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1 – 10 of over 98000Nima Gerami Seresht, Rodolfo Lourenzutti, Ahmad Salah and Aminah Robinson Fayek
Due to the increasing size and complexity of construction projects, construction engineering and management involves the coordination of many complex and dynamic processes and…
Abstract
Due to the increasing size and complexity of construction projects, construction engineering and management involves the coordination of many complex and dynamic processes and relies on the analysis of uncertain, imprecise and incomplete information, including subjective and linguistically expressed information. Various modelling and computing techniques have been used by construction researchers and applied to practical construction problems in order to overcome these challenges, including fuzzy hybrid techniques. Fuzzy hybrid techniques combine the human-like reasoning capabilities of fuzzy logic with the capabilities of other techniques, such as optimization, machine learning, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) and simulation, to capitalise on their strengths and overcome their limitations. Based on a review of construction literature, this chapter identifies the most common types of fuzzy hybrid techniques applied to construction problems and reviews selected papers in each category of fuzzy hybrid technique to illustrate their capabilities for addressing construction challenges. Finally, this chapter discusses areas for future development of fuzzy hybrid techniques that will increase their capabilities for solving construction-related problems. The contributions of this chapter are threefold: (1) the limitations of some standard techniques for solving construction problems are discussed, as are the ways that fuzzy methods have been hybridized with these techniques in order to address their limitations; (2) a review of existing applications of fuzzy hybrid techniques in construction is provided in order to illustrate the capabilities of these techniques for solving a variety of construction problems and (3) potential improvements in each category of fuzzy hybrid technique in construction are provided, as areas for future research.
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The purpose of this paper is to address the need to rethink the traditional approach to education in the university engineering curriculum. The paper examines two engineering…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address the need to rethink the traditional approach to education in the university engineering curriculum. The paper examines two engineering projects led by university students in Sweden: the design and construction of a solar-powered car taking part in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge and the creation of a business model for the ownership phase of an electric car together with Polestar.
Design/methodology/approach
An extensive literature review was conducted. Students were interviewed and surveyed on their impressions of their learning experience in the two projects and student logbooks reviewed. Problem-based learning (PBL), the Conceiving, Designing, Implementing and Operating approach and the ABCD procedure are used. Results are compared to theories from the literature.
Findings
PBL in real-world settings can increase engineering students’ technical knowledge and improve their technical skills as they solve complex problems or propose solutions to such problems. Such projects also strengthen students’ commitment, self-confidence and self-esteem as well as promote co-operation and creativity. These are soft skills largely absent from traditional engineering education.
Practical implications
Innovative, student-led learning in the applied engineering curriculum can foster students’ soft skills in ways that teacher-led, lecture-style learning does not.
Originality/value
This research offers a timely perspective on an issue of current interest in engineering education: student-led learning versus teacher-led learning. The paper also provides two illustrative student-led projects that focus on sustainability and mobility.
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Laura Saukko, Kirsi Aaltonen and Harri Haapasalo
The purpose of this paper is to achieve an understanding of the challenges and preconditions for inter-organizational collaborative project practices in industrial engineering…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to achieve an understanding of the challenges and preconditions for inter-organizational collaborative project practices in industrial engineering projects. A framework for identifying the challenges and preconditions for inter-organizational collaboration is presented.
Design/methodology/approach
The adopted research method is qualitative, and empirical data were collected from the industrial engineering project sector in Finland. The literature related to industrial engineering projects and inter-organizational collaborative project management practices is summarized, informing the qualitative design of the study.
Findings
By analyzing empirical data from industrial engineering projects, the challenges for inter-organizational collaboration are identified in each industrial engineering project stage. A framework of preconditions for inter-organizational collaboration is identified, in which investors are advised to pay attention when deciding on the use of collaborative project management methods.
Practical implications
The findings of this study help practitioners deal effectively with mechanisms aimed at fostering and hindering inter-organizational collaborative practices. The identified preconditions for inter-organizational collaboration provide support for decision-making in every phase of an engineering project and can be used as guidelines throughout the process.
Originality/value
Inter-organizational collaborative project management practices have recently been attracting attention in the industrial engineering project setting. This research is an attempt to identify the underlying forces supporting and preventing inter-organizational collaboration in industrial engineering projects. This study offers a framework that can help academics and project management practitioners deal with the challenges affecting inter-organizational collaboration at each project stage and consider preconditions for inter-organizational collaboration in industrial engineering project settings.
