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doi: 10.1080/01446190903117777pmid: N/A
Research in the field of construction management and economics (CME) can be characterized as a multidisciplinary design science. Results from the sciences and humanities are necessary inputs for this field of research that deals with design, production and operation of the built environment. The output of CME research as multidisciplinary design science consists of three types of solution concepts: empirical generalizations based on statistical data analysis (technological laws), concepts that specify what to do, if a certain result is to be attained under given circumstances (functional rules), and insights in the interrelationship between design, production and operation of the built environment and social practice (socio‐technological understanding). Scientific justification of these solution concepts is obtained through testing them in the specific context of the built environment.
Arditi, David; Chotibhongs, Ranon
doi: 10.1080/01446190903117785pmid: N/A
Unbalanced bidding is a serious problem for the construction owner because it may increase the cost of construction The most common way to mathematically unbalance a bid is frontloading where a bidder overstates the unit price of line items scheduled to be performed early in the project and understates the unit price of line items performed later. A bidder can also overstate the unit price of a line item whose quantity was somehow underrated by the engineer. If the owner proves that a mathematically unbalanced bid costs more to perform, the bid is said to be materially unbalanced, in which case the owner can reject the bid. A model is presented that formalizes and automates the process of detecting mathematically and materially unbalanced bids by comparing line item prices with the engineer’s estimates and the average prices offered by the bidders. This model allows owners to detect and reject unbalanced bids, and deters bidders from unbalancing their bid.
Yu, Wen‐der; Chang, Pei‐lun; Yao, Shuen‐Ho; Liu, Shen‐Jung
doi: 10.1080/01446190903074978pmid: N/A
The research presents the development of the knowledge value‐adding model (KVAM) for quantitative performance measurement of the community of practice (CoP) of the knowledge management system (KMS) in an A/E consulting firm. The proposed KVAM combines several existing KM theories including knowledge creation spiral, knowledge chain model, and knowledge value added theory to form a process‐level model for measuring the performance of a generic community of practice (CoP). Case study results show that the proposed KVAM provides KM managers with a useful tool not only to monitor the performance of a CoP and its members but also to plan an effective strategy for performance improvement. Unlike the traditional organizational‐level approaches, the proposed KVAM was concluded to better reflect the actual values solely generated by the KMS rather than other management factors.
Hyari, Khalied Hesham; El‐Rayes, Khaled; El‐Mashaleh, Mohammad
doi: 10.1080/01446190903117793pmid: N/A
An automated model is developed to support the optimization of the planning and scheduling of repetitive construction projects. The model provides the capability of optimizing two important objectives commonly sought in scheduling repetitive construction projects: minimizing project duration; and minimizing project cost. The model performs this multi‐objective optimization using a genetic algorithm approach. The output of the model is a set of optimal solutions that represent the trade‐off between time and cost in planning repetitive construction projects. Furthermore, the model can be utilized to find a single scheduling solution that provides the minimum overall project cost by simply adding project indirect cost to the obtained project direct cost for each of the obtained scheduling solutions on the Pareto optimal curve. Other important time‐related costs are also considered in the model including: early completion incentives, late completion penalties and lane rental costs. Providing the planners of repetitive construction projects with an automated set of optimal time–cost trade‐off solutions should contribute to cost‐effective and speedy delivery of this type of construction project. An application example is analysed to illustrate the use of the model and demonstrate its capabilities in generating optimal trade‐off solutions between minimizing the project time and cost for repetitive construction projects.
doi: 10.1080/01446190903117769pmid: N/A
Waste is a great problem in the world of construction. If dealt with appropriately, there can be many benefits, including lower overall cost, faster production, a higher quality and more sustainable buildings. There are many solutions available for minimizing waste during construction. However, a great amount of waste still exists, whether in residential, commercial, industrial, infrastructural or other constructions. The purpose of this investigation is to ascertain key sources of waste, and whether generation varies with the type and size of the constructors. A sample of 30 general contractors was studied, and several null hypotheses on waste generation and minimization differences among sectors were tested using the Kruskal–Wallis H‐test. Although subtle shifts were observed in the aspects of waste behaviour that seemed predicated on construction sectors and capital base, to some extent the proposition that the construction type and size can influence waste generation and minimization was validated. Based on this study, some solutions are provided as viable avenues to managing and minimizing construction waste across sectors.
Choi, Kunhee; Lee, Eul‐Bum; Ibbs, C. William; Kim, Yong–Woo
doi: 10.1080/01446190903096591pmid: N/A
A heavily trafficked 4.5km highway stretch on Interstate 15 east of Los Angeles was rebuilt using two extended closures, each spanning nine days with 24/7 operations. Before and during the closures, a multifaceted, extensive, dynamic public outreach programme was implemented to gain public support for the project and to minimize inconvenience to the public. That outreach programme is described, its overall effectiveness in terms of total net benefit and traffic inconvenience during lane closures is assessed, and changes in public perception of the accelerated construction strategy resulting from the outreach programme is examined. Pre‐ and post‐construction surveys performed using the project website mirrored the findings of the traffic measurement study, indicating that the outreach programme effectively reduced traffic demand. The results of two web‐based surveys with a combined total of approximately 400 respondents indicated a dramatic change in public perception of the accelerated construction strategy. The survey results showed that strong initial objection to the accelerated project eventually became supportive of future, accelerated projects. The cost–benefit analysis showed that the additional cost of the outreach programme was outweighed by the savings achieved from reduced road user delay costs.
doi: 10.1080/01446190903117801pmid: N/A
Organizational learning plays an important role for firms entering new international markets. Acquiring knowledge of a foreign market helps firms to decrease uncertainties, misunderstandings and risks, allowing them to plan and achieve project expectations more accurately. Little is known, however, about how real estate developers, contractors and engineering firms initially collect important local knowledge for their international projects. This study uses qualitative research methods to explore the sources firms use to acquire different types of local knowledge. The results indicate that organizational learning is a complex process, and although similarities exist, different types of firms use different sources to collect needed knowledge. The research contributes to theory by responding to requests for additional research on how firms actually acquire and develop institutional knowledge. In addition, by understanding the sources used to acquire different types of institutional knowledge, company managers can determine the best sources to employ to acquire knowledge that is important for their specific business.
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