Supporting participation in planning new roads by using virtual reality systems

A road planning process runs through several phases, takes several years, incorporates many decision-making procedures and includes numerous experts and interest groups from different areas. Today, Virtual Reality (VR) systems can benefit this process. By simulating different future alternatives, together with their possible environmental impact, a common understanding of the consequences of the respective alternatives can be obtained. Furthermore, since many of the models are obtainable from the Internet, a wider public can be reached already in the early phases of the planning process. The goal of the paper is to provide a better understanding of the use of VR models for supporting involvement and collaboration in the road planning process. The background data are from two large road planning projects through cultural heritage areas in Sweden. Observations on using VR models to support public participation, and facilitate communication between different interested parties, are presented. The results argue for the benefits of using VR models during the whole road planning process and shed further light on a range of social issues associated with using this technology.     

Understanding process change management in electronic health record implementations

Electronic health record (EHR) implementations involve changes to core organizational processes, and management of these changes is critical to the success of such implementation efforts. This research describes how process change issues relate to implementation of large IT projects in healthcare settings. Specifically, we draw on extant literature and conduct directed content analysis on project reports by past HIMSS Davies Award recipients to present process change related best practices occurring in EHR implementations. The results from this study can influence implementation strategies for future health information technology implementation efforts in the healthcare sector.     

Quantifying IT estimation risks

A statistical method is proposed for quantifying the impact of factors that influence the quality of the estimation of costs for IT-enabled business projects. We call these factors risk drivers as they influence the risk of the misestimation of project costs. The method can effortlessly be transposed for usage on other important IT key performance indicators (KPIs), such as schedule misestimation or functionality underdelivery. We used logistic regression as a modeling technique to estimate the quantitative impact of risk factors. We did so because logistic regression has been applied successfully in fields including medical science, e.g. in perinatal epidemiology, to answer questions that show a striking resemblance to the questions regarding project risk management. In our study we used data from a large organization in the financial services industry to assess the applicability of logistic modeling in quantifying IT risks. With this real-world example we illustrated how to scrutinize the quality and plausibility of the available data. We explained how to deal with factors that cannot be influenced, also called risk factors, by project management before or in the early stage of a project, but can have an influence on the outcome of the estimation process. We demonstrated how to select the risk drivers using logistic regression. Our research has shown that it is possible to properly quantify these risks, even with the help of crude data. We discussed the interpretation of the models found and showed that the findings are helpful in decision making on measures to be taken to identify potential misestimates and thus mitigate IT risks for individual projects. We proposed increasing the auditing process efficiency by using the found cost misestimation models to classify all projects as either risky projects or non-risky projects. We discovered through our analyses that projects must not be overstaffed and the ratio of external developers must be kept small to obtain better cost estimates. Our research showed that business units that report on financial information tend to be risk mitigating, because they have more cost underruns in comparison with business units without reporting; the latter have more cost overruns. We also discovered a maturity mismatch: an increase from CMM level 1 to 2 did not influence the disparity between a cost estimate and its actual if the maturity of the business is not also increased.     

IT alignment strategies for customer relationship management

Customer relationship management (CRM) is the overall process of building and maintaining profitable customer relationships by delivering superior customer value and satisfaction. A CRM strategy involves the entire enterprise and is employed on an ongoing basis. Despite the fact that CRM projects incur huge expenditures, a large percentage fails to achieve the stated objectives. Failure in CRM initiatives could be avoided if a firm's CRM strategies are intelligently linked with its employees, customers, channels, and IT infrastructure. In this paper, we focus on those linkages, particularly on the linkages between an organization's CRM strategies and its IT infrastructure. Even though the relationships between IT and business strategies have been extensively explored in the IT alignment literature, prior research has not addressed how a firm's CRM strategies are aligned with its IT infrastructure. In this paper, we investigate the issues relating to CRM-IT alignment based on an in-depth case study of a large, well-known Internet travel agency.     

Challenges of IT implementation for supporting collaboration in distributed organizations

The study focuses on the implementation of information technology (IT) for supporting collaboration in distributed organizations, i.e. organizations consisting of two or more semi-autonomous units in different geographical locations. Six case studies of IT implementation projects have been conducted, focusing on the challenges in the implementation process as seen from the perspective of the implementation team. Being of an exploratory nature, the study has identified a large number of issues that have influenced the different stages in the implementation process. The implementation context studied is found to imply several additional challenges for the implementation team, compared to ‘traditional’ intra-organizational IT implementation. This is a result of greater autonomy among the participating units, heterogeneous technological platforms and logistical barriers in the implementation activities. Resistance from the organizational units, technological incompatibility and lack of incentives for adopting new work practices, are identified as major barriers in the implementation. In general, the implementation is found to require a process of maturation, where implementers and adopters gradually develop an understanding of how the technology can support the organizational needs.     

