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1
Cho, Chung-suk. "Development of the project definition rating index (PDRI) for building projects /." Digital version accessible at:, 2000. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/utexas/main.
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Hughes, Will. "Organizational analysis of building projects." Thesis, Liverpool John Moores University, 1989. http://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/4908/.
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The principles of organization theory are applied to the organization of construction projects. This is done by proposing a framework for modelling the whole process of building procurement. This consists of a framework for describing the environments within which construction projects take place. This is followed by the development of a series of hypotheses about the organizational structure of construction projects. Four case studies are undertaken, and the extent to which their organizational structure matches the model is compared to the level of success achieved by each project. To this end there is a systematic method for evaluating the success of building project organizations, because any conclusions about the adequacy of a particular organization must be related to the degree of success achieved by that organization. In order to test these hypotheses, a mapping technique is developed. The technique offered is a development of a technique known as Linear Responsibility Analysis, and is called "3R analysis" as it deals with roles, responsibilities and relationships. The analysis of the case studies shows that they tended to suffer due to inappropriate organizational structure. One of the prevailing problems of public sector organization is that organizational structures are inadequately defined, and too cumbersome to respond to environmental demands on the project. The projects tended to be organized as rigid hierarchies, particularly at decision points, when what was required was a more flexible, dynamic and responsive organization. The study concludes with a series of recommendations; including suggestions for increasing the responsiveness of construction project organizations, and reducing the lead-in times for the inception periods.
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Sadri, Saeid Lonbani. "An Integrated information system for building construction projects." Diss., Georgia Institute of Technology, 1993. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/19468.
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Delgado-HernaÌndez, David JoaquiÌn. "A framework for building quality into construction projects." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2005. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.433493.
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Aiyetan, A. O. "Causes of rework on building construction projects in Nigeria." Interim : Interdisciplinary Journal, Vol 13, Issue 3: Central University of Technology Free State Bloemfontein, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/11462/307.
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Published ArticleConstruction projects all over the world involve many challenges, particularly for large public projects. The emerging complex nature of construction activities has brought with it characteristic features, such as, cost increases, delay in the delivery of project, to which rework (carrying out an activity more than one time) has a high contributing factor, stemming from imperfection. This study identified the sources of rework on construction projects in Nigeria from three perspectives: the client, contractor, and consultant. The study was concentrated on the South West part of Nigeria. The quantitative research method was adopted. Random sampling technique was employed in the selection of sample size. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) questionnaires were analysed using inferential statistics. The following are the findings of this study: the contributions of the client leading to rework are in the form of poor communication, inadequate construction planning and poor management practices. From the consultant, they are: lack of understanding and correct interpretation of customer requirements, constraints in carrying out activities and inexperience of personnel and on the part of the contractor they are: wrongly laying of forming course, poor quality concrete, and poor plastering. Based on the conclusions reached, the following recommendations were drawn. They are: the development of a standard information gathering format relative to clients 'by designers and clients' writing down their intentions before visiting designers; formal technical training should be given to foremen on permanent appointments with organisations, attention should be given for adequate supervision, and construction methods should be analysed before selection and their use.
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Ojiako, Udechukwu. "Project failures : a comparative study of information and communication technologies (ICT) and construction projects." Thesis, Northumbria University, 2005. http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/1914/.
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In the ICT industry, since de-regulation business objectives have been closely linked to the lowering of prices and improvement in quality of service. Unfortunately, the industry has arguably failed to deliver the majority of its projects. This research examines this described failure and considers the reasons why it occurs. As a starting point, the research suggests that the ICT industry might be better off by comparing its progress against that already made by the construction industry, an industry involved in projects with similar characteristics such as complex relationships, detailed information and long delivery periods over many phases. A framework demonstrating similarities and differences in project characteristics between construction and ICT was developed from available literature. The framework was examined and refined by carrying out in-depth interviews. It was then tested using data from a survey of professionals involved in Construction and ICT projects. The results of the analysis indicate that there are no fundamental differences either in the definition of projects or the application of project management systems, principles and methodologies between the two industries. Therefore this is not the reason for the failure of project delivery within ICT. The real problem appears to be in the method of project performance measurement, which is based on an approach to project success that is separate from progress measurement criteria.
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Phaobunjong, Kan. "Parametric cost estimating model for conceptual cost estimating of building construction projects." Thesis, Full text (PDF) from UMI/Dissertation Abstracts International, 2002. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/utexas/fullcit?p3086790.
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Soe, Yadanar. "Construction supply chain risk management framework for construction projects : case studies in Myanmar." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2017. http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/7631/.
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This research focuses on developing a Construction Supply Chain Risk Management (CSCRM) framework that can be adapted by developing countries to help construction projects make better use of materials procurement in their organisations, and to improve construction project management by effectively controlling the project to avoid project cost overruns. The research is conducted in Myanmar and all the companies studied, including the case-studies, are operating in Myanmar. The proposed CSCRM framework includes the plan, resources, process and control model part. The model suggests the development of close relationships with various stakeholders of the project for better use of the Risk Management Model. Without a proper CSCRM framework, a construction company in Myanmar can encounter a cost overrun of about three times the estimated total cost. However, the use of the proposed CSCRM framework can minimize the cost overrun by amounts of two times the total project cost. The results of case studies in three construction companies in Myanmar confirm that the proposed model is effective in managing the supply chain of construction projects in Myanmar, with effective mitigation of cost overrun risks and maximization of competitive advantages of the company.
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Kemmer, Sergio. "Development of a method for construction management in refurbishment projects." Thesis, University of Huddersfield, 2018. http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/id/eprint/34662/.
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Refurbishments have different features in comparison with new build projects. This refers mainly to the fact that they are carried out in an existing asset that might remain in operation. Such characteristics increase the complexity inherent to construction settings. Yet, studies indicate that mainstream practices, that are not capable of dealing with complex projects, are predominantly used for managing production. Prior research suggests that the use of such an incompatible management approach is likely to lead to poor performance. Indeed, problems in managing refurbishments have been identified in several countries. Despite this troubling scenario, the management of refurbishment works has not been properly addressed in the current research agenda. There are numerous studies related to the broad refurbishment area, but only a small number refer to the way those projects are managed. Moreover, the majority of studies about this topic have not been based on a proper theory of production. Clearly, there is a gap in this research domain. In order to fill such a gap, this research aims to developing a method for construction management in refurbishment projects, with the purpose of improving production performance, by indicating appropriate approaches of production control. The method comprises a conceptual model of refurbishments, a framework for project characterisation, and a list of managerial solutions, grounded on a robust theory of production and suited to the context of refurbishments. The constructive research approach is adopted in the study. Two rounds of empirical studies were conducted throughout the research. Firstly, two studies were carried out to obtain a deeper understanding of the topic investigated and to develop the initial version of the method. Secondly, a study was conducted to implement and refine the artefact. Thirdly, a focus group was organised to evaluate the utility of the method, to refine it, and to examine its scope of applicability. The main theoretical contributions of the study, embrace the conceptual model of refurbishments to support effective construction management, the framework having project dimensions for helping managers to cope with the management of complexity innate to refurbishments, and the framework of managerial solutions for production management. In practical terms, the study showed that the application of the method assisted managers in choosing suitable practices for managing construction in a retrofit project and contributed to enhance project performance. Moreover, it is contended that the method can be used to help organisations to get started on lean in refurbishment projects.
