A Novel Model for the Delivery of Healthcare Construction Projects in Kuwait Using Design Science Research

  • Ahmed Fahim

Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis

Abstract

Healthcare construction projects in Kuwait must improve their performance to ensure projects are on time. There are many problems with healthcare projects in Kuwait, and there has yet to be much progress in solving them. There are critical obstacles and reasons for the need for more progress in these projects. The research searches for ways to identify the roots of this problem and find a solution by developing and applying existing and previously used solutions in the construction industry. Furthermore, the research aims to determine the appropriate project delivery method for healthcare projects in Kuwait and embrace this method with the lean construction principles that can be applied in healthcare.
The Design Science Research (DSR) methodical approach is applied in this research, looking to develop a solution to solve problems in the real world. DSR is deemed the appropriate research approach if the study concentrates on designing a model explaining a natural phenomenon in the natural world and contributing to theory. The scope of the research is to investigate lean construction (LC) principles as an integrated project delivery in healthcare projects in Kuwait. Lean construction principles in this study have three critical factors: standardisation, tools & techniques, and cultural change extracted from thematic findings and outputs of three empirical studies. These reinforce and facilitate better performance in the process and construction of the project. Data for this research have been collected through a case study, face-to-face interviews, an online survey, and focus groups.
The proposed model (HCM) incorporates lean construction principles and includes standardisation, tools & techniques, and cultural change in the project life cycle. This model can be practically applied to healthcare projects, enhancing practitioners’ performance. Additionally, the research provides recommendations for the Kuwaiti governmental Development Plan for healthcare projects over the next five years. This approach can be helpful for similar projects in the future, as LC tools and techniques are available for selecting the most appropriate project delivery solution to address healthcare issues. A literature review revealed specific LC tools & techniques and project delivery methods in the construction industry. However, further research is necessary to discover more suitable LC tools, techniques, and project delivery methods for healthcare projects.
Date of Award7 Nov 2024
Original languageEnglish
SupervisorSara Vieira Nobre Biscaya (Main Supervisor) & Patricia Tzortzopoulos (Co-Supervisor)

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