Balanced IT-Decision-Card Ein Instrument für das Investitionscontrolling von IT-Projekten

Balanced IT Decision Card — An Instrument for Investment Controlling of IT Projects p]This paper introduces a Balanced IT Decision Card. It aims at overcoming the shortcomings of common decision making processes on large information technology (IT) projects. The investment decision should be based on an evaluation process that takes into account monetary and non-monetary measures. Given this infinite amount of data, decision makers need tools that present the important information in a simple and structured way. Therefore, this working paper makes use of the latest findings of cognition theory. Furthermore, the IT project must be integrated in the overall IT strategy, so that synergies with other IT projects can be realized. Following this argumentation, the Balanced Scorecard approach is adopted to control the investment process of IT projects.     

A framework for semi-automatically identifying fully occluded objects in 3D models: Towards comprehensive construction design review in virtual reality

Virtual Reality (VR)-based construction design review applications have shown potential to enhance user performance in many research projects and experiments. Currently, visualizing occluded objects in VR is a challenge, and this function is indispensable for construction design review and coordination. This paper proposes an occlusion detection framework that semi-automatically identifies occluded objects in 3D construction models. The framework determines the visibility status of an object by converting the object to a point cloud and comparing the point cloud to the virtual laser scanning result of the original model. It exports models that are interoperable with VR development software so that visualization effects can be easily employed to occluded objects. The authors validated the framework using two building information models. The algorithm achieved a recall rate of 90.30% and a precision rate of 75.05% in a gasoline refinery facility model. It reached a higher 98.06% recall rate and a 97.53% precision rate in an academic building model. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by proposing a semi-automatic occlusion detection framework and validating that point cloud-based algorithms are appropriate for this classification task.     

Adapting funding processes for agile IT projects: an empirical investigation

Agile software development that provides software development organizations, the ability to respond to changes in turbulent business environments, has been gaining wide adoption. Agile software development projects are characterized by ‘just enough’ planning and lack of upfront commitment to scope, cost, and schedule. These characteristics pose conflicting demands on managers responsible for making funding decisions, because traditional approaches to funding IT projects are often based on well-defined scope, cost, and schedule. These conflicts demand the adaptation of traditional funding processes to suit to agile projects. We draw from Adaptive Structuration Theory to understand the nature of conflicts between traditional IT project funding processes and the dynamic nature of agile projects, and how these conflicts are addressed by practices that are appropriated in the process of social interaction between funding decision makers and development teams. On the basis of a multisite case study, we present a framework that explains how organizations adapt traditional IT funding approaches to accommodate the unique characteristics of agile IT projects.     

Comparing senior executive and project manager perceptions of IT project risk: a Chinese Delphi study

The success rate for information technology (IT) projects continues to be low. With an increasing number of IT projects in developing countries such as China, it is important to understand the risks they are experiencing on IT projects. To date, there has been little research documenting Asian perceptions of IT project risk. In this research, we examine the risks identified by Chinese senior executives (SEs) and project managers (PMs), and compare these two groups. The importance of top management support in IT projects is well documented. Prior research has shown that from the perspective of IT PMs, lack of support from SEs is the number one risk in IT projects. Surprisingly, senior executives' perceptions towards IT project risk have never been systematically examined. One reason why lack of support from senior executives continues to represent a major risk may be that senior executives themselves do not realize the critical role that they can play in helping to deliver successful projects. In this study, we use the Delphi method to compare the risk perceptions of senior executives and project managers. By comparing risk factors selected by each group, zones of concordance and discordance are identified. In terms of perceived importance ascribed to risk factors, PMs tend to focus on lower‐level risks with particular emphasis on risks associated with requirements and user involvement, whereas SEs tend to focus on higher‐level risks such as those risks involving politics, organization structure, process, and culture. Finally, approaches for dealing with risk factors that are seen as important by both SEs and PMs are provided.     