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Jimenez, Jose Manuel. "Feasibility of the SIMSUPER simulation model in the renovation of building projects." Link to electronic version, 1999. http://www.wpi.edu/Pubs/ETD/Available/etd-052699-142450/unrestricted/thesis.pdf.
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Shaikh, Ishrat. "Virtual Team Management in Construction Projects and the role of BIM : A study of challenges faced by construction projects in managing virtual teams distributed globally." Thesis, KTH, Byggnadsteknik, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-235695.
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Oey, Marvin. "Effects of selected practices on the cost performance of building projects /." Digital version, 2001. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/utexas/fullcit?p3008408.
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Alharbi, Meshal Abdulaziz B. "Factors influencing project team effectiveness to achieve quality of building projects in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2022. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/227840/1/Meshal%20Abdulaziz%20B_Alharbi_Thesis.pdf.
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This thesis investigated the organisational and project levels factors influencing team effectiveness to achieve quality of building projects in the KSA. Team effectiveness outcomes were also investigated. The research employed two data collection stages for quantitative and qualitative analysis. The survey was validated for evaluating perceived team effectiveness factors to achieve quality through the interviews. The principal component analysis and Thematic analysis were utilised. Relationships among team effectiveness factors were explored in the developed conceptual framework. The conceptual framework enables construction organisations to better understand the organisational and project levels influences on team effectiveness to achieve quality.
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Ruan, Ximing. "Inter-organizational knowledge integration on construction projects : a social network approach." Thesis, Northumbria University, 2007. http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/1038/.
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This research compares knowledge integration in competitive and collaborative construction projects in the UK. It begins with the assumption that the most valuable commodity transferred along project supply chains is knowledge. It has been suggested that collaborative working methods (such as partnering) may represent a significant improvement in the way project knowledge can be captured and integrated. However, most academic work on knowledge management has concentrated on its integration within rather than between organizations: the topic is more difficult to address in multi-firm, project-based, and economically fragmented industries (such as construction). The present study focuses upon collaborative working as a vehicle for knowledge integration along the project supply chain. A review of the literature examines how recent approaches to construction organisation have sought to improve performance: these approaches all draw attention to such critical attributes as trust, commitment and relationships, all of which are difficult to measure. In this research, a social network analysis approach has been adopted to do this. This is the first time the technique has been put fully to this use in the context of construction projects. Software has been used to help visualize and compare knowledge networks in five projects (representing competitive and collaborative working) and this has provided data for comparison of different working patterns under different procurement systems. The working patterns and knowledge transactions in the two different procurement systems were shown to be different, and there were clear associations between the degree of collaborative working and the nature of social networks encountered. The technique has overcome previous difficulties in measuring certain attributes of collaborative working; has provided a way of benchmarking the differences in the way that competitive and collaborative working facilitate project knowledge integration; and represents a useful and novel way of analysing organizational behaviour in projects. It has explained why and how partnering and collaborative working can bring certain advantages.
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Fernandez, Diego, Yeffry Zamora, Sandra Rodriguez, and Jorge Vilcapoma. "Daily Control System for the Construction of Multi-family Building Projects." Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/10757/653822.
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El texto completo de este trabajo no está disponible en el Repositorio Académico UPC por restricciones de la casa editorial donde ha sido publicado.Construction projects for buildings, in the execution stage, show a variation of the real with respect to what is planned in the budget. The consequence of this lag presented usually causes large economic losses. Given this situation, in the construction industry, various control systems have been developed that have as a final deliverable a frequent management report, which serves to make decisions regarding the analyzed, whose results are applied and evaluated after a specific period of time. These management reports have good results at the time of their application; however, data processing, analysis execution, and decision making take approximately 30 days. In this sense, the present investigation proposes to develop a control system focused in real time, generated by the daily control in the execution stage. The results show a reduction of waste in the main resources of multi-family building projects, and this is in labor and materials, identifying the causes that originate them and suggesting generic solutions, at the end of the workday.
Revisión por pares
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Kisamfu, Rehema Aman. "Investigating Contractual Challenges of Performing Cost Control in Building Construction Projects." Thesis, KTH, Fastigheter och byggande, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-297855.
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Quantity Surveyors are considered as the most qualified cost specialists in the construction industry, with their experiences and skills in cost management and control as well as contract management. However, this role is not well recognized in Sweden compared to other countries such as the UK where it’s originated from. And so, the construction industry in Sweden uses other professions for the roles that were supposed to be done by quantity surveyors or cost managers. As a result, the quantity surveyors that have penetrated the Swedish construction industry, face challenges to perform their duties specifically in this case, cost control due to several circumstances. This study has looked into different contractual challenges that face quantity surveyors while performing cost control in building projects. Also, recommendations have been made to help mitigate these challenges and improve cost control in projects. In this master thesis, qualitative study has been performed where quantity surveyors were interviewed regarding cost control and the contractual challenges, they face in building construction projects. The findings were analysed with a theoretical framework and discussed together with previous research and knowledge and in this study principal – agent theory was used. The results of the study showed that poor planning, late involvement of the quantity surveyors in projects, lack of effective communication and poor contract management are the main challenges that face quantity surveyor in performing cost control in building projects. To overcome these challenges, the author suggests that there is a need of increasing awareness on the importance of having quantity surveyors and clearly establish their roles in projects, have proper communication plan, proper contract management and improve skills on quantity surveying software.Kvantitetbesiktningsman anses vara de mest kvalificerade kostnadsspecialisterna inom byggbranschen, med sina erfarenheter och färdigheter inom kostnadsstyrning och kontroll samt kontrakthantering. Denna roll är dock inte välkänd i Sverige jämfört med andra länder som Storbritannien där den härstammar från. Och så använder byggbranschen i Sverige andra yrken för de roller som skulle göras av kvantitetsmätare eller kostnadsansvariga. Som ett resultat står de kvantitetsmätare som har trängt igenom den svenska byggbranschen inför utmaningar att utföra sina uppgifter specifikt i detta fall, kostnadskontroll på grund av flera omständigheter. Denna studie har undersökt olika avtalsmässiga utmaningar som möter kvantitetsmätare när de utför kostnadskontroll i byggprojekt. Dessutom har rekommendationer gjorts för att mildra dessa utmaningar och förbättra kostnadskontrollen i projekt. I detta examensarbete har en kvalitativ studie utförts där kvantitetbesiktningsman intervjuades angående kostnadskontroll och de kontraktsmässiga utmaningar som de står inför i byggprojekt. Resultaten analyserades med en teoretisk ram och diskuterades tillsammans med tidigare forskning och kunskap och i denna studie användes princip - agentteori. Resultaten av studien visade att dålig planering, sen involvering av kvantitetsmätarna i projekt, brist på effektiv kommunikation och dålig kontrakthantering är de viktigaste utmaningarna för kvantitetsmätaren när det gäller att utföra kostnadskontroll i byggprojekt. För att övervinna dessa utmaningar föreslår författaren att det finns ett behov av att öka medvetenheten om vikten av att ha kvantitetsmätare och tydligt fastställa sina roller i projekt, ha korrekt kommunikationsplan, korrekt kontrakthantering och förbättra färdigheterna i kvantitetsmätningsprogramvara.
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Park, Moonseo 1967. "Robust control of cost impact on fast-tracking building construction projects." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/9500.
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Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 1999.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 74-75).
