Developing an interface management (im) model for construction projects

Interface management (IM) is a main factor in the success of construction projects. Although there is no agreement about the definition of interfaces and IM, many researchers discuss the boundary conditions between tools, phases, systems, physical elements/components, people, organizations, and other elements. For the last two to, three decades there has been less than necessary awareness of the essentials of IM and the severity of interface problems, and this has negatively affected project performance. Failure to properly manage interfaces impacts project performance as defined by scope control, quality, schedule, cost, safety, and resources. The objectives of this study are twofold: (a) enhancing the IM among different project participants involved in the construction projects and (b) increasing the effectiveness of IM throughout the project lifecycle, focusing specifically on the engineering/design phase. The study uses both qualitative and quantitative approaches (mixed methods) to investigate, identify, and classify interface problem factors in construction projects.