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Neil Govender, Samuel Laryea and Ron Watermeyer
Competitive tendering in South Africa is often associated with procurement based on the lowest fee tendered. Previous research on this topic did not provide in-depth examinations…
Abstract
Purpose
Competitive tendering in South Africa is often associated with procurement based on the lowest fee tendered. Previous research on this topic did not provide in-depth examinations of how pricing within consulting engineering companies was affected by competitive tendering nor did it illuminate the extent to which professional services were impacted by competitive tendering. This paper aims to examine the implications of competitive tendering on pricing and delivery of consulting engineering services in South Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey research strategy with a questionnaire as the research instrument elicited qualitative data from 28 experienced consulting engineers in South Africa. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data from the questionnaires.
Findings
Three key themes were identified, namely: considerations when determining consulting engineering fees on competitively tendered projects; the impact of reduced fees due to competitive tendering on the delivery of consulting engineering services; and interventions to prevent unsustainably “low” professional fees. Many consulting engineers in South Africa still determine fees using fee scales, while other considerations include resources, project complexity, risk, etc. Most participants asserted that design optimisation/value engineering, training, meetings and construction monitoring were adversely impacted by “low” fees.
Originality/value
This paper provides in-depth qualitative feedback from experienced consulting engineers (most having more than 20 years’ experience) on a topical issue in the South African construction industry. Thematic analysis was a novel method of analysis that was not used previously in this area of study.
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Raykun R. Tan and Yaw‐Guang Lu
Utilizes approaches from systems analysis, quality management andprevious empirical results to formulate the framework for the study.Took selected engineering consulting firms in…
Abstract
Utilizes approaches from systems analysis, quality management and previous empirical results to formulate the framework for the study. Took selected engineering consulting firms in Taiwan as research subjects for the empirical portion of the studies. The scope is restricted to the design phase of the construction project. Synthesizes an AHP architecture from the system concept and total management philosophy and provides an in‐depth understanding of the criteria of quality and impacting factors to form the basis on which to enhance and control quality. Combines expert opinions from project owners, engineering executives and project managers. Integrates these diversified, intangible quality perceptions into a concrete representation. Among the eight quality criteria, conformity to codes and standards, constructability and conformance to owners’ requirements are ranked high on the list, although the ranking may be somewhat influenced by the expertise of those included in the survey. Analyses the relative importance of impacting factors among the respondents and concludes by suggesting potential uses for the AHP architecture and indicates areas for future research.
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Truc Thanh Ngo and Bradley Chase
Environmental sustainability and social contexts are becoming increasingly important concepts. The infusion of sustainability and humanitarian engineering (HE) into the academic…
Abstract
Purpose
Environmental sustainability and social contexts are becoming increasingly important concepts. The infusion of sustainability and humanitarian engineering (HE) into the academic core curriculum is often challenging. This study aims to provide an understanding of students’ perceptions and attitudes toward the incorporation of active learning of sustainability and humanitarian concepts into engineering education.
Design/methodology/approach
A project-based sustainability course was developed and offered to engineering undergraduates. A HE international field experience was also provided to students as an extracurricular activity. Pre- and post-surveys were conducted to assess students’ perceptions and attitudes toward sustainability and HE project learning experience. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine the statistical significance of the results and demographic influences on students’ experiences.
Findings
Both project-based and international field learning experiences positively influenced the students’ perceptions of sustainable practices, social change and appreciation of the engineering profession. Multidisciplinary learning also helped students become more motivated, engage in sustainability-promoted activities and community work and improve their social interactions. Students gained practical engineering skills that they did not typically receive in traditional classroom settings and recognized the global and social responsibilities that are core to sustainable development education.
Originality/value
The study demonstrates a mixed undergraduate educational model in which students acquired sustainability concepts through a project-based engineering course and practiced social responsibility through international HE projects. The findings help engineering educators understand students’ perceptions toward sustainability and HE, providing insight into effective curriculum design and strategic inclusion of social responsibility in traditional engineering education.
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A.A. (Alex) Alblas and J.C. (Hans) Wortmann
In new product development (NPD), changes to the initial designs are often proposed for on‐going design projects due to new insights. These engineering changes belong to a wide…
Abstract
Purpose
In new product development (NPD), changes to the initial designs are often proposed for on‐going design projects due to new insights. These engineering changes belong to a wide range from incremental to radical and, in their impact, even to discontinuous change. Consequently, the actual workload of development projects confronted with engineering changes does not match the initial work estimates for the project's work packages. Accordingly, the intended timing of readiness of development projects in an NPD program will drift away. This timing is one of the causes of change propagation to other projects which results in even more engineering changes. For larger changes, the effects on timing may be disastrous. The purpose of this paper is to reveal the cause‐and‐effect relationships triggered by various types of changes and explain the need for a more integrated approach to managing engineering change.
Design/methodology/approach
A longitudinal case study was performed at a leading microlithography manufacturing company, in which almost 20,000 engineering changes were included. This study allowed the disclosure of the complexities of engineering change management and provides guidelines for handling the resulting problems arising from managing these various types of change.