The fast-tracking delivery method has received considerable attention in recent years. Its time saving feature has placed it as an alternative to the sequential method. Effective fast-tracking may shorten delivery time and lower project costs. However, it should be highlighted that fast tracking also inherits a greater potential for an unexpected cost increase due to uncertainty in planning and management. To handle such inherent risks, fast-tracking should be undertaken with proper planning and management in a systematic manner. A closer observation of the design and construction process reveals that all of the cost-increasing factors in fast-tracking are directly or indirectly related to non value-adding or corrective changes. These changes are mainly attributed to uncertainty that is rooted in the interdependency of project tasks. Consequently, reducing this interdependency and managing the undesirable interactions among project tasks hold a key to successful fast-tracking. To meet these challenges, a robust planning and control methodology is developed to provide a systematic solution. The proposed methodology is elaborated based on concurrent engineering and system dynamics. Concurrent engineering is applied to develop an overlapping framework for the construction processes and to enable the interdependency among them to be minimized. The system dynamics modeling approach helps analyze and quantify the effect of dynamic interactions among the design and construction processes. The final result of this research may help ensure that the fast-tracking approach achieves sizable delivery time reductions without driving up costs. The provision of an optimal overlapping strategy, workforce control policy, and schedule adjustments assists in satisfying this goal.
by Moonseo Park.
S.M.
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Serhan, Ahmad, and Asen Draganov. "Project managers’ communication skills and stakeholder engagement in sustainable construction projects." Thesis, Malmö högskola, Fakulteten för kultur och samhälle (KS), 2016. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-22559.
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Lindblad, Hannes. "Study of the implementation process of BIM in construction projects." Thesis, KTH, Fastigheter och byggande, 2013. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-124138.
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The AEC-industry has been lagging behind other types of production industries in terms of productivity development for the last 40 years. The reason for this has been described as to be a combination of the collaborative needs in performing construction projects combined with the fragmented nature of the AEC-industry. Building information modelling (BIM) has been presented as a way of addressing these issues and thereby improving productivity in construction projects. The adoption of BIM has been slow and many barriers hindering widespread adoption of this technology have been revealed. There are however no single barrier that could be solved individually in order to enable more extensive BIM adoption. These barriers are hindering many different aspects of effective adoption of BIM. When compared to traditional 2D CAD systems, BIM is a more efficient way of handling information connected to the project or the building. Adoption of BIM enables changes in work processes that can streamline the performance in construction projects. Adoption of BIM is not only a change in technology; there is a need for substantial changes in work processes in order to make improvements to productivity. BIM is a tool to improve processes in order to reach certain goals, not a goal in own right. In this thesis I examine how BIM has been adopted in two different construction projects. The research aims to develop the understanding of the barriers hindering BIM adoption in order to make it more accessible for the AEC-industry.
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Poon, Joanna L. K. "Development of a process model for the design stage of building projects." Thesis, University of Wolverhampton, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/2436/111548.
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Gameson, R. N. "An investigation into the interaction between potential building clients and construction professionals." Thesis, University of Reading, 1992. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.332820.
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Alfaifi, Hassan Jaber M. "Developing a sustainability assessment model for public building projects." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2021. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/209313/1/Hassan%20Jaber%20M_Alfaifi_Thesis.pdf.
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This study developed a comprehensive sustainability assessment model for public building projects. The study has considered a unique socio-economic, cultural, environmental and climatic context of Saudi Arabia and its rapidly developing construction industry in the design, implementation and testing of the model. The study developed 11 sustainability categories and 57 evaluation criteria along with the appropriate weighting system to assess and evaluate sustainability of new public building construction projects. The developed model contributes to facilitate sustainable construction practices and provides a systematic approach to developing a rating system to other building stocks.
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Alwash, Adam. "Development of Collaborative Contractual Framework for Building Information Modelling Enabled Construction Projects." Thesis, Curtin University, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/79909.
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The need for greater collaboration and communication are leitmotivs have been identified as core issues that need to be improved in the construction industry. A conceptual governance framework was developed to determine the relationships and interactions of the dimensions of collaboration required to improve the performance of BIM-enabled projects. Then, using precedents from case-law, the core dimensions of collaboration that are identified are legitimised and therefore, can be considered in conjunction with existing contract forms.
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Kuranchie, Francis Atta. "Characterisation and applications of iron ore tailings in building and construction projects." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2015. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/1623.
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The mine tailings are generated as the wastes worldwide as a result of exploration, excavation, blasting, beneficiation and extraction of mineral ores. In Western Australia, due to the extensive mining activities and increasing low grade ores, there is generation of mine tailings in large quantities, which could lead to environmental and disposal problems. The common practice of handling the tailings are to store them in tailing dams or as stockpiles near mine sites. Limited quantities are sometimes used as backfills and other applications. The utilisation of tailings in building and construction projects, which may consume a large volume of wastes, have not been explored extensively so far. Additionally, the understanding of chemical composition-based utilisation of tailings has very limited investigation.
In the present research, a critical review of the literature was made focusing on the utilisation of mine tailings in large quantities. Experiments have been conducted by developing a methodology to characterise the tailings based on the relationship that exists between electrical resistivity and the relative density of the tailings in dry and wet conditions. The results show that the electrical resistivity of iron ore mine tailings produced in Western Australia in dry condition ranges from 11 kΩm in a more dense state to 19 kΩm in a very loose state, while that in fully saturated condition ranges from 20 Ωm for a very dense state to 31 Ωm in a very loose state.
The laboratory investigation has been conducted to utilise iron ore tailings to produce geopolymer bricks. The sized tailings were mixed with sodium silicate solution used as an activator to form a paste. The paste was moulded and cured for different durations. It was found that the geopolymer bricks produced from iron ore tailings could have a compressive strength as high as 50.35 MPa. This is either superior or similar to international standard specifications for conventional bricks. Additionally, the new bricks will be more economical than conventional bricks with potential cost reduction of 36.8%.
The research has also investigated the utilisation of iron ore mine tailings to replace conventional aggregates in concrete. 100% of both fine and coarse conventional aggregates were replaced with tailings in the mixed design. The concrete mix was casted into moulds and cured. It was found that the compressive strength of the concrete with tailings aggregates at 28 days was 36.95 MPa which shows an improvement of 11.56% over the concrete with conventional aggregates. Additionally, the new concrete met all other requirements for quality assessment of concrete.
Finally, the research has conducted investigation into load-settlement behaviour of iron ore tailings to be considered as a structural fill material. The experiment was conducted in a model test tank in the laboratory varying the relative density of the tailings. It was found that the load-bearing capacity is 22 times higher, and the stiffness is 13.5 times higher than their values for conventional fill materials.
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Vermeulen, Bernard. "The role of a design engineer in safety of building projects." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/86355.
