Innovation in Construction A Project Life Cycle Approach

5.1 The research methodologyFollowing on from the questionnaire survey, thissection further explores the need to link between firm levelprocesses through the analysis of 4 case studies. Thesecase studies have been produced on award winningprojects at the North West Regional Construction Awards2009. Interviews have been conducted with the keyactors to track the collaborative ways in which thesuccessful innovations have been generated and toinvestigate the consequent benefits of innovation at theproject and company level. The following issues wereaddressed during the interviews:n Project information (type and size of theproject, parties involved)n Main reasons/drivers to innovate (end user,competition, performance requirements, technology,etc.)n Major innovation introduced within the project (typeof innovation and stage within the project lifecycle),outputs of innovation (in terms of new or improvedproduct/process/service)n Inputs of innovation (human, financial, technical,and non-technical resources and internal/externalknowledge sources)n Enablers of innovation (at each level)n Barriers to innovate (at each level)n Major tool/strategy employed to realize innovation(innovation policy, measurement system, strategies atfirm and project level, solution of problems)n Roles of each stakeholder in (stimulating/ implementing)the innovation (relations, communication, andcooperation among project participants)n Major benefits/impacts of this innovation(productivity, profitability, image, new markets, etc.)n Lessons learned from the innovation process(capturing/transferring project knowledge)The cases highlight the breadth and depth of thecompanies’ activities to bring innovation into projects.The active measures to drive value from collaborativepartnerships and community/end user engagementfeature as significant enablers of innovation. Theindings of these case studies are also published asindividual reports and can be found atwww.innovationcasestudies.5.2 Case study 1: Cleveley’sCoastal Defence andPromenade EnhancementSchemeTHE CONCEPTA partnership between Wyre Borough Council, BirseCoastal and other strategic partners was formed inMarch 2004 following an extensive, quality-basedtender process compliant with European procurement.The project was designed to improve flood protectionto 8700 properties in the Cleveleys area and toupgrade Cleveleys’ promenade. The Project is WyreBorough Council’s largest ever civil engineering projectand the first partnering contract it has let. The schemewith a contract value of £21m was funded by WyreBorough Council, DEFRA, Environment Agency, EuropeanRegional Development Fund and delivered in 30 months.The Cleveley’s scheme has been delivered in accordancewith the principles of Constructing Excellence, engagedmultiple stakeholders making a real difference to thelocal environment and the quality of life. Demonstratingnumerous examples of innovation and best practice, itis considered for the ‘Project of the Year’ award by CCINorth West.INNOVATION JOURNEY/STORYInnovation on the ProcurementThe innovative procurement and delivery of this projectwas based on the key tenets of the Latham and EganReports. In particular much emphasis was placed onthe adoption of the partnering approach to achievebetter working relationships and deliver more efficientconstruction in terms of quality, customer satisfaction,timeliness in delivery and value for money has beenwell documented since publication of these reports.Partnering provides the conditions that can enable realcost savings, eliminate waste, encourage innovationand promote learning from experience. To capitaliseon these benefits, and deliver best value, the Councilreplaced its old price-based competitive tendering with aquality-driven process using the New EngineeringContract (NEC). Under this system, 26 contractorswere assessed through a 3-stage selection process thatevaluated experience, financial stability, commitmentto health & safety, employee skills, and references fromclients, subcontractors and suppliers.17