Model interoperability in building information modelling

The exchange of design models in the design and construction industry is evolving away from 2-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) and paper towards semantically-rich 3-dimensional digital models. This approach, known as Building Information Modelling (BIM), is anticipated to become the primary means of information exchange between the various parties involved in construction projects. From a technical perspective, the domain represents an interesting study in model-based interoperability, since the models are large and complex, and the industry is one in which collaboration is a vital part of business. In this paper, we present our experiences with issues of model-based interoperability in exchanging building information models between various tools, and in implementing tools which consume BIM models, particularly using the industry standard IFC data modelling format. We report on the successes and challenges in these endeavours, as the industry endeavours to move further towards fully digitised information exchange.     

Semi-automated site equipment selection and configuration through formal knowledge representation and inference

The selection and configuration of site equipment is a fundamental part of construction preparation. Suitable site equipment supports the timely, cost-efficient and qualitative execution of the construction process. The use of planning tools based on formal knowledge management methods can both speed up the process of construction site planning and lead to better results. In this paper, we propose a rule-based knowledge inference system to support site equipment planners in a semi-automated manner using input data from building information models and working schedules. The knowledge-based system is built using the business rule management system Drools. Using a sample construction site, the feasibility of the proposed approach has been proven.     

Einsatz der Informationsmodellierung bei der Einführung betrieblicher Standardsoftware

Information models are an established instrument to handle the complexity of information systems. In addition to software development and business process management the implementation of packaged software is one of the major application domains of information models. This contribution investigates through an explorative study, how information models are currently used in the context of packaged software implementation. Object of investigation is the implementation of billing software within utility companies. The study indicates that most companies of the sample applied information models within their implementation projects. Process and data models are more common than other models. However, only a minor part of the companies used dedicated modeling tools for the development and management of the models. The major application domain of information models was the configuration of the software, whereas model based software selection was from subordinate interest. The majority of companies who have applied information models will do this in future projects again     

Design and development of a maintenance and virtual training system for ancient Chinese architecture

Ancient Chinese architecture is an important aspect of traditional Chinese culture and has been studied by many scholars around the world via historical documents, photographs, and three-dimensional models. In this paper, a building information model (BIM) and virtual reality (VR) and video analysing technology are used to develop a maintenance and virtual training system for ancient architecture. A digital ancient architecture model that includes a three-dimensional model and attributes is established, and the model can be visualized using a VR video processing system. Based on this system, we propose a method of fire detection in the maintenance system to ensure the safety of ancient buildings. After performing lightweight processing of the three-dimensional model, the Forge platform, which can achieve high-speed browsing via Web browsers, is used to perform the virtual construction, dismantling and other functions. By providing an immersive experience, users will develop a deeper understanding of ancient architectural structures and construction processes, which will accelerate research on ancient architecture.     

Spheres of It Project Complexity and It Project Manager Archetypes and Roles: A Case Study

ABSTRACT

Effective information technology (IT) project managers (PMs) are recognized as being essential for project success. However, little research has focused on the roles IT PMs must play. Utilizing a qualitative field study, we found 4 IT PM archetypes (checklist, technical lead, organizational process lead, and poly-synchronous) employed in practice. We discuss our findings regarding the assignment of multiple PMs in the presence of complex IT projects and provide organizations with practical inferences to consider.     

Managing information technology investments using a real-options approach

Investments in IT have become a dominant part of the capital budgets of many organizations. While the costs seem readily identifiable, many of the benefits are elusive. In this paper we develop a formal and practical methodology to evaluate information technology infrastructure investments. Our experience in using this approach has shown that it not only impacts the outcome but also improved understanding of how to align operating drivers with business capabilities and investment decisions. Thus, the real value of the real options approach is in how it informs the management process of IT investments.     

Beyond the Generation of Ideas: Virtual Idea Campaigns to Spur Creativity and Innovation

Firms striving to maintain high rates of innovation need a continuous flow of new ideas. This is resulting in the establishment by large firms of IT platforms to generate ideas for innovation, and to encourage employees and customers to participate in innovation contests. However, there has been little published research on the use of IT platforms for idea generation by employees, and it is unclear whether they facilitate in‐house innovation. The purpose is to investigate how firms use IT platforms internally to generate ideas, and how their use contributes to the innovation process in large firms. We rely on data from two collaborative research projects in the automotive industry: Volvo Cars and Renault. We found that both firms used IT platforms as campaigns to promote innovation and to involve employees in the innovation process. The findings suggest that these virtual idea campaigns support innovation in large firms mainly by (1) encouraging employee creativity in idea generation and (2) involving employees and top managers simultaneously in the innovation process. This paper contributes to idea management systems theory by highlighting the importance of virtual idea campaigns for the firm's innovation process, and their dual role.     

