Towards a resilient project delivery system selection: evaluating the impact of external environment criteria for public infrastructure in Quebec

The Project Delivery System (PDS) selection process significantly influences construction project success and team performance. While extensive research has focused on improving the PDS selection, the impact of external environment criteria (EEC) such as economic constraints, political pressure, and market conditions remains largely unexplored. These dynamic elements disrupt project execution and hinder the overall sector productivity. Addressing this gap, this study evaluates the influence of EEC on the PDS selection. A mathematical model is developed to help in allocating the suitable PDS for multiple construction projects considering the project characteristics, owner’s preferences, and EEC including political and economic constraints, contractor availability, and innovation needs. A case study on Quebec’s public infrastructure projects is conducted to evaluate how these criteria shape the PDS selection process for this context. The findings demonstrate the substantial influence of external criteria in promoting alternative and collaborative PDS. Furthermore, a scenario-based analysis helped identify the most suitable PDS options for addressing severe conditions such as economic crisis and contractor shortages. This research thus provides valuable insights for improving PDS selection and enhancing project outcomes in a dynamic environment.