The development of integrated solutions in construction: towards better value for the clients?

Title In construction project firms are moving into new kinds of value-added activities. This move is explained by the place of the housing stock and the growing demand for packaged product and service delivery. Integrated solutions are not dominant in construction which is characterised by the separation between design, construction and operation activities. The aim of this paper is twofold: 1/ to explore how relations are conducted between the integrated solution providers and the client during the construction and the operation of the building. 2/ to identify whether the development of integrated solutions in construction improves the quality of the process and stimulates innovation. To deal with these issues, the paper will present two projects in Denmark and France. Both projects will be considered as complex and unique. Before developing the case studies, the paper will define the conceptual framework and the notion of complex products and systems (CoPS). Delivering CoPS projects requires the combination of project management capabilities and systems integration capabilities.