establishes a baseline for involvement, but its requirements are not sufficient for megaprojects; a more comprehensive strategy is necessary. Further, although participatory involvements may be beneficial particularly in complex settings, these mechanisms must be carefully managed in terms of process and criteria for evaluating stakeholder input. Additionally, when private partners/contractors are involved in megaprojects, they become part of the project team and support a coordinated involvement approach. Examination of stakeholder issues indicated that issues that are common to non-PPP and PPP projects are more prevalent than PPP specific issues. In particular, issues related to tolling are dominant; moreover, toll affordability is extremely sensitive, and its severity is predictable based on affected area demographics and past toll escalation practices. The study provided insights about how megaprojects are shaped through actions of project sponsors as well as impacted and interested stakeholders. It also demonstrated how these projects become artifacts of aspiration for politically powerful figures. Lastly, it identified the main stakeholder issues and suggested a set of guidelines to assist future practitioners in developing better stakeholder involvement strategies, which should both enhance and legitimize megaprojects. / Ph. D. / Megaprojects are large in scale and scope and they impact and involve a large array of stakeholders. These projects often take years to come together and evolve over time through the actions of project sponsors and the involvement of many stakeholders. Through engagement and input, stakeholders can help legitimize and enhance megaprojects. Stakeholders can also delay or block these projects through oppositions. Therefore, stakeholder involvement is critical in megaprojects. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are becoming more prevalent for megaproject delivery. This delivery method introduces characteristics that distinguish PPP megaprojects from others such as: private control, profiteering, foreign profits, and long-term concessions. This study, through a multiple case study approach, investigates whether differences exist between PPP and non-PPP megaprojects with respect to stakeholder involvement strategies and stakeholder issues raised in such projects. This research showed that although project sponsors follow the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as a baseline in developing megaprojects, the NEPA requirements are not sufficient and a more comprehensive strategy is necessary. Furthermore, although stakeholder participation in deliberative decision making may be beneficial in megaprojects, these mechanisms must be carefully managed in terms of process and criteria for evaluating stakeholder input. Additionally, when private partners/contractors are involved in megaprojects, they become part of the project development team and support a coordinated stakeholder involvement approach. This study also indicated that stakeholders are primarily concerned about issues that are common between PPP and non-PPP megaprojects rather than PPP specific issues. In particular, tolling is the main concern of the stakeholders. Moreover, toll affordability is a main stakeholders’ concern behind tolling issue and the severity of the issue is predictable based on affected area demographics and past toll escalation practices. The study demonstrated how megaprojects are shaped through actions of project sponsors as well as impacted and interested stakeholders. It also demonstrated how these projects become artifacts of aspiration for politically powerful figures. Lastly, it identified the main stakeholder issues and suggested a set of guidelines to assist future practitioners in developing better stakeholder involvement strategies, which should both enhance and legitimize megaprojects.

The diploma thesis deals with the topic of Optimization of Public Procurement Process from the Perspective of Specific Contracting Authority. The thesis introduces the main contracting authority problems based on the analysis of concrete public procurement and an interview with Town Hall staff. Next there are described the main differences between the current and previous Public Procurement Law and the method Design - Build is presented.

