Large-scale construction programme resilience against creeping disruptions: Towards inter-project coordination

Extant resilience research in project management focused mainly on the project level and sudden disruptions. However, resilience at the programme level, especially resilience against creeping disruptions, remains unexplored. This study adopts boundary object theory as the theoretical lens to explore programme resilience against creeping disruptions. Based on the case study of a large-scale construction programme Expo 2020 Dubai, a process model is proposed to unveil how programme resilience can be fostered through inter-project coordination. The model includes roles (i.e., program coordinators and project managers) and processes (i.e., preparation, mobilisation and response phases) that impact the resilience of the programme. The three-phase resilience process further corresponds to three boundary object-based coordination mechanisms: pull, match, and push, respectively. This study not only contributes to the project/programme resilience and management literatures, but also advances knowledge on resilience.     

Project geotechnical engineering: systems methodology considerations

Systems methodology considerations for project geotechnical engineering are discussed. Emphasis is on general systems and related geotechnical principles, issues and limitations. After an introduction, the paper outlines geotechnical programme management as a framework for defining, organizing and controlling the geotechnical engineering process. Then, following the logical order of elements in project geotechnical engineering, the paper discusses programme development, followed by site characterization and analysis, and design and implementation. The paper concludes with a discussion on additional general methodologies: uncertainty, updating, values, innovation and impediments. The objective is to provide a broad conceptual framework which can be used as needed to help guide realistic integration and implementation of the diverse and often convoluted efforts of project geotechnical engineering.     

Multi-character model of the construction project definition process

In spite of its widely agreed significance, the construction project definition process is still a relatively new research topic. In VTT Building Technology a 2-year study of the project definition process was carried out. The study, which is called Preplanner, was a joint effort involving research institute and five companies representing owners of heavy industry. This paper presents the findings of sub-project of Preplanner study. The sub-project focused on the modelling of the project definition process. A multi-character model of the project definition process was obtained as the main result. The model provides a balanced representation of various characteristics of the project definition process. The feedback obtained from company personnel suggests that, compared with the other identified models, this model provides improved capabilities to explain the nature of the project definition process.     

工程项目群构建选择的层次灰色评价模型研究

针对项目群管理的首要任务——项目选择,提出基于层次灰色评价法的工程项目群构建选择评价模型。本文从工程项目群构建的基本理论出发,重点论述了构建工程项目群构建选择评价指标体系,针对评价指标信息不完全对称的特点,提出了基于多层次灰色理论的评价方法,并通过算例给出了相应的算法,为项目群的项目选择和项目优劣排序提供科学依据。     

Continuous and combined event-process models for simulating pipeline construction

A continuous model and a combined event-process discrete model are developed by employing the Slam II general purpose simulation language. The continuous model addressed the on-going progress of the construction process on a higher level; and the combined event-process discrete model describes the pipeline construction on the operational level. Resource sharing and related issues also are investigated in the two models through an actual gas line project adopted for the purpose of this research. A comparison of the two models provides insights into the modelling approaches. It is concluded that the combined event-process model is more flexible and more powerful for modelling complex construction operations than the continuous model, but at the price of requiring a better understanding of the actual operations and more detailed information.     

Whole model empirical validation on a full-scale building

This paper describes an empirical validation study undertaken on two identical full-size buildings within the scope of the IEA ECB Annex 58 project. Details of the experimental configuration and monitoring are included, together with results from measurements and from predictions made by 21 modelling teams using commercial and research simulation programmes. The two-month, side-by-side experiment was undertaken on buildings with high levels of thermal mass and in a period with high solar gains. The detailed specification and associated measurement data provide a useful empirical validation dataset for programme testing. Results from the modelling demonstrate good agreement between measured data and predictions for a number of programmes, in both absolute predictions of temperatures and heat inputs as well as dynamic response. On the other hand, a significant number of user input errors resulted in poor agreement for other programmes, especially in the blind validation phase of the modelling methodology.     

Energy use in non-domestic buildings: the UK government's new evidence base

Policy for reducing carbon emissions from non-domestic buildings in the UK relies at present on survey and modelling work carried out in the 1990s. The UK government's Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is engaged in a programme of new research to update this evidence base. The work has two main components. The first is a database – the National Energy Efficiency Data framework (NEED) – in which floor area and activity data for non-domestic premises are being linked to electricity and gas consumption at the individual property level. The second is a research project of sample surveys designed to elicit information about buildings and energy use, but also opportunities for abatement and the behavioural and organizational factors affecting efficiency improvements. A pilot survey of the food and mixed retail sector has been carried out in advance of further surveys of the entire range of building types. The research programme is described along with some of the methodological problems it raises.     