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Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.One of the causes for money to be wasted on construction sites is accidents. The reason is that an accident on site is an unplanned event typically relating to the loss of production or the loss of life. Many industry stakeholders and role players have focused on construction health and safety and to improve this area of concern; however, construction health and safety are not significantly improving. Construction still continues to contribute a large number of fatalities and injuries relative to other industry sectors. During the construction phase, poor construction health and safety performance is attributable to a lack of management commitment, inadequate supervision, and a lack of health and safety training and - systems. Health and safety systems do not only include excellent health and safety management on site, but rather an integrated approach on health and safety issues from the conceptual design phase by all stakeholders participating. This integrated approach includes the design done by the engineer. The inspiration behind this research is the question of whether South African Engineers design buildings safe for construction. The lack of knowledge by engineers with regard to construction processes, the lack of health and safety enforcement in the engineering offices and construction sites, and whether engineers adhere to safe design principles is the subject of investigation in this research. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the role of the design engineer in the safety of building projects. Specifically, it investigates to what extent the design engineer can contribute to site safety, and to what extent this is actually taking place. The Construction Regulations states the engineer can be appointed to act on behalf of a client and should share any information that might affect the health and safety of construction employees with the contractor. By means of a literature study, the investigation of case studies and the investigation of questionnaires to which a percentage of South African engineers responded, this research identified the information that should be shared by the design engineer with the contractor. The information can be shared by indicating hazardous activities or - locations on the actual drawings. Information can also be shared by specifying and reminding the contractor of certain health and safety hazards in the health and safety specifications of the building project. Although the Construction Regulations state that the safety hazards associated with most construction processes are the responsibility of the contractor, it will be beneficial for the safety of the employees if the engineer also consults the contractor on the hazards identified by him or her during the early design stages. Early collaboration between the engineer and contractor is also beneficial for the safety of construction employees. The result is an integrated approach towards safety hazard identification and mitigation. Having adequate knowledge with regard to construction processes allows the engineer to be aware of possible safety hazards. This will result in the correct information to be shared with the contractor and incorporated into the early design phases of the project to ensure a healthy and safe working environment. The study shows that a percentage of South African engineers have a lack of site experience, a lack of safety training, a lack of knowledge with regard to the content of the Construction Regulations, and a lack of knowledge with regard to construction processes. These shortcomings can be detrimental to site safety.
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Awosina, Abiodun Emmanuel. "Causes and effects of cost underestimation on construction projects in South Africa." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/2526.
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Thesis (MTech (Construction Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.The South African construction industry is faced with challenges which contribute to unsuccessful project delivery. Cost underestimation have negative contribution to construction projects, the effects and causes of cost underestimation have not been adequately explored with the objective of providing mitigating mechanisms. This study is aimed at investigating factors which contribute to cost underestimation, the prevalence of cost underestimation in relation to causes and effects of cost underestimation, with the final objective to establish mechanisms for efficient mitigation of cost underestimation. The study review literatures relating to cost estimation, and additional data were collected in form of a structured questionnaire. The questions highlight the following areas; project planning, method and techniques, and tools as factors contributing to cost underestimation; scope changes and risk associated with specialized building works as prevalence of cost underestimation; planning stage, design and material changes risk due to unforeseen factors as causes of cost underestimation; loss of reputation, exposure to risk and financial loss as effects of cost underestimation; and design requirements, effective techniques and planning as cost underestimation mitigation mechanism. A total of one hundred and forty two (142) emails were sent via the survey website to the selected respondents and seventy four (74) responses were received. A quantitative approach was used and a convenient purposive sampling of respondents was used by handpicking the respondents from the available register of the South African Council for Quantity Surveying Professions (SACQSP) and the general building contractors registered with Construction Industry Development Board (CIBD), construction professionals working in quantity surveying practice and construction firms within and around Cape Town.
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Mahdad, Sadeghi. "Achieving design quality in building projects : an evolving understanding of critical success factors and stakeholder attributes." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2015. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/83228/.
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Good building design can provide a myriad of benefits. There is ample evidence suggesting an association between design attributes and various outcomes for users and other stakeholders of built environments. Despite is importance, design quality is found to be overlooked in building projects in favour of other objectives such as time and cost. Recent initiatives have attempted to highlight the value of design quality, however, their focus have been mainly on post project completion and building evaluation. ‘How’ design quality - with its complex nature –is achieved during the projects has seen little empirical attempt. The research in this thesis, therefore, aimed to improve the understanding of design quality achievement in building projects by exploring the critical success factors (CSFs) and stakeholder attributes. A multi-phase, mixed methods approach was developed to fulfil this aim. In the first phase, the theory and methods offered in ‘project success’ and ‘stakeholder management’ assisted in devising a developmental process to a) identify, validate and evaluate the CSFs, and to b) explore stakeholder attributes using three major analysis models. A preliminary interview study, then, explored the viewpoints of 11 architects on the topic and verified the research aim and directions. A matrix-based model was also used to map the bi-directionality between design quality and its stakeholders. The second phase, consisting of a qualitative study followed by a quantitative one, first identified 36 potential CSFs from the perspective of 10 experts and then validated 28 of them through a questionnaire survey of 129 individuals with architecture and client backgrounds. ‘Brief’, ‘communications’ and ‘leadership’ were revealed as the most important CSFs. Using principal Component Analysis to assess the interrelationships between the CSFs in 126 building projects extracted 7 components that could meaningfully represent the CSFs. Moreover, Regression Analysis was employed to establish the causal relationship between these components and the design quality success criteria of functionality, build quality and impact. It was found that the components collectively contribute to the achievement of design quality in real projects but differently to each of its success criteria. Also, by applying the second stakeholder model, it was found that clients and architects had the highest level of power, proximity and urgency with regard to design quality decisions while users and facility managers were low in these attributes. In phase 3, Social Network Analysis was used to model and visualise the stakeholder relationships with regard to design quality in a case project (third stakeholder model). 21 members of the stakeholder groups were approached and their involvement, influence and communication effectiveness were assessed. Apart from the evolving understanding obtained through the above process, the research contributed by developing conceptual frameworks for a) design quality CSFs, b) design quality related stakeholder relationships, and c) success criteria of building projects. Moreover, for the first time, the dynamism of stakeholder communications in a construction project was visualised for different stages. Based on the knowledge emerged, the research also proposed a holistic evaluation of design quality achievement to enhance the current DQI tool.
28
Alnasseri, Nasser. "Managing and controlling airport construction projects : a strategic management framework for operators." Thesis, Northumbria University, 2015. http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/32542/.
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During the last few decades, strategic management and strategic human resource management theories have received a great deal of attention in many industrial sectors. The complex and constantly changing business environment has driven large construction companies more than ever before to reflect on the interplay between their organisational strategies and their strategic management processes, tools and techniques. This is despite the great value of human capital for an organisation’s strategic flexibility within different sets of environmental evolutions. This includes people in various positions, administrative, professional, managerial and unskilled, as well as numerous project stakeholders. Several researchers are increasingly interested in applying strategies and human-related studies within the construction industry; however, an integrated study of these two factors has been notably lacking, particularly in an airport context where the challenges and difficulties of managing construction projects are high. This doctoral thesis contributes to the existing literature by exploring the unique characteristics of an airport construction environment, along with reporting the findings of the impact that different airport ownership forms have on construction management efficiency. Through integrating numerous theories and concepts associated with project strategies, strategic human resource management and various efficiency management attributes, this research project presents a unique strategic framework that offers a structured approach to support airport holding bodies. Research primary data were collected following semi-structured interviews with senior construction project managers of airport operators within three distinct airport organisations in terms of their ownership structures. The resultant findings provide insight into the many differences between the case studies in term of project management practices. Furthermore, an explanation of the key practices that influence the occurrence of project success were identified. This doctoral investigation identified there is a need for flexibility and scalability aligned with adopting the strategic framework and engaging its conceptual application with actual management and controlling practices. In essence, the research framework was developed for each category of airport organisation, where an airport organisation is encouraged to focus its efforts on managing the most important framework components which are needed for effective improvement of management practices and, accordingly, to achieve expectations. The resulting theoretical framework provides a unique tool for airport operators to apply their project management knowledge effectively in order to realize complex projects and to secure potential efficiency gains. This study therefore provides a novel theoretical insight into the strategic management of human resources during airport construction projects. The primary application of the strategic framework is concerned with managing and controlling existing airport construction projects, particularly refurbishment or extension projects, however this could be also applied to new airport construction projects where the factors affecting strategic management and strategic human resource management anticipated to be different to those studied during this investigation. This has paved the way for future investigations to be conducted to tackle this dichotomy and further understand the intriguing aspects of airport construction business.
