A study of preproject planning and project success using ANNs and regression models

It has long been recognized by the industry practitioners that how well preproject planning is conducted has a great impact on project outcome. Through industry project data collection and model analysis, this research intends to investigate the relationship between preproject planning and project success. Preproject planning and project performance information from 62 industrial projects and 78 building projects, representing approximately $5 billion U.S.D. in total construction cost, is collected and used for this research analysis. Based on the information obtained, preproject planning is identified as having direct impact on the project success (cost and schedule performance). Two techniques were then used to develop models for predicting cost and schedule performance: statistical regression analysis, and artificial neural networks (ANNs). The research results provide a valuable source of information that supports better planning in the early stage of the project life cycle and have positive impact on the final project outcome.     

4D CAD model updating using image processing-based construction progress monitoring

For a four-dimensional (4D) computer-aided design (CAD) model to be useful for users throughout a construction project, the model must be updated in a timely and accurate manner during the construction. Only when it has been properly updated can the 4D CAD model reflect the real progress of a construction site to inform managerial decision making. However, updating a 4D CAD model is time-consuming and labor-intensive because the full updating process, from site data acquisition to 4D model regeneration, is typically conducted manually. This difficulty in updating a 4D model discourages industry practitioners from actively adopting 4D models. This paper presents an image processing-based methodology for the automatic updating of a 4D CAD model. Characterized by 3D CAD-based image mask filters, color-based noise removal, and area-based progress calculation, the image processing approach provides as-built schedule information. The schedule information is then automatically integrated with an existing 3D CAD model in batch-processing modes to produce the updated 4D CAD model. The proposed methodology was applied and verified in a cable-stayed bridge construction project and is expected to facilitate the wider use of 4D CAD models in the construction industry.     

Using the MD CAD model to develop the time–cost integrated schedule for construction projects

Time and cost are two critical factors determining the success of a construction project. However, it is still a daunting task for project planners to develop a time–cost integrated schedule due to the tremendous amount of information that need to be processed. Various research efforts have been made to develop model-based systems to facilitate information processing and integrate time and cost throughout the project life cycle. However, the results of the previous studies are not comprehensive enough to fulfill the requirements of project management. This paper presents a scheduling system that applies Multi-Dimensional (MD) CAD model, Object Sequencing Matrix (OSM), and genetic algorithms (GAs) to generate the time–cost integrated schedule for the construction project. A computer implementation called MD CAD model-based Project Scheduling System (MD_PSS) is also developed to verify the feasibility of the proposed approach.     

Exploring the links between technology usage and project outcomes

Ninety‐eight capital facility projects from across Taiwan have been assessed on the issue of technology usage at the work function level and overall project cost and schedule success. The links between technology utilization and project success are explored in detail. Identification of project performance‐leveraging work functions is employed as a way to gain greater understanding of the connection between technology usage and project performance. In addition, work function characteristics (WFCs) are investigated as an additional basis for gaining deeper insights into how technology usage may impact on project success. The analyses suggest that degrees of technology used in executing the project performance‐leveraging work functions may have a significant impact on project cost or schedule performance. The results also indicate that information and data‐intensive and management‐related WFCs can positively influence project cost and schedule success.     

基于P6的水泥厂项目进度和费用管理

项目的费用和进度管理是项目管理的重点,也是项目管理一个难点。本文对水泥厂项目工程的建设运用P6软件进行费用和进度管理做了一些探索,明确了用P6软件编制进度计划的方法与控制的流程,以及利用P6软件进行费用控制的基本手段,从而通过P6软件强大的组织管理功能实现对大型、复杂的项目进度进行有效管理。     

A framework for an automated and integrated project scheduling and management system

Construction projects are becoming progressively larger and more complex in terms of physical size and cost. Building information modeling (BIM) is being regarded as a revolutionary change for managing the entire lifecycle of a construction project. However, the information provided by BIM cannot fulfill the requirements of on-site project scheduling and management. This paper presents a BIM-based framework with the function of developing the near-optimum schedule plan according to project objectives and project constraints for project scheduling and management. An automated database management system, a schedule simulation system, and a MD (multi-dimensional) CAD model creator provide a reliable platform for the proposed framework. To verify the concept and test the feasibility of this framework, a computer implementation called NDSM (N-Dimensional project Scheduling and Management system) was developed and implemented in a construction project.     

Moving beyond the fourth dimension with an IFC-based single project database

4D CAD has been an active research area for many years. The first generation 4D tools simulated construction schedules and demonstrated the potential benefits in several case studies. Researchers tried to improve the functionality of the first generation 4D tools by adding annotations and highlighting the building elements that have problems. The future generation 4D tools are expected to include more than these. It has been envisioned that 4D models would be part of project databases in order to take decisions related with different project dimensions.This paper presents the development and implementation of a new 4D planning tool which is a part of a product model-based project database. This tool brings the 4D simulation and cost estimation together and aims to contribute to what-if analysis in construction projects. The last part of the paper presents a case study in which the proposed prototype is evaluated.     

国际项目管理中的项目控制

从成本控制和进度控制两方面探讨了国际项目管理中的项目控制,指出通过项目控制在项目实施过程中对项目的进度和成本进行跟踪、分析和预测,可以给决策层提供一个全面的项目进展情况,以确保项目管理目标的实现。     

谈工程项目的施工进度控制

针对工程项目进度控制的重要性,对完善施工进度计划、掌握影响进度的因素及合理的进度控制进行了论述,以帮助工程技术人员编制完善的进度计划,并在实施过程中进行有效的合理控制,从而确保工程建设进度目标的实现。     

Value of IT: Indirect impact of IT on construction project performance via Best Practices

This paper investigates the indirect impact of IT use via work processes on construction project performance in the industrial sector. Specifically, using the project-level data in the Construction Industry Institute Benchmarking and Metrics database, the overall impact of 3D CAD use, including the direct impact of the use to project cost growth and its indirect impact via CII designated Best Practice(s), is tested by path analysis. The analysis results show that the direct impact of 3D CAD use on project cost growth is not statistically significant. On the other hand, the indirect impact of 3D CAD use via Best Practice(s) is statistically significant. Interpreting the path values reveal that the use of 3D CAD contributes to more use of Best Practice(s), which in turn leads to cost performance improvement. This finding highlights the importance of processes or practices when designing and implementing information technology.     

