J.M. KAMARA, C.J. ANUMBA and N.F.O. EVBUOMWAN
The realization that concurrent engineering can be adopted in construction has led to various efforts to develop appropriate tools and techniques for its implementation in the…
Abstract
The realization that concurrent engineering can be adopted in construction has led to various efforts to develop appropriate tools and techniques for its implementation in the industry. This paper discusses the role of client requirements processing in implementing concurrent engineering in construction. Client requirements processing refers to the definition, analysis, and translation of client requirements into solution‐neutral specifications for design. It is essential in maintaining focus on the client, and provides for the effective consideration, resolution and prioritization of the various perspectives within the client body. It also facilitates collaborative teamwork, compliance checking at every stage of the design and construction process, and the traceability of design decisions to explicit and implicit client requirements. The paper concludes with a description of a model for processing clients' requirements in construction, and an example of its practical application.
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J.M. Kamara, G. Augenbroe, C.J. Anumba and P.M. Carrillo
Knowledge management (KM) is now recognized as a core business concern and intellectual assets play a vital role in gaining competitive advantage. Within the architecture…
Abstract
Knowledge management (KM) is now recognized as a core business concern and intellectual assets play a vital role in gaining competitive advantage. Within the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, where the need for innovation and improved business performance requires the effective deployment and utilization of project knowledge, the need for strategic knowledge management is also being acknowledged. This paper reviews various initiatives for KM in order to assess the extent to which it is being implemented in the AEC sector. Contextual issues are identi. ed, and the findings from two research projects are used to assess current strategies for KM in AEC firms. These studies show that effective knowledge management requires a combination of both mechanistic and organic approaches in an integrated approach that incorporates both technological and organizational/cultural issues. The paper concludes with recommendations on how this could be achieved in practice.
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Sarajul Fikri Mohamed and Chimay J. Anumba
To examine the development of a viable framework for the enhancement of construction site management practices through an integration of knowledge management (KM) processes �…
Abstract
To examine the development of a viable framework for the enhancement of construction site management practices through an integration of knowledge management (KM) processes ‐ underpinned by case study findings from construction organizations that have implemented knowledge management. A multiple case study approach (that incorporates qualitative comparators with observations made within five construction sites) was adopted. The main aims were to investigate the key problems of site management practices, to observe existing practice in managing knowledge on the construction site, and to present opportunities for improvement. The case study findings revealed that services obstruction, poor site communication and information, incomplete design, local residents, and cooperation and motivation issues are major problems inhibiting construction site performance. They also identified that the site management team used conventional approaches (meeting and observation) to resolve management and technical problems onthe construction site. The site management teams should be prepared to deal with on‐site problems and risks in a systematic and efficient way.KM can help to prevent the site management team from repeating past errors; by capturing best practices, lessons learned,and especially, the solutions to problems that arise on site, similar situations in the future can be dealt with efficiently and effectively.There is little written on how to improve site management practices through knowledge management.This paper focuses on a KM deployment at site management level and demonstrates that site management teams still do not have any systematic methods for the creation, capture, storage, sharing and reuse of knowledge.
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Denise Bedford and Thomas W. Sanchez
This chapter highlights the importance of strategically managing knowledge networks. Strategic management is defined as being aware of current knowledge networks, understanding…
Abstract
Chapter Summary
This chapter highlights the importance of strategically managing knowledge networks. Strategic management is defined as being aware of current knowledge networks, understanding current knowledge stocks, and identifying gaps. It also involves assessing the knowledge needs of business units and ensuring that those needs are addressed. The chapter also highlights the importance of having a vision of a healthy knowledge network.
Juliana Parise Baldauf, Carlos Torres Formoso and Patricia Tzortzopoulos
This paper proposes a method for managing client requirements with the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM). The development of healthcare projects demands a large amount…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper proposes a method for managing client requirements with the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM). The development of healthcare projects demands a large amount of requirements information, in order to deal with a diversity of clients and frequents changes in healthcare services. The proposed method supports healthcare design by adopting a process-based approach for client requirements management, with the aim of improving value generation.
Design/methodology/approach
Design Science Research was the methodological approach adopted in this investigation. The main outcome of this study emerged from an empirical study carried out in a healthcare project in Brazil.
Findings
The proposed method involves three stages: (1) capturing and processing requirements; (2) product and requirements modelling, which involves the connection between requirements and the BIM 3-D model and (3) supporting design solution refinement, through the communication of requirements and the assessment of design in relation to updated client requirements information.
