Which procurement method limits the owner's ability to coordinate construction activities effectively?

The design-bid-build procurement method limits the owner's ability to coordinate construction activities effectively primarily due to the sequential nature of its process. In design-bid-build, the project is divided into two distinct phases: design and construction. The owner first engages a design team to complete the design work, after which the project is put out to bid for contractors to execute the construction.

This linear approach can create challenges in coordination, as the design team and the contractor operate separately and may not communicate as effectively throughout the project. Changes or issues that arise during construction may require the design team to be consulted while the contractor could be making decisions based on incomplete information. This separation can lead to delays, miscommunications, and conflicts, ultimately affecting the efficiency and timing of the overall project delivery.

In contrast, other procurement methods, such as integrated project delivery, foster greater collaboration between the owner, designers, and contractors from the outset, enabling more effective coordination throughout the construction process.