29
Zahiroddiny, Sonia. "Understanding the impact of Building Information Modelling (BIM) on construction projects' communication patterns." Thesis, Northumbria University, 2016. http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/30221/.
Full textAbstract:
The aim of this research study is to understand the impacts of Building Information Modelling (BIM) on communication patterns of construction projects. This has been investigated through the identification of current communication patterns within the construction sector. A communication framework has been constructed which identifies a set of characteristics and defines benchmarks according to those patterns that can be managed during BIM implementation. This thesis has examined the issues surrounding the use of e-mail and BIM and addresses the potential that BIM has to increase electronic communication caused by traditional and disjointed working practices as well as lack of pre-defined communication protocols. This research finds that today the use of e-mail has become inevitable which promotes the exchange of documents as attachments. However, BIM is introducing new ways of working in which the industry is bound to move from a document-centric environment to a more data-driven environment utilising intelligent and data rich information models. The study continues to discuss that the integration of BIM as a collaboration platform is not as advanced as the industry sector perceives and proposes the necessity of a greater understanding of current communication practices, which can be addressed by the development of a conceptual framework of communication. This study has utilised a mixed method strategy with a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods and it was divided into two stages. The initial stage employed two research techniques; a pilot study and focus groups. This stage was largely exploratory and set out to understand and observe current trends with regards to construction communication and used an inductive reasoning to generate a hypothesis. The second stage of the study was explanatory to explain the impacts of BIM on communication patterns of construction projects using descriptive analysis as well as using deductive reasoning to achieve a clear demonstration and a validation of the hypothesis. During this stage electronic communication patterns and peoples‘ activities were critically evaluated via data mining techniques on a large dataset provided by a 4Projects, a Software as a Service (SaaS) company. Conclusions of the research highlight the potential for better understanding of the impacts of BIM on communication patterns though the development of a conceptual communication framework and the use of contextualised maturity models. This research has identified opposing views within the industry with regards to the impact of BIM on communication patterns within construction projects. These views are polarised into the belief at one extreme that BIM will lead to improved communication and at the other that BIM will lead to increased unmanaged and unreliable information exchanges during design and construction of projects. The results of this thesis also demonstrate a wide range of concerns around communication practices. These issues are due to the growth of the industry in relation to technology, organisation size, project complexity, cultural changes and innovation. Some of the key cultural barriers include; digital engineering capability and competency, cost-driven culture, shift from document and records management to data and information management, legal and commercial aspects of project contracts, collaborative frameworks, education, training and support and leadership in a digital construction which need to be resolved in order to obtain the most benefit from BIM as a collaboration platform.
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Adams, Russell John. "Quantitative Modelling Methods for the Incorporation of Uncertainty into Construction Project Estimates." Thesis, Link to the online version, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10019/952.
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Alsulamy, Saleh. "Developing a performance measurement framework for municipal construction projects in Saudi Arabia." Thesis, Edinburgh Napier University, 2015. http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/8802.
Full textAbstract:
Performance measurement has the main aim of helping organizations to realize how decision-making processes can be harnessed to improve success rate in past activities and how the understanding from the current and past can lead to future improvements. Specifically, a comprehensive performance measurement practise must enhance the achievement of the key aim of the project stakeholders, the objectives of the project itself, and the needs of the users all of which should be capable of being represented in raw data to be manipulated and measured by a performance measurement tool. The performance of a project is directly related to its potential for success, and on the other hand, the CSFs of a project have a direct bearing on the project's performance. In essence, the efficiency and effectiveness measures of a project are essential yardsticks for assessing project performance and success. The stakeholders in a project have needs and expectations which the project is being conceived to satisfy, therefore, these needs and expectations must be held paramount during the conceptual design, development execution, and operation stages of a project. This is applicable to the general construction industry and in particular, in construction projects implemented by municipal organisations. However, municipal construction project have been fraught with delays, cost overruns and failure in operational performance. Hence, the overall aim of this research is to develop a framework within which municipal construction project performance can be measured in the SA at any stage of the project, and specifically to increase its effectiveness and efficiency of the project in order to improve the project's performance to the satisfaction of stakeholders. This study was implemented through the administration of a questionnaire survey based on a hypothesis that requires the identification of the challenges and obstacles that are facing the implementation of municipal construction project in SA. The collected data is based on responses from three major organisations; government, contractors and consultants that are involved in the delivery of municipal construction projects in SA. Mean and analysis of variance (ANOVA statistic) was used to manipulate the data from the questionnaire within the SPSS v.20 software environment. The resulting framework was subjected to a validation procedure which involved a structured interview process based on a focus group consisting of experts that were specially selected for the purpose establishing the extent to which the framework is practical, clear, applicable and comprehensive. Also, the focus group was used to determine the significance of the CSFs, PMs, and success (efficiency and effectiveness) measures. Overall, this study found that a total absence of performance measurement concept process permeates the management of construction projects in SA and in the municipality construction projects in particular. To close this gap, this study was embarked upon to investigate and identify the various performance measurement approaches and frameworks that are used to support the guidance of project performance toward success. Notably, this study emphasises the importance of stakeholder needs and expectation forming the bases of municipality construction projects in SA. Specifically, this study suggests that the measurement of project performance in municipality construction projects in SA should be integrated in a holistic framework containing several elements that will help to guide construction projects toward success.
32
Botta, Marina. "Towards sustainable renovation : three resarch projects /." Stockholm : School of Architecture, Royal Institute of Technology, 2005. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-599.
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Bu-qammaz, Amani. "Risk Assessment Of International Construction Projects Using The Analytic Network Process." Master's thesis, METU, 2007. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12608442/index.pdf.
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This thesis offers a comprehensive risk assessment methodology that provides a
decision support tool, directed for Turkish construction organizations, which can be
utilized through the bidding decisions for international construction projects. Within
this context the analytic network process technique is implemented to develop a risk
assessment model, which is used to derive the relative priorities of the risk factors
associated with international construction projects. The findings of the risk
assessment model have demonstrated that the most significant sources of risk are
vagueness of contract conditions about risk allocation, client, and immaturity of legal
system in the host country. Factors such as low % of advance payment, geographical
distance, and bribery were found to be relatively insignificant. An international
construction project risk rating software application is then developed. The
application incorporates the derived priorities from the risk assessment model to
calculate a risk rating for a given international construction project. To increase the credibility of the results a risk rating adjustment methodology was
integrated into the application. Its purpose is to count for the potential influencing
factors that may increase the risk level of a given project. The influencing factors
which were considered are the company&rsquos experience, contract type, level of the available project data from the outset, and project delivery system. The application is also structured to enhance the organizational learning practices. It improves the process of the organizational memory formation with respect to postproject risk data by developing a database of risk information of the rated projects for future references. The reliability of the application was tested with post-projects risk data and was found to be satisfactory.