Den svenska anläggningsmarknaden är under förändring. I ett initiativ att utveckla och effektivisera branschen har de statliga beställarna, med Trafikverket i täten, satsat på att renodla beställarrollen. En stor del av denna satsning bygger på att öka andelen projekt som upphandlas som totalentreprenader. Detta ger dock inte bara förändringar för beställarna, utan även entreprenörer och resten av marknaden måste anpassa sig efter de nya förutsättningarna. Syftet med examensarbetet är därför att undersöka hur förändringen av anläggningsmarknaden mot fler totalentreprenader påverkar entreprenörers förutsättningar att driva framgångsrika projekt, samt hur de bör anpassa sina projektorganisationer för att uppnå detta. För att svara på detta övergripande syfte behandlar arbetet följande forskningsfrågor: Hur påverkas entreprenörens möjlighet till framgångsrika och lönsamma projekt i totalentreprenader? Hur påverkar övriga delar av upphandlingsstrategin entreprenören då den är totalentreprenör? Hur ska entreprenörer anpassa sina projektorganisationer, avseende kompetens och roller, för att möta den förändrade rollen gentemot beställaren? Examensarbetet är skrivet hos Skanska Sverige AB, region Väg och anläggning Stockholm. Metoden är uppdelad i tre studier. Den första är en litteraturstudie på tidigare forskning, med fokus på vetenskapliga artiklar. Den andra är en kvantitativ studie på lönsamhetsdata från tidigare projekt, erhållen från Skanska. Denna studie omfattar dels en jämförelse mellan utförande­entreprenad och totalentreprenad, dels en analys av övriga delar i upphandlingsstrategin. Den tredje är en intervjustudie med personer som har haft olika roller i totalentreprenader. Resultatet visar på att entreprenörer som är medvetna om den skillnad totalentreprenader medför, samt är väl förberedda för dem, har goda chanser att uppnå framgångsrika och lönsamma projekt. Det är också viktigt för entreprenören att vara medveten om alla förutsättningar i entreprenaden, inte bara entreprenadform. Utvecklingen går mot entreprenader med högre grad av samverkan än tidigare. Detta medför att entreprenören både måste vara samarbetsinriktad samt välja beställare, konsulter och underentreprenörer som är detsamma. Entreprenörens ökade osäkerheter och risker i totalentreprenader medför ökade krav på dess kompetens och organisationsstruktur. En viktig del är att tillsätta en projekteringsledning som klarar av att leda projekteringen så att rätt handlingar tas fram. Därutöver tillkommer även en rad ytterligare kritiska faktorer, så som en tydlig riskfördelning, tidigt upprättad riskanalys, kunskaper i ABT och kontraktsfrågor, tydlig ansvarsfördelning samt tilldelning av nyckelroller så tidigt som möjligt. Ökningen av anbudsutvärderingar på mjuka parametrar, främst på totalentreprenörens projektorganisation, visar på att även beställarna värderar vikten av totalentreprenörens kompetens högt. / The Swedish infrastructure and construction market is changing. To develop and improve the efficiency of the industry, the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) have made an initiative to change their role towards more of a professional client. A large part of this initiative is based on increasing the percentage of projects procured as design-build projects. This will, however, not only lead to changes for the clients, but also contractors and the rest of the market must adapt to the new conditions. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the change of the infrastructure and construction market towards more design-build projects affects contractors’ possibilities for successful projects, and how they should adapt their organizations to achieve this. To answer this general objective, the thesis is based on the following research questions: How are the contractor’s possibilities for achieving successful and profitable projects affected in design-build projects? How does the rest of the client’s procurement strategy affect the design-build contractor? How should contractors adapt their project organizations, in terms of expertise and roles, to meet the changing role towards the client? This thesis is written at Skanska in Stockholm, Sweden. The method comprises three studies. The first is a literature review of previous research, with a focus on scientific articles. The second is a quantitative study on profitability data from previous projects, obtained from Skanska. This study includes both a comparison between design-bid-build and design-build projects, and an analysis of other parts in the client’s procurement strategy. The third is an interview with people who have had different roles in design-build projects. The results indicate that contractors who are aware of the difference design-build projects entails, and are well prepared for them, have good chances to achieve successful and profitable projects. It is also important for the contractor to be aware of all parts in the contract, not just the project delivery system. The trend is toward a higher degree of client–contractor collaboration. This indicates that the contractors, clients, consultants and subcontractors must be able to be cooperative. The contractor’s increased uncertainties and risks in design-build projects entail increased demands on its expertise and organizational structure. An important part is to appoint a design manager capable of managing the design so that the right documents and drawings are produced. In addition, other critical factors are a clear allocation of risks, an early established risk analysis, knowledge in contract issues, a clear division of responsibilities and to assign key roles as early as possible. The increased usage of soft parameters in tender evaluations, mainly on the contractor’s organization, show that the clients value the contractor’s competences highly.

Competitive Bidding, Competitive Sealed Proposal, construction management agency, construction management at risk, Design-Build, Design-Build-Bridging, and job order contracting are seven project delivery methods that are commonly used in the state of Texas today. This paper empirically compares the cost, schedule, and change order management performance of these project delivery methods in 2009 Engineering News Record (ENR) Best Construction Projects in Texas, using the data collected from the projects representative of the population. Also information is collected on lessons learned from these projects. The thesis included development of survey instrument, getting approval from Institutional Review Board (IRB), data collection from the industry, statistical analysis and inferences. Based on the data collected, project performances were measured in terms of five identified variables and then plotted in the form of probability distribution curves to understand the characteristics of the target population. Then, the results were grouped into six categories based on project delivery methods used and compared to understand their impacts on these projects. Findings revealed predominant usage of CM at Risk PDM, and better cost and schedule performance of CM at Risk, Design-Build, and Owner customized PDM. Detailed performance metrics, results, interpretations and conclusions are presented.