Integrating automated data acquisition technologies for progress reporting of construction projects

Controlling construction projects necessitates controlling their time and cost in an effort to meet the planned targets. Management needs timely data that represent the status of the project to take corrective actions, if needed. This paper presents a control model that integrates different automated data acquisition technology to collect data from construction sites required for progress measurement purposes. Current automated data acquisition technologies are described, and their suitability for use in tracking and controlling construction activities is assessed. This includes bar coding, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) 3D laser scanning, photogrammetry, multimedia, and pen-based computers. The user can move with a tablet PC in the construction site and record, take snapshots and also hand written comments about activities on site. The proposed cost/schedule control model integrates with the automated data acquisition technologies, a planning and scheduling software system, a relational database, and AutoCAD to generate progress reports that can assist project management teams in decision making.     

浅谈加强施工项目进度控制

基于施工项目进度控制是建筑施工管理的重中之重,对控制实施阶段施工单位应进行的控制工作进行了分析,介绍了项目进度计划的编制依据,探讨了施工进度网络计划的编制,从工期、资源、成本三方面对施工进度计划进行优化,从而降低施工成本,提高资源的效率。     

公路施工项目的动态进度管理探讨

针对目前我国公路施工企业所面临的困境,以进度控制为主线,将进度计划管理和进度过程控制有效地结合起来看成一个整体进行研究,注重在成本和质量约束下的进度优化研究,以求提高项目的进度管理效率和综合管理水平,保证项目按预定工期成功实施。     

EDM: Earned Duration Management,a new approach to schedule performance management and measurement

The concept of schedule monitoring and control as one of the most important functions of project and program management has not been fully exploited. One possible explanation could be the dominance of the Earned Value Management System (EVMS, also known as EVM). EVM was originally developed as a cost management and control tool which was extended to track the schedule as well. EVM and its derivatives (e.g. Earned Schedule) use cost as a proxy to measure schedule performance to control the duration of the project. While there is a correlation between schedule, cost, quality, and scope of a project, using cost to control duration has proven to be misleading. In contrast to Earned Value and Earned Schedule, the authors have developed the Earned Duration Management (EDM) in which they have decoupled schedule and cost performance measures and developed a number of indices to measure progress and performance of schedule and cost, as well as the efficacy and efficiency of the plan at any level of the project. These new indices are easy to understand, have wider applications, and can be used by contractors, clients and the scheduling offices to assess and measure schedule performance. The newly developed duration performance measures are all schedule-based and can be used for forecasting the finish date of the project.     

Visualized EVM system for assessing project performance

This work presents a Web-based visualized architecture, design, and implementation for assessing project performance by integrating earned value (EV) analysis and database management system (DBMS). Particularly, a novel probabilistic multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) process is applied to identify the optimal software for developing the Web-based DBMS based on interviews with domain experts and professional engineers. EV analysis serves as a control technique that helps project managers (PMs) monitor cost overruns and project delays. Leveraging modern technology, Web service enables PMs to access project information without constraints of time or place. The developed management information system (MIS) provides an objective measure of completed work that PMs can use to monitor project progress and assess project achievements by converting project data into manageable information clusters. Additionally, the system offers construction personnel a simple and flexible method of tracking, modifying, and updating cost and time-based project data.     

谈EPC项目的进度控制

简述了EPC项目管理的含义,对EPC项目进度控制的主要风险进行了归纳总结,并阐述了具体的进度控制方法及措施,对项目管理者实现项目的进度控制具有借鉴作用。     

关于运用BIM进行工程管理的研究

从BIM具有的集成化、可视化、交互性、模拟性、动态优化5个创新点出发,通过在建筑构件三维模型基础上关联WBS、施工进度和资源信息,创建了施工阶段的4D施工资源信息模型,研究了施工阶段将资源管理细化到WBS工序节点的机制与方法,开发了基于BIM技术的5D资源动态管理系统,实现了施工过程的工程量动态查询,人、材、机等施工资源的动态管理,施工成本的实时监控、工程进度款的支付与管理。     

论建设工程在招投标阶段的造价控制

针对竞争日益激烈的建设工程招投标工作,介绍了工程量清单计价模式及其与传统报价模式的差异,给出工程量清单计价在工程招标阶段、作标阶段和评标阶段造价控制采用的方法,提出用项目管理的工作分解结构（WBS）工作方法处理招投标工作任务的观点,从而有利于完善工程量清单招投标工作,为招投标管理提供新的造价控制方法。     

Measuring the efficiency of project control using fictitious and empirical project data

Dynamic scheduling refers to the integration of three important phases in the life cycle of a project: baseline scheduling, schedule risk analysis and project control. In this paper, the efficiency of controlling a project is measured and evaluated using a Monte-Carlo simulation study on fictitious and empirical project data. In the study, the construction of a project baseline schedule acts as a point-of-reference for the schedule risk analysis and project control phases. The sensitivity information obtained by the schedule risk analyses (SRA) and the earned value management (EVM) information obtained during project control serve as early warning control parameters that trigger corrective actions to bring projects back on track in case of problems. The focus in this paper lies on the time performance of a project, and not on the prediction and controlling of the project costs.