Challenges and opportunities of learning from failure: looking backwards to move forward using vignettes

Data collection on topics such as failure may be challenging due to their sensitive nature. Hence, as a way of 'looking backwards in order to move forward', this study adopted self-administered vignettes to review the topic of learning from failures by construction professionals. Findings reveal that efforts to learn from failures across the sector are hampered by the fragmented nature of the industry and divergent perception and values held by projects parties. To enhance learning from failure, the sector is encouraged to ensure that project parties have a common goal and are supported by openness and transparency. In addition, technological tools are to be considered for both capturing and sharing lessons from failure realising the complex and sensitive nature of failure. Implication for the academia and industry are that to understand failure, non-obtrusive research approaches are encouraged such as vignettes.