Findings
In the study, various sources of complexities in managing engineering change were observed, which hinder effective implementation of various types of engineering change. Based on the case observations, a number of improvement possibilities are proposed, such as: alignment of goals and impacts of engineering change on all organizational levels; and planning, monitoring and controlling discontinuous engineering changes as separate projects.
Originality/value
Although further studies are needed to replicate the results, the paper gives a more thorough understanding of factors that could support the implementation of discontinuous innovation in incumbent firms by using the engineering change management process.
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Mario Henrique Mello, Jan Ola Strandhagen and Erlend Alfnes
Engineer-to-order (ETO) supply chains involve multiple companies for performing complex projects. The ability to effectively coordinate cross-business activities is essential to…
Abstract
Purpose
Engineer-to-order (ETO) supply chains involve multiple companies for performing complex projects. The ability to effectively coordinate cross-business activities is essential to avoid delays, cost overruns and quality problems. Coordination is related to a number of contingent factors that need to be better comprehended. The purpose of this paper is to highlight such contingent factors and to analyse their effect on the occurrence of project delays.
Design/methodology/approach
A multiple case study is used to investigate the moderating factors affecting coordination in projects carried out in an ETO supply chain. Such factors are examined through a cross-analysis of six shipbuilding projects based on data from interviews, project documentation and clips from the media press.
Findings
In ETO supply chains, the engineering and production activities involve mutual interdependences that need to be coordinated. The findings suggest that both the integration of engineering and production and the production capability are the most critical factors influencing coordination in an ETO supply chain.
Research limitations/implications
The study was carried out within shipbuilding projects as a setting to represent the ETO domain. To extend the findings, further research can examine other types of projects, such as: oil and gas, construction, military and aerospace.
Practical implications
In practice, there is no “one-fits-all” solution for coordination. Each project represents a unique context which has specific objectives, actors and constraints. From that perspective, this study provides a basis to comprehend coordination in a complex setting.
Originality/value
This study builds knowledge upon coordination by generating a number of propositions regarding the effectiveness of coordination on avoiding delays in complex projects carried out in ETO supply chains. Focusing on the engineering and production activities, the authors extend the existing theory by demonstrating that coordination can vary according to the level of several moderating factors.
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Mario Henrique Mello, Jan Ola Strandhagen and Erlend Alfnes
ETO supply chains produce high-value products on a project basis. The occurrence of delays is a major problem that impacts the performance of a company and its supply chain. The…
Abstract
Purpose
ETO supply chains produce high-value products on a project basis. The occurrence of delays is a major problem that impacts the performance of a company and its supply chain. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the cause of delays and to understand the role of coordination to mitigate them.
Design/methodology/approach
An in-depth case study was conducted to identify problems that delay a project and to examine such problems from a systemic perspective. Based on data from interviews, group meetings, field observations and documentation, a pattern is proposed to explain the relation between coordination and lead time.
Findings
Conceptually, to reduce the project lead time a higher level of concurrency is necessary. However, more concurrency increases the interdependencies between activities, something which demands more coordination effort. Since the coordination mechanisms applied are not appropriate to cope with the increasing coordination effort, a number of problems appear causing reworks and delays which increase the lead time.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation is that the authors are not able to distinguish which particular project characteristic influences the adoption of a specific coordination mechanism. Further research is required to examine the effect of various coordination mechanisms across a higher number of projects.
Practical implications
Practitioners can benefit from discussions in this study to comprehend how coordination can improve the delivery performance in ETO supply chains.
Originality/value
This study contributes to a better understanding of coordination in ETO supply chains by making sense of problems that delay the project. Matching the coordination mechanisms with the required coordination effort, which is based on the project characteristics, is a way to avoid delays and reduce the lead time.
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The paper examines the operational impact of project management systems on the management of human resources and the practical implications of this for practitioners in two project…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper examines the operational impact of project management systems on the management of human resources and the practical implications of this for practitioners in two project‐led engineering contractors
Design/methodology/approach
The paper achieves these objectives through semi‐structured interviews in two in‐depth case studies.
Findings
The paper examines specific human resource practices, for example, staff appraisal and efforts at work re‐structuring. The paper finds that in project‐led organizations, such as those in engineering contracting, embedded sectoral characteristics such as portfolio training limit the capacity of HR practitioners to actively change employee perceptions of their development.
Research limitations/implications
The paper reports on sector‐specific research. However, the paper does illustrate the lack of engagement between project management literatures and personnel/HR literatures on the role of HR practitioners in project‐led organizations
Practical implications
The paper draws out the impact of embedded sector effects on the management of HRs and the effects of this on the role played by practitioners.
Originality/value
The value of this paper for the academic community is that it emphasizes a lack of engagement between project management literatures and HR/personnel literatures when it is likely that “project management” systems are a core managerial mechanism for the deployment of staff.
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