Modeling Supply Chain Integration in an Integrated Project Delivery System

Abstract

The supply chain relationship is an essential factor in the performance of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). The IPD system encourages the early involvement of key participants in the design stage. Consequently, this early involvement requires a new configuration of the supply chain relationship in the IPD system. However, there is a lack of knowledge in understanding the performance of the supply chain relationship in the IPD system. To fill this gap, we applied a simulation model, Virtual Design Team (VDT), to explore the dynamics of the supply chain integration in terms of project organization and project delivery process in design. This study presents a conceptual and qualitative analysis of the VDT model applied in two IPD projects. The results explored different styles of project organization, project delivery process, and levels of integration. The project organization and work of key participants were found to influence integration at inter-organizational and project levels.