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Open Access
Book part
Publication date: 1 May 2019

Marco A. Bragadin and Kalle Kähkönen

This paper is based on research addressing quality of construction schedules. The paper aims to structure a Schedule Health Assessment method and present it as a means to carry…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper is based on research addressing quality of construction schedules. The paper aims to structure a Schedule Health Assessment method and present it as a means to carry out the evaluation of construction schedules.

Design/Methodology/Approach

The development of the Schedule Health assessment method can be characterised as constructive research. The structuring of the method is based on analysis of factors forming the overall quality of construction schedules. The method has been tested in a proof of concept study. This comprised a case study in which four master schedules developed by junior production managers were evaluated using the Schedule Health assessment method.

Findings

It is possible to construct a method for the quality evaluation of construction schedules.

Research Limitations/Implications

The completed testing is still rather limited since it is based merely on experiences of junior production managers with a single case.

Practical Implications

The Schedule Health assessment method can in a useful manner make the quality evaluation of construction schedules easy to approach and effective process.

Originality/Value

This research has produced a novel method for the quality evaluation of construction schedules.

Details

10th Nordic Conference on Construction Economics and Organization
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83867-051-1

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Collaborative Risk Mitigation Through Construction Planning and Scheduling
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-148-5

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2021

Tarek Salama, Ahmad Salah and Osama Moselhi

The purpose of this paper is to present a new method for project tracking and control of integrated offsite and onsite activities in modular construction considering practical…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new method for project tracking and control of integrated offsite and onsite activities in modular construction considering practical characteristics associated with this type of construction.

Design/methodology/approach

The design embraces building information modelling and integrates last planner system (LPS), linear scheduling method (LSM) and critical chain project management (CCPM) to develop tracking and control procedures for modular construction projects. The developed method accounts for constraints of resources continuity and uncertainties associated with activity duration. Features of proposed method are illustrated in a case example for tracking and control of modular projects.

Findings

Comparison between developed schedule and Monte Carlo simulation showed that baseline duration generated from simulation exceeds that produced by developed method by 12% and 10% for schedules with 50% and 90% confidence level, respectively. These percentages decrease based on interventions of members of project team in the LPS sessions. The case example results indicate that project is delayed 5% and experienced cost overrun of 2.5%.

Originality/value

Developed method integrated LPS, LSM and CCPM while using metrics for reliability assessment of linear schedules, namely, critical percent plan complete (PPCcr) and buffer index (BI). PPCcr and BI measure percentage of plan completion for critical activities and buffer consumption, respectively. The developed method provides a systematic procedure for forecasting look-ahead schedules using forecasting correction factor Δt and a newly developed tracking and control procedure that uses PPCcr and BI. Quantitative cost analysis is also provided to forecast and monitor project costs to prove the robustness of proposed framework.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2022

Zhijiang Wu and Guofeng Ma

The purpose of this study is to automatically generate a construction schedule by extracting data from the BIM (Building Information Modeling) model and combining an ontology…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to automatically generate a construction schedule by extracting data from the BIM (Building Information Modeling) model and combining an ontology constraint rule and a genetic algorithm (GA).

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a feasible multi-phase framework to generate the construction schedule automatically through extracting information from the BIM, utilizing the ontology constraint rule to demonstrate the relationships between all the components and finally using the GA to generate the construction schedule.

Findings

To present the functionality of the framework, a prototype case is adopted to show the whole procedure, and the results show that the scheme designed in this study can quickly generate the schedule and ensure that it can satisfy the requirements of logical constraints and time parameter constraints.

Practical implications

A proper utilization of conceptual framework can contribute to the automatic generation of construction schedules and significantly reduce manual errors in the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Moreover, a scheme of BIM-based ontology and GA for construction schedule generation may reduce additional manual work and improve schedule management performance.

Social implications

The hybrid approach combines the ontology constraint rule and GA proposed in this study, and it is an effective attempt to generate the construction schedule, which provides a direct indicator for the schedule control of the project.

