Shifting towards a 2-phase approach : a qualitative study into the price determination process and knowledge management of HWPP projects.

A shift is necessary to steer the construction industry away from a fiercely competitive sector into one that aims to collaborate and co-create. The transition towards 2-phase approach projects aims to achieve this. However, this transition brings with it new challenges, in particular, the financial management of it. This research is done for Heijmans and aims to identify the obstacles during the price determination process of 2-phase HWPP projects to gain the necessary insights to improve the current knowledge base about financial management. And in addition, to fill the gap in knowledge management within Heijmans to improve organisational knowledge exchange and learning. A multiple, embedded case study was conducted looking at three HWPP projects with a 2-phase approach. First, the success factors, obstacles, and solutions related to the price determination process were identified and formulated by thematically analysing twelve interviews across the case projects. A focus group with experts was conducted to validate the results. Finally, a detailed literature review resolved the knowledge management issue. Thematic analysis of interview data identified the following four key obstacles impacting the price determination process of 2-phase HWPP projects: underestimation of the simultaneity of design and price determination, lack of early definition of terms and specification of preconditions, insufficient inclusion of the HWPP and Waterboard during the price determination process, and inadequate attention to forming a uniform culture. A knowledge management cycle was created to address the gap in knowledge management. The findings indicate that the financial management of 2-phase HWPP projects requires a vastly different approach than more traditional works. Moreover, the creation of the KMC lays the foundation to improve knowledge management within the organisation.