Originality/value
This study explores client requirements management from a process perspective, proposing activities and their interdependences and possible sources of data, including healthcare services information. The main theoretical contributions are related to the understanding of the nature and complexity of the information involved in client requirements management, and how this can be modelled.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore the contribution of the design quality indicator (DQI) tool in the management of client requirements in construction projects, and propose…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the contribution of the design quality indicator (DQI) tool in the management of client requirements in construction projects, and propose a requirements-oriented project process (ROPP) to ensure continued focus on client requirements throughout the lifecycle of a project.
Design/methodology/approach
Direct participant involvement and case studies of building projects that have used the DQI tool are used to analyse the extent to which DQI contributes to the management of client requirements.
Findings
Case study analysis suggests that the DQI enhances focus on client and project stakeholder requirements through the initial quality aspirations set out at the beginning of a project, but it is limited in its scope to address a more comprehensive requirements profile.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed ROPP model is conceptual and requires further development to test its effectiveness in enhancing focus on client requirements. However, given current developments in automated checking in BIM and other environments, this offers scope for further research in this area.
Originality/value
Maintaining focus on client requirements throughout the process is a key criterion for project success. However, given the many stakeholders involved, and the progressive translation into various project documents, there is a risk that focus on the original/evolving requirements of the client can be lost. Current approaches such as the DQI have limitations and a robust ROPP is, therefore, a key contribution to securing clients’ objectives over the project lifecycle.
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Ayodeji E. Oke and Seyi S. Stephen
Mobile computing enables mobile devices to boost restricted resources, and this further includes processing, storage space and battery freedom with the help of cloud facilities…
Abstract
Mobile computing enables mobile devices to boost restricted resources, and this further includes processing, storage space and battery freedom with the help of cloud facilities. Cloud computing (CC) enables users to obtain admission to energy from another location, providing movement, and enabling common data admission. This chapter is tailored towards responding to a variety of the main challenges of the construction industry with the help of utilising mobile cloud solutions and services. The main benefits of embracing CC largely centred on resources which are expressed in cost reduction, system mobility, system flexibility and system maintenance, while the threats are information protection, individual accessibility, governing conformity, data location, accessibility and also disaster recuperation. This chapter provided necessary solutions to the main threats in the construction industry in terms of design, materials, finance, management and knowledge with the application of mobile cloud computing.
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Hongmei Yang, Chimay J. Anumba, John M. Kamara and Patricia Carrillo
Describes a study that exploits the potential of fuzzy systems in construction through the development of a decision support system which is capable of handling fuzziness in the…
Abstract
Describes a study that exploits the potential of fuzzy systems in construction through the development of a decision support system which is capable of handling fuzziness in the collaborative decision‐making process. The proposed system is intended to provide an objective and rational framework within which collaborative decisions can be made by virtual construction project teams. Given the often linguistic nature of the weightings ascribed by individual disciplines to decision criteria, the proposed system will utilise fuzzy systems theory to rank criteria and recommend an optimal decision alternative. Presents an example to illustrate how the proposed tool works.
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Temidayo Oluwasola Osunsanmi, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala and Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke
The opinion that the spiritual controls the physical gave rise to this chapter. The spiritual in this chapter was regarded as the philosophical and organisational theories…
Abstract
The opinion that the spiritual controls the physical gave rise to this chapter. The spiritual in this chapter was regarded as the philosophical and organisational theories controlling the practical aspect of construction supply chain management (CSCM). It was discovered that there is a significant omission in adopting theories to explain supply chain management's (SCM) adaptation and modelling in the construction industry. Therefore, this chapter reviews theories such as resource-based view theory (RBV), principal agency theory (PAT), resource dependency theory (RDT), transaction cost economics theory (TCE) and game theory. Each of the theories was analysed to uncover how they support the practice and variables for modelling the construction supply chain (CSC). The existing models of the CSC were also examined in this chapter. It was found that most models were developed drawing on the frameworks of the global supply chain forum (GSCF) and supply chain operations reference model (SCOR). Owing to the shortcoming of GSCF, this book adopted the framework and principles of SCOR for modelling the management of CSC in the era of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). Also, most of the existing CSC models, such as the seamless CSCM model, maturity model and others, were developed using the SCOR framework.