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Article
Publication date: 1 May 2001

S. CHRITAMARA, S.O. OGUNLANA and NGUYEN LUONG BACH

Traditional construction procurement is generally used for projects with no unusual features and a well‐established scope. In this method, work progresses sequentially because…

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Abstract

Traditional construction procurement is generally used for projects with no unusual features and a well‐established scope. In this method, work progresses sequentially because each step is completed before the next step is started. As such, making changes during construction is problematic and expensive. Design and build (D/B) method allows the client to introduce the contractor's design at any stage resulting in the possibility of having different levels of initial scope establishment. Consequently, the project can gain benefit through buildability and the integration of design and construction. The client's main criteria for selecting D/B procurement are to reduce the time and cost of projects through one point responsibility. Factors that are related to time and cost performance include: the completeness of the client's brief (the level of initial scope establishment by the client), changes made to the project by the client, the stage and manner in which the changes are reffected, degree of project difficulty and coordination efforts with the contractor. It is widely recognized that the initial states of those factors at the beginning of a project affect time and cost performance, but the degree of impact has yet to be studied in details. This study focuses on the effects of different levels of the initial scope establishment prior to engaging the D/B contractor. This is investigated using dynamic simulation approach. It is found that the initial scope development should be roughly in the range between 50 and 70%. Experimentation with the model developed also shows that D/B fast‐track construction with fixed design, procurement and construction schedule is most effective in saving time, whereas D/B with traditional method is best for cost saving.

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Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 8 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 1 December 2002

S. Chritamara, S.O. Ogunlana and N.L. Bach

Design and build (D/B) construction methods have gained more importance in recent years for their potential advantages in improving project performance. There are, however, a…

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Abstract

Design and build (D/B) construction methods have gained more importance in recent years for their potential advantages in improving project performance. There are, however, a number of problems that are commonplace in D/B procurement, which, when they interact with each other, can lead to project time and cost overrun problems. The most important among them are design changes, together with communication and coordination lapses among concerned parties. Past research has focused only on the characteristics of the traditional construction, or separate sub‐systems such as different phases or human resource input to projects. An attempt is made in this paper to improve D/B project time and cost performance. A generic system dynamics model is developed that incorporates major sub‐systems and their relationships inherent in D/B constructions projects. It is validated and calibrated for a typical large D/B infrastructure project using time and cost overrun problems experienced in Thailand. Extensive simulations with many policies, individually or in various combinations, show that improvement in time or cost can be made with proper policy combinations that reflect strong interactions between the whole design and build system and can be derived only if these interactions are accounted for. To achieve overall improvement in both time and cost, the combination of full overtime schedule, average material ordering, and fast track construction with moderate crashing of design is most appropriate. If cost is the focus, extending the construction schedule, combined with material ordering based on actual need, and design and build with traditional construction method is the best solution.

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Construction Innovation, vol. 2 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

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Book part
Publication date: 5 October 2018

Mohammad Raoufi, Nima Gerami Seresht, Nasir Bedewi Siraj and Aminah Robinson Fayek

Several different simulation techniques, such as discrete event simulation (DES), system dynamics (SD) and agent-based modelling (ABM), have been used to model complex…

Abstract

Several different simulation techniques, such as discrete event simulation (DES), system dynamics (SD) and agent-based modelling (ABM), have been used to model complex construction systems such as construction processes and project management practices; however, these techniques do not take into account the subjective uncertainties that exist in many construction systems. Integrating fuzzy logic with simulation techniques enhances the capabilities of those simulation techniques, and the resultant fuzzy simulation models are then capable of handling subjective uncertainties in complex construction systems. The objectives of this chapter are to show how to integrate fuzzy logic and simulation techniques in construction modelling and to provide methodologies for the development of fuzzy simulation models in construction. In this chapter, an overview of simulation techniques that are used in construction is presented. Next, the advancements that have been made by integrating fuzzy logic and simulation techniques are introduced. Methodologies for developing fuzzy simulation models are then proposed. Finally, the process of selecting a suitable simulation technique for each particular aspect of construction modelling is discussed.

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Fuzzy Hybrid Computing in Construction Engineering and Management
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-868-2

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Book part
Publication date: 19 October 2022

Ayodeji E. Oke

Functionality as a measure of project performance encompasses definitions across literature, relevance and essentiality in construction as the industry moves towards sustainable…

Abstract

Functionality as a measure of project performance encompasses definitions across literature, relevance and essentiality in construction as the industry moves towards sustainable construction. Functionality in this section shows details in social functionality, as well as functionalities expressed in assessing, implementing project performance within set out target and goal. Furthermore, for functionality to be truly experienced in construction, many factors have to be gotten right. One of such is decision making that tends towards standard expatiated in the contract agreed without compromising budget, performance, collaboration, health and safety, communication, profit, satisfaction, quality, project cost, profitability among others.

