Title: Elements of client capabilities in integrated projects

Authors: Laura Saukko; Kirsi Aaltonen; Harri Haapasalo

Addresses: Industrial Engineering and Management Research Unit, Faculty of Technology, University of Oulu, Finland ' Industrial Engineering and Management Research Unit, Faculty of Technology, University of Oulu, Finland ' Industrial Engineering and Management Research Unit, Faculty of Technology, University of Oulu, Finland

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to elaborate the elements of client capabilities in integrated project deliveries. In particular, the interest is to identify the capabilities through which the client facilitates achieving integration among project partners during the course of the project. A qualitative research method is applied, and data analysis is based on inductive reasoning. The empirical context is industrial engineering projects conducted in a Nordic country. This study presents a framework of the elements of a client's capabilities in complex industrial engineering projects. The framework elaborated in the study summarises ten elements of client capabilities. In addition, five implications of client capabilities in facilitating the achievement of integration are discussed. The elements presented are ones that project practitioners from the client organisation must pay attention to in orchestrating integrated project deliveries. This study enhances the understanding of client capabilities in organising industrial engineering projects.

Keywords: client capability; project capability; relational project delivery; integration; inter-organisational project; project network.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPOM.2023.134963

International Journal of Project Organisation and Management, 2023 Vol.15 No.4, pp.395 - 421

Received: 01 Oct 2021
Received in revised form: 03 May 2022
Accepted: 27 May 2022
Published online: 22 Nov 2023 *

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