Dynamic Process Modelling of Activated-Sludge Plants

This paper reviews the developments in process modelling, and outlines the benefits of dynamic modelling compared to steady-state modelling. The alternative uses of modelling, for design, operation and training, are included. The models covered are the COD-based models from the IAWQ models #1 and #2 and WRc's BOD-based model. The relevance of BOD modelling for practitioners, rather than academics, is discussed, and likely routes for the future development are presented.
The authors'practical experience using these models, principally under WRc's STOAT software, is also presented in the form of case studies - highlighting the experience of sampling programmes, calibration, validation and the continuing importance of the engineer's role.     

IFC model viewer to support nD model application

Today, building information modelling (BIM) plays a crucial role in the research and development fields of construction information integration and interoperability. This paper, from an information technology point of view, outlines the definition and aims of the “3D to nD Modelling” project, a platform grant-funded project by UK’s British Engineering and Physics Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). It presents a scenario of widening BIM implementation into the overall aspects involved in the whole life cycle of a building project. Industry foundation classes (IFC) as a standard BIM specification has been adopted as a central information repository in order to deliver the integrated building information throughout the nD-driven assessments, evaluation and decision-making. This paper also focuses on the development of an IFC-viewer, which is defined as the holistic interface of the nD modelling tool. The techniques and methods including the auxiliary tools adopted in this development are detailed. This development presents a practical and economic way to reveal and retrieve the information of IFC models inclusively, structurally and visually.     

Assessment of construction processes and innovations through simulation

The objectives of this research are to represent construction activities accurately, and to provide a means for assessing the impacts from using innovations. The research approach is the detailed characterization of construction processes, and the development of system and material specific dynamic process simulation models. The ongoing research program is developing a set of specific models, based on extensive empirical data, to enable the accurate modelling of all of the construction processes for a complete facility construction project. A specific process model, glass/metal curtainwall erection, demonstrates the approach, with an analysis of the impacts from a related innovation.     

Ranking the Level of Openness in Blind Compartment Fire Modelling Studies

The paper considers what is meant by, and the purpose of, blind modelling in the context of fire engineering. A discussion is presented on the very important interaction between the model and the model users, and five generic groups of model users are defined. The paper goes on to provide details of previous blind modelling studies from the literature, as well as a recent blind modelling programme that was conducted in New Zealand. A so-called ‘Openness Assessment Framework’ is proposed as a way of scoring or ranking existing or planned blind modelling programmes, with the recent New Zealand programme forming the case study for the evaluation. This framework is then applied to a range of evaluation definitions that are given in the literature, the five generic model user groups, as well as the range of blind modelling exercises already identified. Finally, a seven-step methodology for designing blind modelling studies and experimental comparisons in the context of full-scale multi-item compartment fire experiments is proposed.     

工程建筑公司项目群管理:一个实施模型

对于以项目为基础的工程建筑公司而言,项目管理能力是其核心竞争力的体现.传统的项目管理过于关注单个项目的绩效,没有从企业组织的角度整体考虑,特别是在多项目环境下,往往会造成企业资源紧缺.在分析项目群管理概念的基础上,结合工程建筑公司特点,提出了项目群管理模式的实施模型,其实施过程包含目标合同的选择、项目群方案的确立、项目群实施过程控制、项目群管理绩效四个方面,并对各个方面的影响因素进行了详细的论述.旨在为工程建筑公司实施多项目管理提供一个"行动路线图",以重新审视、改进其当前的管理模式和技术,提高企业的市场竞争力和组织项目管理能力.     

英国排水管网建模技术实例分析

基于排水管网水力模型软件(InfoWorks CS),介绍了一个英国小城镇排水管网建模过程.在实例中详述了英国管网建模规范、数据管理、模型构建以及模型检验等方面内容,最后针对我国现阶段的排水管网建模提出了值得借鉴的地方.     

Structural equation model of project planning effectiveness

Previous research studies investigating the impact of situational variables on project planning effectiveness have not examined how the situational variables work together to influence planning effectiveness. A structural equation model (SEM) has been developed for describing and quantifying the influence of situational factors in project environments and organizational characteristics of performing organizations on project planning effectiveness. The individual effects of directly‐observable variables on the project planning process were evaluated using regression analysis. The SEM approach enables the modelling of multiple factors as latent not‐directly‐measurable variable sets, thus providing a theoretical insight into how individual influence factors work together to determine the effectiveness of project planning efforts. The project environment has a dominant significant influence on the potential effectiveness of project planning efforts. In contrast, the influence of organizational characteristics is relatively insignificant.     