34
Chan, Chung-kwong. "The adaptation of building consultancy firms in Hong Kong for handling PRC projects /." Hong Kong : University of Hong Kong, 1996. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record.jsp?B25947710.
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Alshehri, Abdullah Mohammed. "Conflict in architectural projects : diagnosis and avoidance : a study based on Saudi Arabian construction industry." Thesis, University of Manchester, 2013. https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/conflict-in-architectural-projects--diagnosis-and-avoidancea-study-based-on-saudi-arabian-construction-industry(795de607-2709-4c24-9373-7762ce303c0a).html.
Full textAbstract:
The main purpose of this research project was to bridge the existing knowledge gap inthe empirical identification and understanding of how conflict occurs between keyproject parties within Saudi Arabia’s public sector building projects. Such conflict hasbecome an increasingly endemic feature within the last 20 years, and this researchproject provides a contribution in knowledge terms which will help to overcome theobstacles and challenges impeding growth and development in the field. This wasachieved by conducting an investigation to provide the theoretical background aboutthe antecedents of conflict, and presenting a number of project management suggestions to avoid or minimise.Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were utilised in this study. Thequalitative research data was obtained from 30 in-depth semi-structured interviewswith four types of key project party, namely, project owners, consultants, contractors,and sub-contractors. This was followed by two separate questionnaire surveys. The firstwas a means of validating conflict data obtained from the interviews, and the secondwas used to test Project Management - PM data, . In this part of the study, 672questionnaires were sent to various people engaged in the Saudi Arabian constructionindustry. The response rate was 46.1% (n = 310 ).In terms of the interview data, a total of 349 data items were derived and from these data items, 30 general themes emerged concerning various causes of conflict and the latent conditions of conflict, providing descriptions of what and how conflicts arise within Saudi Arabian public building projects. From these general themes, 31 recommendations for strategic project management processes are made, with the intention of preventing or at least minimising conflict. The quantitative survey conducted to test these project management strategies (recommendations) revealed that all of them were supported. The study subsequently produced a cyclical framework of conflict avoidance, derived from the research methodology used in the study, and this is outlined to enable project building participants, whether individuals, groups, or organisations, to improve their project management strategy from project to project.The research recommends that: generally, certain project management strategiesshould be implemented in the earlier phases of a project in order to promote conflictavoidance behaviours or at least to effect a reduction in these. Furthermore, strategicactions are required to deal with the latent condition-related issues in respect of building projects in the Saudi Arabian context. In this case, reforms to current practices are required to improve the performance within the building industry. It is also recommended that further research be undertaken to explore other latent conditions of conflict and conflicts themselves in order to develop additional project management strategies aimed at managing the causes of conflict.
36
Kavishe, Neema Wilbard. "Improving the delivery of PPP housing projects in developing countries." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2018. http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/8784/.
Full textAbstract:
The supply of adequate and affordable houses is still a big challenge in many developing countries. Governments have sought to use different housing strategies, such as public private partnerships (PPPs), to solve these urban housing problems, but with limited success. The aim of this study is, firstly, to examine the challenges affecting the delivery of HPPP projects in developing countries and, secondly, to propose a PPP conceptual model to address the identified challenges. A mixed-methods approach was used to collect data from various stakeholders involved with housing public private partnership (HPPP) projects. Purposive sampling was used to select the targeted respondents. The quantitative data were analysed through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 22.0) whereas the qualitative data were analysed by content analysis. This study identified several challenges hindering the success of HPPP projects with the highest ranked challenge found to be: inadequate PPP skills and knowledge. Results demonstrate that PPP can be adopted as an alternative approach; however; the identified challenges need to be addressed for a successful outcome to be achieved. The key contributions to knowledge include: bridging the literature gap as this study is the first that identifies and ranks the HPPP challenges within the developing country context. Additionally, a conceptual model has been developed by adopting (and modifying as appropriate) success factors from international best practice. It is anticipated that the proposed conceptual model, validated by PPP experts, will provide a valuable road map for the successful delivery of HPPP projects in developing countries.
37
Mehdi, Riazi Salman Riazi. "The use of supply chain management to reduce delays as result of pre-construction deficiencies in Malaysian public sector construction projects." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2014. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/74750/1/Salman%20Riazi_Mehdi%20Riazi_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis examined the delay causes of Malaysian public sector projects. Using a systematic approach, the researcher identified the main delay factors and categorised them into pathogens. The pathogens were matched with beneficial Supply Chain Management (SCM) tools and developed into a holistic SCM framework to facilitate improvements in Malaysian public sector projects. The researcher concluded that SCM is the potential saviour for the delay dilemma and that it is necessary for the Malaysian government to initiate the revolutionary practice.
38
Williams, Terry L. "Use of Team Building on Construction Projects to Reduce Cost Growth and Schedule Growth." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/36984.
Full textAbstract:
The benefits of the team building process have been examined for many years by several organizations. The Army Corp of Engineers, Project Management Institute, and Construction Industry Institute studies provided the foundation for this research. Cost growth and schedule growth are two areas that were suspected to be improved by the use of team building. A thorough statistical and graphical analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of the team building process on cost growth and schedule growth. The project phases and demographic slices were examined for both the contractors and owners.
The analysis of the relationship between the team building process and reduction of cost growth and schedule growth provides overwhelming support for implementing the process on construction projects. Although results of particular projects are not always supportive, the overall trends indicate that both budget overruns and schedule extensions can be reduced by the use of a team building process. Particular project categories have been identified as very susceptible to the positive influences of the team building process. Early implementation appears to be crucial in maximizing the benefits of the team building process.Master of Science
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Quiso, E., J. Rivera, and J. Farje. "Proposal for the application of ICE and BIM sessions to increase productivity in construction." IOP Publishing Ltd, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/10757/655943.
Full textAbstract:
Several studies have shown that the main problem in the construction industry is low productivity. Therefore, this study focuses on developing a proposal through a methodology that can increase productivity in the construction of buildings. The proposed methodology is Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), which has 4 pillars: Building Information Modeling (BIM), Integrated Concurrent Engineering (ICE), metrics and Project Production Management (PPM). However, the article mainly develops BIM and ICE sessions. In addition, in the ICE sessions, "work executors"will be added, so that the information is fed back by both parties, specialist engineers and work executors. Finally, the proposal will be applied in a multi-family building project in the city of Lima - Peru, in order to obtain improvement results.
40
Helvaci, Aziz. "Comparison Of Parametric Models For Conceptual Duration Estimation Of Building Projects." Master's thesis, METU, 2008. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/2/12609759/index.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Estimation of construction durations is a very crucial part of project planning, as several key decisions are based on the estimated durations. In general, construction durations are estimated by using planning and scheduling techniques such as Gannt or bar chart, the Critical Path Method (CPM), and the
Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT). However, these techniques usually require detailed design information for estimation of activity durations and determination of the sequencing of the activities. In some cases, pre-design duration estimates may be performed by using these techniques, however, accuracy of these estimates mainly depends on the experience of the planning engineer.
In this study, it is aimed to develop and compare alternative methods for conceptual duration estimation of building constructions with basic data information available at the early stages of projects. Five parametric duration estimation models are developed with the data of 17 building projects which were constructed by a contractor in United States. Regression analysis and artificial neural networks are used in the development of these five duration estimation models. A parametric cost estimation model is developed using regression analysis for cost estimations to be used in calculating the prediction performances of cost based duration estimation models. Finally, prediction performances of all parametric duration estimation models are determined and
compared. The models provided reasonably accurate estimates for construction durations. The results also indicated that construction durations can be predicted
accurately without making an estimate for the project cost.
