D.P. Wyatt, A. Sobotka and M. Rogalska
If sustainable construction is to be secured as a response to sovereign governments’ acknowledgement of global warming, then there is an urgent need to focus on both the built…
Abstract
If sustainable construction is to be secured as a response to sovereign governments’ acknowledgement of global warming, then there is an urgent need to focus on both the built environment’s facility and asset serviceability and service life characteristics and their management. Includes building life management, life based procurement practice together with the product’s associated life care needs. Adopting such a practice would permit and encourage client organisations to actively improve their building stocks and facility portfolios. In a sustainable sense too, both the asset and facility organisations should seek improved building space flexibility and a whole life quality set within some environmental or life cycle measure or benchmark. Pursuing such sustainable goals means that one must also both embrace the respective project’s building material and component supply chain and include its respective waste stream’s impact at that point of the product’s life time including its dismission stage. Finally, both in a sustainability and in a business excellence sense, all organisations need to find ways to bring their respective portfolio into a CO2‐serviceability framework and keep a watching brief on developing their responses to an inevitable carbon based taxation future.
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Lucian Constantin Ungureanu, Timo Hartmann and Ion Serbanoiu
The line of balance (LOB) method is a suitable scheduling technique that managers can use to support lean planning efforts for projects composed of repetitive activities such as…
Abstract
Purpose
The line of balance (LOB) method is a suitable scheduling technique that managers can use to support lean planning efforts for projects composed of repetitive activities such as high-rise building construction. Like any other method, LOB has certain disadvantages that create a set of practical limitations in its application. An LOB schedule gives insights about how continuous and synchronized single resources are scheduled and how uniform these resources are distributed over the project duration. However, these three characteristics have to be visually checked, which makes the evaluation and the comparison of different schedule alternatives difficult. To overcome this problem, the purpose of this paper is to present a quantitative method to calculate quality degrees for the continuity, the synchronization and the uniformity of an LOB schedule that can be applied to assess an LOB schedule globally.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper introduces a set of global indicators, termed quality degrees, which allow for a quick quantitative evaluation of LOB schedules at the global level. These quality degrees are quantitative indicators for the: degree of continuity, degree of synchronization and degree of uniformity within a specific LOB alternative. A mathematical model was developed to calculate the quality degrees for LOB schedules. This model was validated using a well-known case study extracted from literature, and its practical implementation was exemplified on two real Romanian projects.
Findings
The paper illustrates this contribution using two case studies that confirm that the proposed method can be used to evaluate different schedule alternatives. In particular, the paper shows that quality indicators can be used to analyze and control interdependencies between cost and time.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of the proposed method is that it cannot indicate the desired level of continuity, synchronization or uniformity to be achieved. Further studies need to explore this possibility, as well the relationship between indicators.
Practical implications
The presented quality indicators contribute to existing LOB methods as they allow for the quick analysis and assessment of schedules without an in-depth visual analysis.
Originality/value
The paper proposes an innovative method, mathematically formulated, to quantitatively assess the quality aspects of continuity, synchronization and uniformity for LOB schedules.
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Önder Halis Bettemir and M. Talat Birgonul
Exact solution of time–cost trade-off problem (TCTP) by the state-of-the-art meta-heuristic algorithms can be obtained for small- and medium-scale problems, while satisfactory…
Abstract
Purpose
Exact solution of time–cost trade-off problem (TCTP) by the state-of-the-art meta-heuristic algorithms can be obtained for small- and medium-scale problems, while satisfactory results cannot be obtained for large construction projects. In this study, a hybrid heuristic meta-heuristic algorithm that adapts the search domain is developed to solve the large-scale discrete TCTP more efficiently.
Design/methodology/approach
Minimum cost slope–based heuristic network analysis algorithm (NAA), which eliminates the unfeasible search domain, is embedded into differential evolution meta-heuristic algorithm. Heuristic NAA narrows the search domain at the initial phase of the optimization. Moreover, activities with float durations higher than the predetermined threshold value are eliminated and then the meta-heuristic algorithm starts and searches the global optimum through the narrowed search space. However, narrowing the search space may increase the probability of obtaining a local optimum. Therefore, adaptive search domain approach is employed to make reintroduction of the eliminated activities to the design variable set possible, which reduces the possibility of converging into local minima.
