TRIZ-DR Model for dispute resolution in construction industry

Abstract

Conflicts and disputes are inevitable in the construction industry. This is due to the complex nature and the involvement of so many parties along the contractual chain, adversarial relationships, uneven risk allocation and uneven bargaining power. Different formal and informal Dispute Resolution (DR) strategies are currently being practiced in construction industry aimed at resolving disputes as effective as possible. But the major drawback of these strategies is the lack of innovativeness generated within their processes. In this background, significance of an inventive dispute resolution approach is emphasised. As an inventive problem solving tool, TRIZ methodology has become famous in various fields such as Engineering, Manufacturing and Information Technology. TRIZ is primarily about solving technical and physical problems, but is now being used in solving many problems or situations. Hence, this study aims to develop TRIZ-DR model to resolve disputes in construction industry. Accordingly, a mixed methods research approach was followed to achieve the research aim. A comprehensive literature review followed by semi structured interviews with seven subject matter experts were used to investigate the common construction disputes, existing dispute resolution strategies and their drawbacks, applicability of TRIZ based approach for construction dispute resolution and implantation procedure. The collected data were then analysed using code based content analysis and statistical mode in developing the TRIZ-DR model. The four phase model is a systematic procedure of abstracting problem, relating to TRIZ-DR matrix, interpretation, suggesting a solution, checking the feasibility of the solution and implementation to be followed at each phase. Therefore, this research offers a TRIZ-DR model to enhance inventiveness in construction dispute resolution, hence providing an effective dispute resolving mechanism.