Originality/value

In this study, the data application process of the BIM model is divided into four modules: extraction, processing, optimization, and output. The key technologies including secondary development, ontology theory, and GA are introduced to develop a multi-phase framework for the automatic generation of the construction schedule and to realize the schedule prediction under logical constraints and duration interference.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2021

Okechukwu Bruno-Kizito Nwadigo, Nicola Naismith, Ali GhaffarianHoseini, Amirhosein GhaffarianHoseini and John Tookey

Dynamic planning and scheduling forms a widely adopted smart strategy for solving real-world problems in diverse business systems. This paper uses deductive content analysis to…

Abstract

Purpose

Dynamic planning and scheduling forms a widely adopted smart strategy for solving real-world problems in diverse business systems. This paper uses deductive content analysis to explore secondary data from previous studies in dynamic planning and scheduling to draw conclusions on its current status, forward action and research needs in construction management.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors searched academic databases using planning and scheduling keywords without a periodic setting. This research collected secondary data from the database to draw an objective comparison of categories and conclusions about how the data relates to planning and scheduling to avoid the subjective responses from questionnaires and interviews. Then, applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected one hundred and four articles. Finally, the study used a seven-step deductive content analysis to develop the categorisation matrix and sub-themes for describing the dynamic planning and scheduling categories. The authors used deductive analysis because of the secondary data and categories comparison. Using the event types represented in a quadrant mapping, authors delve into where, when, application and benefits of the classes.

Findings

The content analysis showed that all the accounts and descriptions of dynamic planning and scheduling are identifiable in an extensive research database. The content analysis reveals the need for multi-hybrid (4D BIM-Agent based-discrete event-discrete rate-system dynamics) simulation modelling and optimisation method for proffering solutions to scheduling and planning problems, its current status, tools and obstacles.

Originality/value

This research reveals the deductive content analysis talent in construction research. It also draws direction, focuses and raises a question on dynamic planning and scheduling research concerning the five-integrated model, an opportunity for their integration, models combined attributes and insight into its solution viability in construction.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 11 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 April 2022

Mahesh Babu Purushothaman and Sumit Kumar

The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the environment, resources and surroundings factors to develop a system dynamic model of dynamic project scheduling that aids…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the environment, resources and surroundings factors to develop a system dynamic model of dynamic project scheduling that aids on-time project delivery by reducing the project delay for the road construction industry in New Zealand (NZ).

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted narrative inquiry methodology that involved semi-structured interviews (SSI)/expert opinion and systematic literature review (SLR) data to determine the environment, resources and surroundings factors to develop a system dynamic model of dynamic project scheduling that aids on-time project delivery by reducing the project delay for the road construction industry in NZ. The data were analysed by using descriptive analysis, Likert scale and thematic analysis techniques to understand the relationship of these factors to propose a system dynamic model.

Findings

This study concludes that weather, pandemic, material, geotechnical and disaster factors highly influence while other factors such as equipment shortage, breakdown, design error, labour and event had mixed impact on the dynamic scheduling (DS) that aids on-time project delivery. The proposed system dynamic model can enhance the understanding of factors affecting DS.

Research limitations/implications

SLR is limited to English literature. The limitations of an SSI and a small sample size are acknowledged.

Practical implications

The proposed model can reduce the uncertainty and scheduling errors during the planning phase and aid in the lesser scheduling modification during the execution phase. In practice, this study will be helpful for road contractors to understand environment, surroundings and resource in-control and out-of-control factors, overcome road construction delays, reduce cost, aid in stakeholder management and sustainable development.

Social implications

The inclusion of environment, resource and surroundings factors in force majeure clauses will bring an understanding between contracting parties and in turn reduce disputes and delays and help social causes such as on-time infrastructure delivery.

Originality/value

For the first time in a road construction, dynamic project scheduling model that collectively included and linked environment, resource, and surroundings factors to determine the in-control and out-of-control factors for an organisation is proposed. The novelty in the paper is provided by the inclusion of the events, disasters, and pandemics influence on DS in the NZ road construction industry for the first time.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 February 2022

Shristy Maharjan, Pramen P. Shrestha and Deekshitha Srirangam

The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a correlation between mobilization costs and project schedule performance of highway projects. In addition to this, the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a correlation between mobilization costs and project schedule performance of highway projects. In addition to this, the study will also determine if the mobilization costs are helping small or large highway projects in terms of improving the schedule performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of 206 highway projects were collected from the Department of Transportation of two states with the help of questionnaire survey. The cost, schedule and mobilization costs data were collected. The performance metrics related to construction schedule growth and construction intensity were developed in order to test the research hypotheses: mobilization costs will increase the schedule performance of highway projects. The data were also divided into two groups based on project cost and analyzed to check whether the mobilization costs impact the schedule performance of these highway projects. Spearman's correlation test was conducted to determine the correlation between dependent and independent variables. In addition, a Mann–Whitney test was conducted to determine the difference in medians of construction schedule growth and the construction intensity of these two groups of projects.