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Qadi, Taj Eddin Al. "Total project management efficiency measurements and mechanisms of control in a developing country : administrative control of building expansion in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi." Thesis, Heriot-Watt University, 1988. http://hdl.handle.net/10399/969.
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Ahmad, Hesham Saleh Mahmoud. "Development of KM model for knowledge management implementation and application in construction projects." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2011. http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/1307/.
Full textAbstract:
Lessons learnt from the construction industry have proved that knowledge management (KM) can enhance construction projects successfully. The existing KM models and tools may have some problems, which cannot be used efficiently and effectively. This research aims to develop a new KM model that overcomes such problems and provides an effective way for managing knowledge in the construction industry. An extensive review and analysis of KM models has been carried out and a KM model was developed to fill the gaps of previous KM models. Interviews with KM practitioners and a questionnaire survey have been conducted to enhance the KM model. A final KM model has been set to provide an effective solution for successful implementation and application of KM in construction projects. Two case studies in the construction industry have been carried out to evaluate the applicability and validity of the proposed KM model and how it can be used to improve existing KM systems. The results indicated that the proposed model can effectively facilitate the implementation and application of KM in the construction organisations. Recommendations are given to improve the future implementation and application of KM in construction projects.
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Njeem, Wesam. "Computer Integrated Model to Estimate the Construction Cost and Duration of Building Projects at Their Feasibility Stage." Thesis, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/23541.
Full textAbstract:
Presently, owners are interested in evaluating the feasibility of investing in the construction of new building projects based on cost and time constraints. They need to therefore have an idea about the project construction costs, the time required to finish construction of a project in its conceptual phase, and about the implementation of feasibility study. Because due to associated risks, construction cost estimates and schedules are vital to any project. The research’s objective is to develop a methodology that can be used to create an integrated computer model that helps owners and designers generate construction cost estimates, and derive the baseline schedule for any proposed building project at its feasibility stage. All the relevant data used within the model is collected from the literature and is stored in comprehensive databases designed for this purpose. The data is based on 2011 RSMeans publications and consist of around 4,000 previously constructed projects. The model is developed in a Microsoft environment using Microsoft Excel 2007 and Microsoft Project 2007.
This model uses deterministic and stochastic approaches to execute all necessary calculations for the conceptual cost estimate and baseline schedule. A deterministic approach relies on realistic data while a stochastic one relies on incorporating the uncertainty and risk available in calculating the cost and duration of any construction building project. The model is user friendly, flexible and executes all the necessary calculations quickly. The successful development of the model would help owners and investors identify the cost and baseline schedule of proposed projects at the early stages of the project life, so that they have an idea of the budget required for construction and the time needed to recover their investment.
44
Loosemore, Martin. "Crisis management in building projects : a longitudinal investigation of communication and behaviour patterns within a grounded theory framework." Thesis, University of Reading, 1996. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.264130.
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Alsahly, Fahad Falah Madhy. "Improving the management of change requests in construction of large building projects in Saudi Arabia." Thesis, University of Hull, 2016. http://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:15892.
Full textAbstract:
One of the challenges faced by project managers is frequent change requests, which usually lead to changes in the scope of a project. Change has been said to be inevitable, and without change everything stagnates. However, ad hoc changes can be adverse, and in some instances cause whole projects to stagnate, or fail. Therefore, studies on the causes and effects of change requests are critical. The latest official reports about government projects in Saudi Arabia suggested that 62% experienced change in the contract, and one project had cancelled 80% of the items of the contract, which changed the project completely. The extent of this problem posed a need to study the cause of stalled projects in the Kingdom. Responding to these concerns, the aim of this research is to explore the conceptualization of change requests, and how they occur, the causes and effects of change requests and the current methods of handling change requests and how effective they are in large building projects in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Based on the exploration the research provides a comprehensive analysis of issues surrounding change requests- including cultural impacts- from the perspectives of multiple stakeholder groups, in a distinctive, under- researched context. This in turn leads to development of a conceptual framework for understanding change requests and diagnosing related problems. A qualitative approach and case study strategy was applied to study this phenomenon and to explore whether and how culture affects change requests in Saudi Arabia. Data collection was conducted by two means: Secondary data were collected from documents reporting change requests (n= 6) and change orders (n= 7) in large construction companies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 stakeholders of four large government construction projects: 4 owner representatives, 15 consultants, 4 project managers and 17 department managers. The findings revealed inconsistent and confused conceptualizations of change requests, and failure to distinguish between change requests and change orders. None of the projects had standardised, formally documented change request procedures, but relied on informal communications. A variety of causes for change requests, beyond those previously documented in the literature were identified, including internal causes arising from one or other of the project stakeholders, and external causes outside the stakeholders’ control. Direct effects included time and cost overruns, while potential (indirect) effects included lowered morale and productivity, and loss of reputation. However, there could also be positive effects, such as improved quality and client satisfaction. Change requests are currently handled ad hoc as they occur. The findings also revealed the impact of Saudi culture (notably power distance and uncertainty avoidance) on project management generally, and change requests specifically. It is concluded that change request frequency could be reduced and harmful impacts minimized by engagement of all stakeholders in the project design stage, use of a standard contract such as FIDIC to clarify parties’ responsibilities and protect their rights, and use of formal documented change request procedures. However, for Saudi Arabia and other developing countries, which may be using non-standard contracts and ad hoc change request procedures, the framework proposal in this study can be used to aid consistency and clarity among stakeholders, diagnose bottlenecks and identify appropriate solutions to minimize change requests and mitigate harmful impacts on projects.
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Asnaashari, E. "A holistic conceptual model for managing construction logistics in building projects : the case of Iran." Thesis, Nottingham Trent University, 2011. http://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/342/.
Full textAbstract:
Logistics, as a factor that affects the total cost of a product, has attracted attention in many industries. However, construction is behind other industries, such as manufacturing and food, in terms of obtaining value through application of effective logistics management. Some specific characteristics of the construction industry, such as fragmented supply chain, indirect employment, temporary location and matchless products, have prevented organisations utilising logistic management in their projects. In construction, logistics is about the mobilisation of different types of resources to feed the project with the required materials and components at the right time, in the right place, right quantity and right quality. To do so, a new approach to construction logistics should be undertaken that respects the special characteristics of this industry. This research aims to develop a conceptual model based on the current practice of construction logistics in building projects. This model, in addition to complying with the special characteristics of the construction industry, is also adapted to the economic, cultural, technological and environmental specifications of the building sector in Iran. The complexity mindset is adopted in this research which allows considering a construction logistics system as a whole and the system may assert an aggregate behaviour. This approach is called holism and investigates the performance of complex adaptive systems. The study is focused on the Iranian construction industry as the main source of data collection. To achieve the aim and objectives of the research, a literature review was followed by qualitative and quantitative data collection. This research adopted the complementarity approach that uses qualitative and quantitative strategies in a way that complement each other. In the qualitative phase, twenty four open-ended interviews were conducted with construction practitioners who work in the building sector in Iran. Gathered data was analysed using NVivo. This involves codifying the textual data to find themes, categories and relationships. The results of the first phase were rich and exploratory and explained opinions, norms and attitudes. Based on the results of the first phase, a questionnaire with ten sections was designed to investigate different aspects of construction logistics from wider perspectives by conducting a survey on a large sample. The data gathered from the second phase were analysed in a descriptive manner to provide statistical information about the present practice of construction logistics in the Iranian building sector. The final product of this research is a holistic conceptual model that has four subsystems: (a) environmental factors (b) operational factors, (c) commercial factors, and (d) managerial factors. Each subsystem has several agents that are different functions of logistics in a building project. The environmental factors include project size and location, peak working seasons, resource conservation and weather conditions. The operational factors discuss technological matters, construction methods, new materials, waste and transportation. The commercial factors encompass the supply chain, finance, economic conditions, material costs, estimation, supplier selection, packaging, purchasing, inspection, and material quality. The managerial factors cover material management, warehousing, material handling, information management, scheduling, delivery, organisation, personnel, knowledge, culture and site layout designing. All of these functions are integrated under the topic of construction logistics model. The model also illustrates the relationships among agents of the system. The developed model, in addition to technical factors, has paid attention to soft factors such as culture, economy and knowledge. The model is adaptable to changing environments and elements may be added or deleted from the system whenever required.
