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doi: 10.1080/01446199200000018pmid: N/A
The concept of a hybrid computerized decision support system for the evaluation of construction contractors' suitability to perform the work associated with a project is presented. Previously developed decision tools are summarized and justification for the creation of such a system is proposed. The system configuration is described along with the modelling techniques available for each aspect of prequalification decision-making.
doi: 10.1080/01446199200000019pmid: N/A
This paper describes the development of a computer assisted training system for teaching and testing surveyors. Hie development started with the introduction to the construction industry of early expert systems. Whilst expert systems were intended to act purely as decision systems, they were seen to offer potential as vehicles for capturing expertise and experience as well as knowledge and be used for training purposes. To enable the knowledge bases within the system to be structured it was necessary to examine how domain experts solve problems. Knowledge bases representing this process were incorporated into various shell systems and evaluated. Traditional methods of information transfer, both at the initial learning stage and for continuing professional development, were considered. It was found that shell systems had certain attributes which, whilst not part of their original design concept, could be used to capture and manipulate knowledge and train the user to solve problems. By using data given to the user in carefully structured cases studies, offering advice, guidance and knowledge gained by application to plausible scenarios, the system offers a valuable additional tool to the process of education and training.
doi: 10.1080/01446199200000020pmid: N/A
This paper examines the relationship between the competitiveness of contract bids entered by individual bidders through the variables of bidder size, contract value and project type. The analysis indicates that, in terms of competitiveness, there is a relationship between the size of bidder and size of contract. This concurs with previous work in the field. Bidders having competitiveness affinities towards particular types of projects, although apparent, appear to be weaker for the private sector than found in previous work concerning the public sector.
Laufer, Alexander; Howell, Gregory A.; Rosenfeld, Yehiel
doi: 10.1080/01446199200000021pmid: N/A
Short-term construction planning requires more than simple interpretation of the project schedule; it rests on the organization's ability to collect information, identify and solve problems, and implement change. Each of three different modes of short-term planning — foreman planning, supervisor quality circles, and operations/systems analysis — makes a unique contribution to detailed short-term planning. The need for effective short-term planning is great, since numerous factors exist which can be identified only after construction begins. These uncertainties mean that detailed work plans for individual crews can be completed only near the start of a specific job, and can cover only a limited period of time. Each of the three separate planning modes involves different functions, different sources of data and different problem-solving techniques — hence, three unique planning products. Using these modes in combination takes advantage of their powerful cumulative effect, assures short-term project objectives, and also supports the continuous learning required for middle- and long-term organizational improvements. Applying all three allows project administrative and organizational forces to reinforce each other, providing a synergistic effect. Construction sites need all three modes to achieve control, promote innovation, and assure high performance at all levels of the organization.
doi: 10.1080/01446199200000022pmid: N/A
This paper presents the results of a comparative analysis of the variability in tender bids for refurbishment and new work. The investigation has been prompted by a suggestion by a large body of UK Contractors that they were subjected to higher risks in refurbishment work and that this was reflected in the tender bids for such work. Utilizing the premise that the risks in submitting a tender is related in some way to the dispersion in the tenders submitted by competitors, it was found that the variability in tender bids for refurbishment work was consistently higher than that for new build work, thereby supporting the Contractors' claims. Risks in the context of this investigation means both uncertainty and the results of uncertainty, and will include both the lack of predictability with regard to outcomes and all elements of the problem structure.
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