Findings
The developed algorithm is compared with plain meta-heuristic algorithm with two separate analyses. In the first analysis, both algorithms have the same computational demand, and in the latter analysis, the meta-heuristic algorithm has fivefold computational demand. The tests on case study problems reveal that the developed algorithm presents lower total project costs according to the dependent t-test for paired samples with α = 0.0005.
Research limitations/implications
In this study, TCTP is solved without considering quality or restrictions on the resources.
Originality/value
The proposed method enables to adapt the number of parameters, that is, the search domain and provides the opportunity of obtaining significant improvements on the meta-heuristic algorithms for other engineering optimization problems, which is the theoretical contribution of this study. The proposed approach reduces the total construction cost of the large-scale projects, which can be the practical benefit of this study.
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This study aims to explore the level of adoption of Construction 4.0 (C4.0) technologies and of Lean Construction (LC) ambidexterity capability in China’s construction industry…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the level of adoption of Construction 4.0 (C4.0) technologies and of Lean Construction (LC) ambidexterity capability in China’s construction industry. By incorporating C4.0 and LC ambidexterity into a sociotechnical systems (STS) framework, this research provides practical insights for construction practitioners and companies seeking C4.0 and LC.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts the questionnaire survey method. Data was obtained from Chinese construction professionals working on projects using C4.0 technologies. The data were analysed using mean score ranking and three nonparametric techniques, including the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Spearman rank correlation.
Findings
According to the ranking analysis, building information modelling and offsite construction have the highest adoption level, while additive manufacturing and blockchain rank lowest. Digital technology is more widely used in China’s construction industry than in physical technology. Many C4.0 technologies are significantly correlated with LC ambidexterity. Based on the STS perspective, we propose a holistic approach that incorporates C4.0 technologies and LC ambidexterity.
Originality/value
Conceptually, the study incorporates C4.0 and LC ambidexterity into the STS framework. Empirically, this study fills the gap in the current literature by exploring the level of C4.0 technology adoption in the Chinese construction industry, as well as the level of LC ambidexterity capabilities. Construction companies can use this framework to make strategic decisions regarding investments in LC practices and the adoption of C4.0 technologies, such as investing in staff skill training and new technology deployment to adapt to the ever-changing environment.
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Krzysztof Górecki and Przemysław Ptak
– The purpose of this paper is to present an electrothermal model of the module containing power light emitting diodes (LEDs) situated on a common base.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present an electrothermal model of the module containing power light emitting diodes (LEDs) situated on a common base.
Design/methodology/approach
The electrothermal model of this device, which takes into account both self-heating and mutual thermal coupling between the diodes situated in this module, is described.
Findings
The correctness of the presented model is verified experimentally, and a good agreement of the calculated and measured optical and thermal characteristics of the considered module is obtained.
Research limitations/implications
The presented model can be used for different structures of the LED module, but electrical inertia in the diodes is omitted.
Practical implications
The presented model was used to calculate electrical, thermal and optical waveforms of the module OSPR3XW1 containing three power LED situated on the common base.
Originality/value
The presented model takes into account thermal inertia in the considered LED module and its cooling systems with mutual thermal coupling between all the diodes situated in the same module.
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Octaviano Rojas Luiz, Fernando Bernardi de Souza, João Victor Rojas Luiz and Daniel Jugend
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the state of the art in Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM), outlining the CCPM literature to date, in an effort to guide future…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the state of the art in Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM), outlining the CCPM literature to date, in an effort to guide future studies.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on a bibliometric analysis using Scopus and Web of Science databases. The authors identified the principal journals, articles and authors regarding the research theme, as well as the authors elaborated co-citation and co-occurrence network maps to support the analysis.
Findings
The authors described five co-citation clusters: Fundamentals of Critical Chain, Scheduling, Operations Research, Multi-project and Network, and General Project Management. The most frequently occurring keywords were: “project management,” “critical chain,” “scheduling” and “theory of constraints.” Observing the distribution, the expression “project management” occupied a central position, connecting two other clusters, represented by the keywords “scheduling” and “critical chain.” The authors proposed an evolutive framework for the CCPM state of the art in three stages, according to the most frequent topics identified: Conceptual, Deepening of Applications and Methodological Maturity.