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Measures of Sustainable Construction Projects Performance
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-998-2

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Article
Publication date: 14 September 2010

Peter E.D. Love, Peter R. Davis, Joanne M. Ellis and S.O. Cheung

A considerable amount of research has been undertaken with regard to the dispute causation within construction project management. Research has eschewed identifying the…

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Abstract

Purpose

A considerable amount of research has been undertaken with regard to the dispute causation within construction project management. Research has eschewed identifying the interrelatedness of variables, which has blurred researchers understanding of dispute causation and lead to latent work practices being embedded within the contracting environment within which projects are procured. With this in mind, this paper attempts to identify the underlying dynamics influencing disputes through the use of causal modeling.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the concept of system dynamics a series of causal models are developed from the literature to demonstrate the complexity associated with dispute causation.

Findings

It is revealed that project management, organization and people are the main sources of disputes. Causal models are constructed for each of these constructs and a series of strategies for avoiding disputations identified.

Originality/value

The research has demonstrated the inherent complexity associated with disputes and identified the interrelatedness of factors that can lead to their causation. It is suggested that further empirical research is required to determine the recurring latent conditions that contribute disputes. Once these conditions are examined then effective strategies for dispute avoidance can be identified and advancement toward improving the performance of construction projects made.

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International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 3 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8378

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Article
Publication date: 2 February 2022

Ali Vahabi, Farnad Nasirzadeh and Anthony Mills

Briefing in a project delivery context is one of the most critical factors in the project success. It defines client requirements, translates these needs into design criteria and…

515

Abstract

Purpose

Briefing in a project delivery context is one of the most critical factors in the project success. It defines client requirements, translates these needs into design criteria and generates a design concept. A lack of briefing clarity is one of the main causes of design changes and may lead to project cost and time overruns. This research aims to assess the brief clarity and its influence on project cost and duration.

Design/methodology/approach

This research created the PDRI-SD technique by utilising a system dynamic (SD) approach and project definition rating index (PDRI) tool to model the complex system of project briefing and associated variables. Stock and flow diagrams of the main subsystems including the briefing, the detailed design and the construction process, were developed to assess the influence of brief clarity on project cost and time. The PDRI was adopted to measure the briefing clarity and apply in the model. PDRI-SD was then tested in Australian building refurbishment projects to assess the model's effectiveness.

Findings

The simulation results indicated that a minor reduction of the lack of clarity throughout the initial briefing process could significantly mitigate unpredicted delay and cost overruns during the detailed design and the construction stage.

Originality/value

This research contributed to the existing body of knowledge by developing an effective technique to measure the impact of lack of brief clarity on project cost and time performance. PDRI-SD can also aid project clients to predict the influence of the initial defined brief on the detailed design and construction process using the historical data of similar previous projects. It provides clients with feedback, indicating whether the brief meets project requirements or whether parts of the project brief require more clarification/rectification before the project handover to the builders.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 3 May 2011

Sherif Mohamed and Thanwadee Chinda

This paper forms part of an ongoing research project being undertaken by the authors into construction safety culture. The paper aims to investigate the interactions among five…

3501

Abstract

Purpose

This paper forms part of an ongoing research project being undertaken by the authors into construction safety culture. The paper aims to investigate the interactions among five key enablers of construction safety culture, as well as the potential impact of each enabler on organisational safety goals over a period of time.

Design/methodology/approach

Using system dynamics modelling, the paper reports on the development of a causal model simulating the interactions among safety culture enablers. The model is developed based on the logical assumption that, by improving the enablers, there will be an inevitable safety performance improvement. An index is also proposed and used as an indicator for assessing the maturity level of safety culture.

Findings

The paper presents and reports on simulation results which reveal that an organisation with ad‐hoc safety implementation (starting at a basic level of safety culture maturity) should primarily focus on enhancing leadership attributes, in the context of safety, to rapidly and successfully progress through to higher maturity levels in the future.

Practical implications

The use of system dynamic modelling, with the developed index, will help organisations to plan the most effective safety implementation process to achieve their safety goals within a planned time frame.

Originality/value

The use of modelling, with the developed index, will help organisations to plan the most effective safety implementation process to achieve their safety goals within a planned time frame.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 7 November 2008

Thanapun Prasertrungruang and B.H.W. Hadikusumo

Downtime resulting from equipment failure is a major problem consistently faced in highway construction. Since managing construction equipment is tightly connected to various…

1350

Abstract

Purpose

Downtime resulting from equipment failure is a major problem consistently faced in highway construction. Since managing construction equipment is tightly connected to various activities and parties inside as well as outside of the firm, failure to account for this fact invariably causes downtime to be even more severe. Variation in equipment management practices is thus, indeed, a root cause of the dynamics of machine downtime. This study is intended to address key dynamic features of heavy equipment management practices and downtime in small to medium highway contracting firms and propose policies for equipment performance improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

Face‐to‐face interviews with equipment managers from five different small to medium highway construction companies in Thailand were conducted. Data were analysed using a system dynamics (SD) simulation approach.

