The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for successful engineering project completions: A strategic framework
1 Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Lagos. Nigeria.
2 Independent Researcher, Georgia, USA.
3 TotalEnergies Limited, Nigeria (c/o Benmaris Limited).
4 Chevron Nigeria Limited, Nigeria.
5 Independent Researcher, Nigeria.
Review
World Journal of Engineering and Technology Research, 2023, 02(03), 001–016.
Article DOI: 10.53346/wjetr.2023.2.3.0048
Publication history:
Received on 19 August 2023; revised on 24 October 2023; accepted on 28 October 2023
Abstract:
Interdisciplinary collaboration has become a pivotal factor in the successful completion of complex engineering projects. As projects grow in scale and complexity, they require a diverse range of expertise from various disciplines, including civil, mechanical, electrical, environmental, and software engineering, as well as project management and financial planning. This review outlines a strategic framework for fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasizing its role in improving project outcomes, enhancing innovation, and ensuring sustainable development. The framework is built on key pillars: effective communication, integrated project management, shared goals, and cross-disciplinary knowledge exchange. Effective communication across teams ensures that technical and non-technical stakeholders align their understanding of project objectives and challenges. Integrated project management strategies streamline workflows, reduce redundancies, and ensure that each discipline's contributions complement each other. Shared goals motivate teams to collaborate toward a common vision, driving innovation and problem-solving. Cross-disciplinary knowledge exchange promotes continuous learning and the integration of cutting-edge technologies from different fields, allowing for more robust solutions to engineering challenges. The strategic framework also highlights the importance of utilizing digital tools, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and collaborative project management software, to facilitate real-time data sharing and coordination among teams. Furthermore, fostering a culture of inclusivity and openness to diverse perspectives is crucial for breaking down silos and ensuring that interdisciplinary collaboration is not only effective but also sustainable in the long term. By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, engineering projects can achieve higher efficiency, reduce risks, and deliver more innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions. This review underscores that a structured approach to collaboration is essential for navigating the complexities of modern engineering projects, ultimately contributing to their successful completion.
Keywords:
Interdisciplinary Collaboration; Engineering Projects; Integrated Project Management; Innovation; Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge Exchange; Sustainability; Strategic Framework; Communication; Digital Tools; Building Information Modeling (BIM)
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Copyright © 2023 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0