Computers in engineering risk and hazard management

Summary The engineering of large scale facilities, such as dams, power stations, bridges etc, involves the handling of large amounts of information. Managers of the design and construction process have to take on a wide range of roles to cope with it all. One important aspect of this information is that concerned with safety, risk and hazard management. This paper is divided into three sections each covering different aspects of a common approach to this problem. The analysis of risk using traditional reliability techniques is not covered. The concern here is rather with the use of computers to support and inform the direct management of quality, safety and hazard and hence to indirectly control risk. Firstly, the approach based on the use of “Interacting Objects” will be outlined. This will be illustrated through the use of IT to support business processes in quality management. Product and process models will be compared. Safety, risk and hazard are part of quality. Secondly, the use of these objects in physical process simulation will be described. Here the motivation for the work is to begin to look at the implications for risk analysis of the sensitivity of the behaviour of simulated non-linear systems to initial conditions. Thirdly, the identification and management of “proneness to failure” in a project will be outlined. Here the problem is how to deal with the difficult interaction between technology and human and organisational factors.     

A research agenda for augmented and virtual reality in architecture,engineering and construction

This paper presents a study on the usage landscape of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in the architecture, engineering and construction sectors, and proposes a research agenda to address the existing gaps in required capabilities. A series of exploratory workshops and questionnaires were conducted with the participation of 54 experts from 36 organisations from industry and academia. Based on the data collected from the workshops, six AR and VR use-cases were defined: stakeholder engagement, design support, design review, construction support, operations and management support, and training. Three main research categories for a future research agenda have been proposed, i.e.: (i) engineering-grade devices, which encompasses research that enables robust devices that can be used in practice, e.g. the rough and complex conditions of construction sites; (ii) workflow and data management; to effectively manage data and processes required by AR and VR technologies; and (iii) new capabilities; which includes new research required that will add new features that are necessary for the specific construction industry demands. This study provides essential information for practitioners to inform adoption decisions. To researchers, it provides a research road map to inform their future research efforts. This is a foundational study that formalises and categorises the existing usage of AR and VR in the construction industry and provides a roadmap to guide future research efforts.     

Information technologies in South Africa: problems and prospects

Development of South Africa's information technologies infrastructure has been skewed by apartheid and the constraints of past policies, but IT can be part of the solution. The authors consider how critical IT is to the process of change     

Guidelines for applied machine learning in construction industry—A case of profit margins estimation

The progress in the field of Machine Learning (ML) has enabled the automation of tasks that were considered impossible to program until recently. These advancements today have incited firms to seek intelligent solutions as part of their enterprise software stack. Even governments across the globe are motivating firms through policies to tape into ML arena as it promises opportunities for growth, productivity and efficiency. In reflex, many firms embark on ML without knowing what it entails. The outcomes so far are not as expected because the ML, as hyped by tech firms, is not the silver bullet. However, whatever ML offers, firms urge to capitalise it for their competitive advantage. Applying ML to real-life construction industry problems goes beyond just prototyping predictive models. It entails intensive activities which, in addition to training robust ML models, provides a comprehensive framework for answering questions asked by construction folks when intelligent solutions are getting deployed at their premises to substitute or facilitate their decision-making tasks. Existing ML guidelines used in the IT industry are vastly restricted to training ML models. This paper presents guidelines for Applied Machine Learning (AML) in the construction industry from training to operationalising models, which are drawn from our experience of working with construction folks to deliver Construction Simulation Tool (CST). The unique aspect of these guidelines lies not only in providing a novel framework for training models but also answering critical questions related to model confidence, trust, interpretability, bias, feature importance and model extrapolation capabilities. Generally, ML models are presumed black boxes; hence argued that nobody knows what a model learns and how it generates predictions. Even very few ML folks barely know approaches to answer questions asked by the end users. Without explaining the competence of ML, the broader adoption of intelligent solutions in the construction industry cannot be attained. This paper proposed a detailed process for AML to develop intelligent solutions in the construction industry. Most discussions in the study are elaborated in the context of profit margin estimation for new projects.