Findings

One major study finding was that there was no strong linear correlation between the mobilization cost percentage and the construction schedule growth and construction intensity of highway projects. However, the study found the projects that have 9% or more mobilization costs had significantly better schedule growth compared to the projects that have less than 9% mobilization costs. When data were analyzed based on the project size, it was found that this pattern was seen only in large projects costing equal to or more than $5 million.

Practical implications

This study's findings have very crucial practical implications to state DOTs contract engineers. This study shows that the highway contract engineers need to provide the right amount of mobilization costs to complete their projects on and before schedule. If the correct amount of mobilization costs is not provided to the contractors, the impact of these mobilization costs on reducing the schedule growth will be negligible. The findings of this study will assist public agency decision makers to complete their projects on or before time by including the mobilization costs provision in the contract. The state DOTs can improve their schedule performance by providing enough financial help to the contractors so that they can improve their cash flows and complete projects successfully within the given timeframe.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by validating the impact of mobilization costs on the schedule performance of highway projects. There has been no empirical study conducted prior to this to identify the role of mobilization costs on reducing the schedule growth of highway projects.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 July 2009

Vacharapoom Benjaoran and Sdhabhon Bhokha

The 4D CAD model has been accepted for better conceptualizing and comprehending the sequences and spatial constraints in a construction schedule. The purpose of this paper is to…

1297

Abstract

Purpose

The 4D CAD model has been accepted for better conceptualizing and comprehending the sequences and spatial constraints in a construction schedule. The purpose of this paper is to identify the deficiencies of the visualization of the 4D CAD model and to propose improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

The presentation abilities of the existing 4D CAD model are analyzed and compared with the other conventional methods, namely Gantt chart, network diagram, and the calendar. Four aspects of the visualization are addressed, namely the overview of a schedule, the duration of an activity, the relationship of an activity, and the project progress tracking. The proposed improvements employed different visual properties of 3D CAD objects such as color, line weight, and line type to represent the different activities' performing statuses. A prototype of the 4D CAD model with enhanced visualization was developed on a construction project case.

Findings

The model evaluation showed that this development could enhance the visualization of the 4D CAD model and provide a more informative construction schedule.

Original/value

It is anticipated that the 4D CAD model with these enhancements can substitute for conventional presentation methods of construction schedules.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 16 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2004

V. Ahuja and V. Thiruvengadam

Project scheduling/rescheduling occurs in all stages of projects, from feasibility stage to monitoring stage to completion. Since the late 1950s, network‐based techniques CPM…

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Abstract

Project scheduling/rescheduling occurs in all stages of projects, from feasibility stage to monitoring stage to completion. Since the late 1950s, network‐based techniques CPM (critical path method) and PERT (programme evaluation review technique) are the techniques commonly used for project management. However, there are limitations in working with these tools that need to be overcome. Also, the computing ef. ciency of classic CPM/PERT analysis needs to be enhanced. Substantial research has been carried out globally in this field covering all areas of project scheduling: time scheduling, resource scheduling, cost scheduling, modern project management techniques, advanced mathematical models used for construction scheduling, and so on. To understand and document this research status, the authors have carried out an extensive study of various journals, published and unpublished research papers, and present this literature review.

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 4 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1998

KRIS G. MATTILA and DULCY M. ABRAHAM

Since the early 1960s, there have been different techniques to schedule linear projects, but for the most part, these have been overshadowed by the critical path method (CPM)…

Abstract

Since the early 1960s, there have been different techniques to schedule linear projects, but for the most part, these have been overshadowed by the critical path method (CPM). Recently, there has been renewed interest in linear scheduling and in adapting some of the CPM techniques to linear scheduling. This necessitates a review of the research in the area of linear scheduling. The present paper provides an overview of linear scheduling, discusses the different approaches that have been used and expresses new avenues for research in the area of resource levelling of linear schedules.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

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