Comparative analysis of expected and actual performance of public design-build projects

The efficient and profitable delivery of construction projects is fundamental to the success of the construction industry. To increase the chances of project success, owners must choose the appropriate project delivery system to match their needs and the character of their projects. One of the options available to owners is the Design-Build project delivery system.; A review of the literature revealed several serious inconsistencies in the assessment of Design-Build project delivery capabilities. These inconsistencies send mixed messages that create unrealistic or false expectations about the Design-Build project delivery system, particularly among owners.; The primary goal of this research study is to conduct a comparative analysis of expected and actual performance of Design-Build projects from the public owners' point of view. It explores and analyzes present construction practices. It identifies stakeholders, understanding, perceptions, and the gap between expectations and the realities of Design-Build practices.; The research methodology employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches including exploratory interviews, the Delphi Study, surveys, and validation interviews. Three focus groups were organized to validate the research findings and the conclusions. Quantitative data were analyzed by using SPSS statistical program using Analysis of Variance, Factor Analysis, and Logistic Regression.; The research identified three major issues that have created the gap between expectations and realities: a lack of familiarity with the Design-Build approach, inadequate requests for proposal, and the lack of trust and a team approach. To bridge the gap, Design-Build project participants, especially public owners, need adequate and realistic education and training. Secondly, public owners need to produce comprehensive requests for proposals, and, thirdly, all participants should use a collaborative approach to enhance trust and team spirit among all parties.; The research made the following theoretical and practical contributions: (1) Development of a Transformation and Implementation Model (TIM) to guide public owners' organizations to accept and use Design-Build as a valid delivery alternative for the appropriate projects. (2) Development of the Design-Build-Collaborate Model (DBCM) as an integrated team approach to the delivery of Design-Build projects. (3) Development of a delivery framework composed of thirteen guiding principles. This will assist Design-Build project participants in bridging the gap between expectations and realities, and in the proper delivery and administration of Design-Build projects.