Findings

To overcome downtime problems, contractors need to understand the dynamics of downtime as well as its influential factors, and thus manage their equipment as a dynamic process rather than one that is static. Based on the simulation, various policies are proposed to improve the performance of heavy equipment for small to medium highway contractors.

Originality/value

The research is of value in facilitating better understanding on the dynamics of equipment management practices and downtime as well as their interdependency.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 15 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 1 February 2021

Mahdi Bastan, Masoumeh Zarei, Reza Tavakkoli-Moghaddam and Hamed Shakouri G.

The Iranian construction industry has been grappling with numerous problems in recent years, including rework, high costs and design errors. Engineers in this field have always…

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Abstract

Purpose

The Iranian construction industry has been grappling with numerous problems in recent years, including rework, high costs and design errors. Engineers in this field have always highlighted the use of modern technological methods of construction to improve quality and productivity and reduce time and cost. One of these technologies is the so-called building information modeling (BIM), which has been very difficult to adopt and implement in Iran. The purpose of this study is to propose a systemic and holistic model to analyze the dynamics of adoption and implementation of BIM in this country. The purpose of this paper is to understand the dynamics of BIM acceptance to identify the most effective policy to maximize it in the Iranian manufacturing industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage methodology has been developed to achieve the purpose of the research. In the first stage, a technology acceptance model for BIM acceptance was developed using the grounded theory (GT) method. This conceptual model provides a holistic basis for building a simulation model. Thus, in the second stage, we used the dynamics system methodology to extract a dynamic model from the conceptual one. This dynamic model can simulate different policies and may be used to evaluate their respective effectiveness.

Findings

In this study, using the GT method, we obtained 510 primary codes, 118 secondary codes, 50 concepts and 17 categories. After determining the relationships between categories through axial coding, we reached a conceptual model based on selective coding. Mention some of the variables of the conceptual model. Awareness, security, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are some of the most important variables of this model. In the next part, this conceptual model was run using system dynamics and, thus, turned into a causal model in which all the effective variables on BIM technology and their relationships with each other are specified. The stock and flow diagram of the problem and its related equations were presented. To improve the model and solve the problem, we examined the four policies as four future scenarios on the model: continuing the status quo, development of specialist workforce training, bolstering governmental support and increasing awareness via advertisement within. The simulation results showed that government support is the most effective policy for maximizing BIM acceptance in Iran.

Practical implications

In addition to enumerating all the factors affecting BIM technology, this paper proposes a systemic model that provides an accurate and comprehensive view of the acceptance of this technology. In this regard, by introducing feedback loops, as well as reinforcing and balancing factors versus factors causing stasis, the model offers a much deeper insight into mechanisms associated with BIM development and its barriers. Therefore, this study provides a very useful perspective and basis for policy-makers and all stakeholders to accept and implement BIM technology. The findings of this study can lead to more accurate policy-making, removal of acceptance barriers, promotion of incentives, and consequently more effective acceptance of BIM technology.

Originality/value

In this study, a new mixed research method was used. The innovation of our study lies in its simultaneous use of GT method to construct an accurate and holistic model and applying the system dynamics methodology to build a holistic and systemic model of the BIM acceptance problem. This research also provides a suitable standard and tool for studying BIM technology in developing countries.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 51 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

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Article
Publication date: 30 August 2011

W.H. Ip, S.L. Chan and C.Y. Lam

The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated approach to modeling and measuring supply chain performance and stability using system dynamics (SD) and the autoregressive…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated approach to modeling and measuring supply chain performance and stability using system dynamics (SD) and the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA).

Design/methodology/approach

SD and ARIMA models were developed, respectively, for modeling and measuring supply chain performance and for further analyzing and projecting supply chain stability for long‐term management. A case study from a typical semiconductor equipment manufacturing company is used to illustrate and validate the proposed method.

Findings

Effectiveness and efficiency, with six corresponding indicators (product reliability, employee fulfillment, customer fulfillment, on‐time delivery, profit growth, and working efficiency), were found to be the most significant factors in the performance of the supply chain. The results of the combined model provide evidence that supply chain performance of the case company is up to standard (average OPIN=0.64) and is considered stable, but still far from outstanding. Continuous improvement, especially in supply chain efficiency, is suggested in order to maximize performance.

Originality/value

This integrated approach is innovative and creates a new way for other disciplines. This study provides a practical and easy‐to‐use model that enables senior and top management decision makers and operation managers involved in the supply chain to assess, forecast, and take anticipatory action so that the supply chain can experience improvement in a timesaving and effective manner and achieve excellence in performance.

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