Examining the Values and Principles of Agile Construction Management in Iraqi Construction Projects

Abstract

The avoidance of failure in construction projects is not an easy task, which makes the failure of the construction project to achieve its objectives a major problem experienced by all countries in the world, especially Iraq. Where nearly two-thirds of the construction projects in the world have been suffered by significant problems as an increase in the cost of the project, delay in the specified duration for execution, and stopping the project. Therefore it is required to study and apply new methods for managing the construction project to ensure its success and achieve its objectives. The aim of this study is to study the Agile project management method and its impact on the construction project. In addition, to identify the values and principles of Agile project management, which can be applied in the Iraqi construction industry to be adopted it as a new method to manage the construction projects in Iraq. The researcher reviewed the relevant literature to define the method of Agile project management and its methods and impact on the construction project. Then, the researcher conducted a questionnaire survey of a sample of engineers' experts who work in four main parties in the construction project: (beneficiary, supervising, designer, and contractor). The results of this survey showed that it is possible to apply the four values of Agile project management for managing the Iraqi construction projects, and can apply eleven of the twelve principles of Agile project management for managing the Iraqi construction projects.

Potential benefits of agile project management in improving construction project performances: A case study of Iraq

“…These conditions have adverse effects on the country's economic growth and financial conditions. Although some previous studies conducted in Iraq attempted to understand the feasibility of the APM for the construction industry [37][38][39], it is also necessary to explore the potential benefits of the APM for the project and team performances in construction projects. In this study, we initially aimed to understand the applicability of the APM to the Iraqi construction industry via nine different factors (Fig.…”

“…The second, third, and fourth sections consist of the applicability of the APM in Iraq, potential benefits for team coordination, and positive effects on the project performance, respectively. While most questions in the second part were adopted from a previous study [38] conducted in Iraq only to explore the feasibility of the APM, we prepared other sections via an extensive literature review on agile methods. Questions were asked in a 5-point Likert Scale form (e.g., 1= very low, 2= low, 3= medium, 4= high, 5= very high).…”

“…At this point, novel project management approaches such as Agile Project Management (APM) could be an effective solution for the poor performances in construction projects in Iraq and developing countries. However, there is limited research on applying APM to the construction industry of Iraq [37][38][39] and developing countries [6]. These studies usually questioned whether the APM method could be applied to construction projects in these territories.…”

Developing a Risk Management Framework in Construction Project Based on Agile Management Approach

“…It is also the response to change [19]. Agile Manifesto reported that there are four values and twelve principals that Agile methods are built upon them [20]. The best way to illustrate Agile management is through (Figure 1).…”

Cost & Time Interaction Behavior on Construction Materials Procurement and Execution Processes in Infrastructure Projects

“…This tendency is a result of standard industry contracts and a legacy of litigation within the industry [9]. In most construction projects, best possible performance is unachievable with poor productivity resulting in time overrun and consequently cost escalation of the projects, because the construction is a risky industry with uncertainties due to many external and internal factors that influence the construction process [10]. The most important factors leading to time delays and cost/budget overruns are poor contract management, finance and payment problems, shortages of materials and changes in site conditions [11].…”