Originality/value
This research adopts a systematic approach based on bibliometric tools, which allows a more rigorous organization of the literature. Co-citation and keyword co-occurrence maps provide evidence of how the main themes in CCPM relate. Besides, the presented historical framework allows new research in CCPM to be directed to the most recent topics of interest that have gaps to be explored.
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Pablo Ballesteros-Pérez, Maria Luisa del Campo-Hitschfeld, Manuel Alejandro González-Naranjo and Mari Carmen González-Cruz
Construction projects usually suffer delays, and the causes of these delays and its cost overruns have been widely discussed, the weather being one of the most recurrent. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Construction projects usually suffer delays, and the causes of these delays and its cost overruns have been widely discussed, the weather being one of the most recurrent. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of climate on standard construction work activities through a case study.
Design/methodology/approach
By studying the extent at which some weather variables impede outdoor work from being effectively executed, new maps and tables for planning for delays are presented. In addition, a real case regarding the construction of several bridges in southern Chile is analyzed.
Findings
Few studies have thoroughly addressed the influences of major climatic agents on the most common outdoor construction activities. The method detailed here provides a first approximation for construction planners to assess to what extent construction productivity will be influenced by the climate.
Research limitations/implications
Although this study was performed in Chile, the simplified method proposed is entirely transferable to any other country, however, other weather or combinations of weather variables could be needed in other environments or countries.
Practical implications
The implications will help reducing the negative social, economic and environmental outcomes that usually emerge from project delays.
Originality/value
Climatic data were processed using extremely simple calculations to create a series of quantitative maps and tables that would be useful for any construction planner to decide the best moment of the year to start a project and, if possible, where to build it.
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Krzysztof Górecki, Damian Bisewski, Janusz Zarębski, Ryszard Kisiel and Marcin Myśliwiec
This paper aims to present the results of measurements and calculations illustrating mutual thermal coupling between power Schottky diodes made of silicon carbide situated in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present the results of measurements and calculations illustrating mutual thermal coupling between power Schottky diodes made of silicon carbide situated in the common case.
Design/methodology/approach
The idea of measurements of mutual transient thermal impedances of the investigated device is described.
Findings
The results of measurements of mutual transient thermal impedances between the considered diodes are shown. The experimentally verified results of calculations of the internal temperature waveforms of the considered diodes obtained with mutual thermal coupling taken into account are presented and discussed. The influence of mutual thermal coupling and a self-heating phenomenon on the internal temperature of the considered diodes is pointed out.
Research limitations/implications
The presented methods of measurements and calculations can be used for constructing the investigated diodes made of other semiconductor materials.
Originality/value
The presented results prove that mutual thermal coupling between diodes mounted in the common case must be taken into account to calculate correctly the waveforms of the device internal temperature.
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This paper presents the algorithm of construction work graphic schedule which considers the proper sequencing problem. Describes the algorithm step by step, i.e. the construction…
Abstract
This paper presents the algorithm of construction work graphic schedule which considers the proper sequencing problem. Describes the algorithm step by step, i.e. the construction work organisation methods with zero couplings between realisation means, work fronts, and their combination. It also shows the calculation process of limit possible minimum by considering technical and organisation limits. In the second part of the paper, the practical example which shows the method and the optimisation algorithm for the work organisation method with zero couplings between realisation means is presented.
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M.R. Baharum and M. Pitt
The purpose of this paper is to consider how a facilities management (FM) organisation can strategically manage its intellectual capital with regard to environmental management…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to consider how a facilities management (FM) organisation can strategically manage its intellectual capital with regard to environmental management services and to suggest a conceptual strategy for determining FM intangible assets' competitiveness and performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based on a literature review of published work within the industry in relation to environmental issues and FM knowledge management, forming a basis for a further research paradigm.
Findings
Building on the resource‐based view of the FM organisation, the FM intellectual capital framework is referred to emphasize the significance of green strategy in its knowledge components.
Research limitations/implications
This paper emphasizes the importance of FM intellectual capital in achieving overall sustainability and profitability to an organisation. However, due to limitations of experience within the FM knowledge perspective, it will take a while before significant results can be provided in proof of this.
Practical implications
This paper establishes an imperative approach about FM knowledge capital capability to drive a greater environmental effectiveness and to reduce liability from a pertinent environmental directive.
Originality/value
This paper theoretically evaluates the importance of FM intangible assets to the development of environmental management by an FM firm.