Using Bibliometrics and Grounded Theory in Investigating Factors Influencing Profit Distribution in Integrated Project Delivery Projects

Integrated project delivery (IPD) has gained significant attention as an effective alternative to traditional project delivery models. Profit distribution is a crucial aspect of IPD projects, influencing their overall success. This study aims to investigate the key factors impacting profit distribution to offer strategic guidance for project management practices. The study employs a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to establish an updated research framework in this domain. Through this analysis, 24 articles with highly relevant and extensively cited sources are identified for further examination. Grounded theory is subsequently applied to distill the findings. This process yields a foundational theoretical framework that delineates the factors influencing profit distribution in IPD projects, namely, contribution, resource-based input, effort level, and risk sharing. Additionally, a textual analysis of ten burst words is conducted to discern research trends and identify future areas of study. This research contributes to the existing literature by addressing gaps and providing a roadmap for future IPD investigations. A theoretical framework of influencing factors in profit distribution in IPD projects is developed based on the literature. The findings not only enhance understanding of profit distribution dynamics in IPD projects but also guide the implementation and optimization of IPD practices.