An Integrated ComDuter Model to Aid the Planning of Concrete Structures

Abstract: This paper describes the general architecture of a prototypical micro CAD-based integrated model being developed at Southborough University to aid the planning of in-situ concrete structures. The model is based on the coupling of two low cost and powerful project management (Artemis 2000) and computer aided design systems (AutoCAD 10) through an intermediary package (dBase IV). The main aim of this model is automate the planning process of in-situ concrete structures, particularly the generation of network plans, using data generated by CAD systems. The model functional specifications (i.e., modeling, drafting, quantities and materials scheduling, time analysis, cost analysis, and reporting) were established after a thorough review of current planning models, a detailed questionnaire survey conducted amongst the main UK and USA contractors on the current status of planning techniques and information technology applications, and a detailed study of the various problems facing CAD-based models. This model consists of three individual sub-systems: modelling, data transfer and planning. The integration of these individual sub-systems has been achieved on an IBM PS/2 MODEL 70. This enables the generation of network plans in the AutoCAD package (modelling subsystem) which are then automatically transferred (data transfer sub-system) to the Artemis system for time and cost analyses (planning sub-system). This paper outlines the work done so far and illustrates the proposed concept with a simplified case study.     

Energy modelling of district cooling system for new urban development

District cooling technology is advantageous in warm and hot climatic regions, in that chilled water from a central refrigeration plant is delivered through a distribution network to groups of buildings. The technology is most suitable for new urban developments where system design and construction receive much freedom. With a focus on the energy use, this paper outlines an energy modelling methodology and decision approach to derive the most desirable scheme for a given project. The process involves a series of building design load computation, dynamic simulation, and plant energy consumption analyses for different phases of development. A proposed scheme for the South East Kowloon Development Project in Hong Kong is quoted as an example to illustrate the approach.     

Sewage Treatment by Reed Bed Systems

I n the past five years sewage-treatment systems, based on artificial reed beds, have created much interest in Europe. In the UK, reed bed treatment systems have attracted this interest because of their potential for producing cost-effective treatment for small communities. In 1985 a UK coordinating group was established to produce an integrated research and development programme for evaluating the process.
This paper briefly describes the principles lying behind reed bed treatment systems, and outlines the progress which has been made to January 1988. The results of performance from eight full-scale and pilot-scale systems are presented in detail.     

Adaptive programme management through a balanced performance/strategy oriented focus

This paper explores how programme management (as opposed to project management) can contribute to the effective design and delivery of megaprojects. Traditionally, project management is considered to be performance focused and task oriented, whilst programme management entails a more strategic focus. The programme management literature suggests that this can result in tensions between the management of the projects and the programme as a whole. This paper uses the findings of the €2.4 billion Room for the River flood protection programme in the Netherlands as a case study, because indicators about its budget, time, quality and stakeholder satisfaction suggest high programme management performance upon completion of the planning and design stage of its 39 river widening projects. Based on a literature review, document analysis and 55 face-to-face interviews, we have analysed how the programme management of the programme contributed to this result. Six attributes for effective programme management that are identified from the project and programme management literature are used to structure the research data. Consecutively, the interactions between project and programme management are analysed. The analysis of Room for the River reveals a combined strategic/performance focus at the level of both programme and project management that enables a collaborative approach between programme and project management. This particularly enables effective stakeholder collaboration, coordination and adaptation of the programme to contextual changes, newly acquired insights and the changing needs of consecutive planning stages, which positively contributes to the performance of the programme as a whole.     

The strategic workplace: development and evaluation

The US General Services Administration initiated a new programme that aims to understand better the linkages between the workplace and organizational effectiveness. This programme was motivated by the desire to bring the federal workplace into better alignment with the technological, organizational and demographic shifts that characterize work today. The process and methodologies in pilot projects are used to develop a workplace that more effectively supports the client organization's business goals and needs than current workspaces. The research approach studies these sites pre- and post-occupancy to identify the extent to which desired outcomes have been achieved. The research approach uses the Balanced Scorecard as a framework for developing goals, hypotheses and metrics for each project.     

Journey to lean [lean practices in aerospace product development]

Grouping people by project rather than discipline reduces the classic lean waste 'unnecessary motion' where engineers and information are moving to and fro unnecessarily. This article outlines Smith's Aerospace move to lean practices in their product development department. An illustrative example presents a hardware design engineer working yards away from the production team while located close by are software engineers, programme management and manufacturing engineering.