47
Castles, Victor Aubrey. "An overview of community participation initiatives in the project life cycle of building and construction projects in the public sector." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/49846.
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Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2004.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Democratic systems are dependent on voluntary compliance of citizens to the commands of governments. A decline of public confidence in the public sector is an indicator of fundamental problems in the nature of a democratic system. Constitutional objectives and supporting legislation in South Africa advocates the practice of public participation through the Community Based Public Works Programme and integrated development planning at local council level. The importance of public participation as a vehicle to enhance the social capital of nations cannot be overstated. There are various opinions however of what model of public participation is best suited to the life cycle approach of project management. The literature supports the fact that social capital formation curtails the incidence of crime, poverty and other adverse social evils. A misaligned approach to the application of public participation holds the danger that the socio-economic objectives of government cannot be attained. In this regard, project managers have a responsibility towards government to apply public participation in their projects in such a way that formation of social capital is achieved. In tum, governments should endeavour to apply an appropriate amount of resources to these initiatives to get the critical mass necessary to turn the economy around.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Demokratiese sisteme is afhanklik van die vrywillige onderwerping van landsinwoners aan die eise van hul regerings. 'n Afname in die publiek se vertroue in die publieke sektor is 'n indikator van fundamentele probleme in die samestelling van 'n demokratiese bestel. Konstitusionele mikpunte asook ondersteunende wetgewing in Suid Afrika is bevorderlik vir die gebruik van publieke deelname deur middel van die Departement van Publieke Werke se Publieke Deelname Gebaseerde Program asook die geintegreerde ontwikkelingsprogram van lokale munisipaliteite. Die belangrikheid van publieke deelname as 'n middel waardeur nasionale sosiale kapitaal bevorder kan word kan nie onderbeklemtoon word nie. Daar is nogtans verskeie opinies ten opsigte van watter model van publieke deelname gebruik moet word in die lewenssiklus benadering van projekbestuur. Die literatuur ondersteun die feit dat sosiale kapitaal die voorkoms van kriminele aktiwiteit, armoede en ander negatiewe sosiale euwels bekamp. 'n Ongebalanseerde benadering tot die toepassing van publieke deelname hou die gevaar in dat die nasionale sosio-ekonomiese mikpunte nie behaal sal word nie. Projekbestuurders het daarom 'n verantwoordelikheid teenoor die staat om publieke deelname sodanig in projekte te fasiliteer dat sosiale kapitaal daardeur bevorder kan word. Die staat moet op hulle beurt weer sorg dat daar genoegsame hulpbronne aan hierdie inisiatiewe spandeer word om die kritiese massa te skep wat nodig is om die ekonomie te draai.
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Froise, Timothy. "Building Information Modelling as a catalyst for an Integrated Construction Project Delivery culture in South Africa." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020872.
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The importance of technology in construction partnering agreements has been recognised as a vital part of integrated project delivery (IPD) philosophy. Building information modelling (BIM) is increasingly being used by consultants in South Africa during the design phase of construction projects. However, its use is generally not aimed at an integrated project delivery approach, but rather as a tool to generate documentation, as BIM is generally more efficient than traditional computer aided design (CAD) software. For the full benefits of BIM to be realised, a greater degree of acculturation is required between construction project organisations (CPOs). The current cultures of CPOs are separationist in nature and tend to inhibit acculturation within the industry. BIM provides a central source of information that can improve communications between CPOs and foster a collaborative culture. The research examines IPD and BIM in the South African context and investigates how BIM can contribute to IPD. A survey was conducted among registered contractors from the three top grades and architecture practices from two regions in South Africa. The survey was placed in context by a case study that analysed the use of BIM and the resulting communication network seen in a public works project using typical procurement methods. The associated problems with the current accepted paradigm are illuminated by the research.
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Oni, Oluwole Joseph. "The training of artisans for house building projects in South Western Nigeria." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020625.
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The current shortage of artisans in the Nigerian house construction sector has constrained the productivity of the sector and exacerbated the nation‟s housing problem. The persistent neglect of the artisan training system has negatively impacted on the stock of artisans available for house construction projects. Nigeria‟s large and fast-growing population of over 140 million with an estimated growth rate of 3.2 percent has engendered increased investment in shelter provision; especially by individuals and families due to fast rising housing rentals- mainly in the urban centres. Past policies have not adequately addressed the realities of the skills crisis occasioned by inadequate and neglected apprenticeship training and poorly developed vocational education and training systems. The fallout of this is manifested in the difficulties faced by developers in sourcing suitably qualified and experienced artisans for house construction projects. In response to this challenge, an upsurge of migrant artisans and craftsmen from neighbouring West African nations like Togo, Benin Republic and Ghana to Nigeria has occurred in the recent times. They were attracted by building contracting firms to fill the gap created by inadequate artisan supply that is currently being experienced locally. This development is totally unacceptable as it exacerbates the overarching socio-economic problems in Nigeria, especially the already high unemployment rate which is estimated to be 23.9 percent. This study has consequently investigated the inadequate training of house construction artisans in South Western Nigeria; evolving interventions and developing a strategic model for improving the artisan training system to ensure an adequate and sustainable artisan supply in the house construction sector. The model incorporates best practices, rethinking strategies and integrated approaches in mitigating the identified challenges. The model is underpinned by reviewed literature and empirical findings. Quantitative surveys and interviews were utilised as the data sources. The research findings show that the factors which negatively impact on the artisan training system in the house construction sector include: the poor image of artisans in society; lack of recruitment strategies for attracting potential artisans; inadequate policy framework for training and employment; a faulty and rigid National Qualification Framework (NQF); the non-participation of employers in training; a poor funding mechanism; a weak regulatory framework and corrupt practices in training administration. Recommendations for addressing the inadequate training of artisans include education policy reforms to give priority to vocational education; a new regime of funding for vocational education and training; a review of the National Qualification Framework to integrate the vocational colleges with the university system; a reform of the regulatory framework; public re-orientation on the societal image of the artisans; adoption of a new approach of public- private partnership in artisan training; the provision of incentives schemes to attract potential artisans and the appropriation of the proposed model for an integrated approach to addressing the challenges.
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Chan, Chung-kwong, and 陳松光. "The adaptation of building consultancy firms in Hong Kong for handlingPRC projects." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1996. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B3125133X.
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