Governments all around the world have tried to address the problem of providing adequate and affordable housing to the nation over the last three decades. With no exemption, the Malaysian Government is committed to provide all Malaysians, particularly those in the low-income categories, access to adequate and affordable housing. Even with the numerous housing programmes implemented over the various five-year Malaysia Plans, there is still a shortage of affordable homes for the low-income people. The shortage of low-cost dwelling units, along with the high cost of limited land has resulted in rapid expansion of squatter settlements in urban areas. Around the World there is a shift from public to private finance for the delivery of infrastructure projects or related services. However, it has not been implemented to the same extent in affordable housing. This investigation examines not just the measurable deviation from the Malaysia Plan targets, but more importantly, determines an explanation for the deviation and develops a new model of public private partnership for affordable housing. The aim of this research is "to develop a housing model for implementation in affordable housing schemes through the promotion of innovative partnerships between the Government and Private Developers in Malaysia". The research methodology was a combination of literature investigation andinductive reasoning in which a theoretical proposition was tested and developed during data collection and analysis. The data collection included literature review, questionnaires, and follow up interviews with private developers in Malaysia. This research study identifies three models for partnerships between the Government and private developers for affordable housing in Malaysia. An evaluation process was undertaken to assess the appropriateness of the proposed models. The three models will provide tangible benefits in the provision of and access to affordable housing.

The client briefing of the proposed building design is usually in the form of drawings and artistic impressions being presented to the client. However, very few clients are able to read a technical drawing and the artist impressions are limited and do not aid the client to visualise all aspects of the proposed building. During the client briefing process the client needs to have the experiential quality described, to be able to fully understand the design of the proposed building. Generally, humans perceive and directly experience architectural space by building qualities like texture, form, colour, light, scale, movement. A full-scale model of the proposed building would fully afford the experimental qualities. In reality it would be impractical and not cost effective. However, VR technology allows the creation of an inclusion of space in user's mind, through a minimum of means, but achieves a maximum impact, and affords all the experiential qualities offered by a physical model. A virtual model with a high degree of detail which can be explored by the designer and his clients will therefore be of significant help. However, to give clients the best possible impression of the proposed design it is important to understand how dimensions of those designed spaces are perceived. Therefore, a study was carried out focusing on fundamental investigations into the perception of basic architectural dimensions in order to assess the potential usefulness of VR technology in architecture and the client briefing process. In two experiments, subjects were required to estimate egocentric and exocentric dimensions in Virtual Environments and Real World Setting (RWS). The influence of stimuli orientation was also investigated. In estimating all dimensions a magnitude estimation procedure was employed using a modified free-modulus technique. All participants were pre-tested. Psychometric and visual tests were used for choosing an experimental group with a fair degree of homogenity. Two independent subject groups were used. In addition to dimension estimations recall of simple layout and feeling of space were investigated when evaluating the virtual interface. The general null hypothesis assumed that people perceive space in VE as well as in the real world. It has been shown that the results are statistically significant and therefore one was able to reject the general hypothesis. Overall participants underestimated the dimensions in both experiments by approximately 20%. Results and limitations of the study are discussed. The results of the experiments would indicate that VR technology can be used for simulations of architectural spaces because despite underestimations of dimensions it still performed relatively well if one compares it with results of experiments in the Real World Settings.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--McMaster University, 2004. / Advisor: Ahmed Ghobarah. Includes bibliographical references (p. 341-351). Also available online.

In recent years the construction industry has become increasingly aware of the potential of the technical knowledge held by construction professionals and the need to manage it effectively. However, organisations have experienced numerous problems in implementing and sustaining Knowledge Management (KM) initiatives. A key reason for this, which has been cited both within industry and academia, is a lack of understanding of the best-suited KM approaches available and how to adopt them. In particular, the importance of people-orientated KM practices, specifically in the case of construction firms who have a high level of dependence on the tacit knowledge of their employees, has been well documented with many KM authors calling for further research in this area. The research undertaken for this study was initiated in response to the need for further research and an improved understanding of KM (people-orientated KM in particular) best practice. The research was also focussed on establishing an effective KM initiative within Ramboll Whitbybird; the sponsoring organisation. The central aim of the research was therefore to “deliver a framework that facilitates the retention and reuse of knowledge, which will increase Ramboll Whitbybird's potential to drive engineering best practice and respond appropriately to conventional and emerging business opportunities.” To achieve this an action research approach was adopted, facilitated through the use of literature reviews, interviews, focus groups, and other data collection methods, to enable the findings to be implemented within an industrial setting. Through extensive industry involvement the research highlighted the core components necessary for a successful KM initiative, and the actions necessary from those involved in implementing, managing and sustaining KM activities within construction firms. The findings demonstrated that an organisation wishing to realise effective KM needs to establish a clear definition and understanding of KM across the business, which can be achieved through the compilation of a KM strategy (statement) and action plan. It also needs to acknowledge the importance of addressing the critical factors that will determine the success of its KM initiative such as the need for KM champions and a supporting team, a fit with the way people work and an alignment with business objectives. The research also highlighted the importance of people-orientated KM practices, and that construction organisations in particular should identify and prioritise KM activities such as Communities of Practice (CoPs), due to their reliance on tacit knowledge transfer. However, in order to maximise the benefits to individuals and the business, the organisation will need to take a ‘light touch' approach to the management of CoPs. Supporting people-based KM activities with the right technology is an important factor, particularly as organisations expand and become more geographically dispersed. To ensure that this technology is an effective supporter of KM it needs to be tailored to fit with the KM needs of the business, and will need to become de-centralised in its operation. Finally, the research outlined the importance for the organisation to consider the integration of KM within the daily operation of the business by incorporating KM effectively into communication and reporting structures, while also ensuring that it becomes a core aspect of its Quality Assurance (QA) procedures.

This is a detailed study of learning in the context of dry stone walling. It examines what happens in the learning situation. The aim of this work was: 'To understand the nature of expertise in dry stone walling, how it is understood by those practising the craft, and how it is transmitted to others'. The main research questions were, therefore: What happens when dry stone wallers are learning their craft? How do they acquire expertise in dry stone walling? How is this learning communicated? This process necessitated developing a way of engaging with the practitioners, eliciting descriptive data about what they were doing, and why they were doing it, through interviews (or conversations) with both individuals and groups, whilst they practiced their skill. Twenty three wailers were interviewed as they worked, building walls. The material obtained was analysed under seven different themes: 'Knowing how' The use of tacit knowledge or intuition 'Flow' Constant decision making, reflection and learning from mistakes Individual and subjective variations and experiences The relevance of emotion The use of 'rules of thumb' or maxims. Learning walling does not fit simply into any of the seven themes. It is contextualised, complex and individual. It demonstrates tacit knowledge and intuition. It involves emotion, sometimes consciously, sometimes not. It involves memory, problem solving, and learning from mistakes, and reflection. Maxims or 'rules of thumb' were a key element in the learning process at all stages. Linear stages of learning were not evidenced. Deep understanding of the practice is evidenced, and the wider learning and teaching implications are explored.

Leichtbau beabsichtigt, die Funktion des Produkts bei gleichbleibendem Gewicht zu steigern (Wiedemann 2007). Leichtbaugerechtes Konstruieren verbessert die Funktionserfüllung bei konstantem Gewicht oder senkt das Gewicht bei gleicher Funktionserfüllung. Da auf Produkte neben der Erdbeschleunigung auch noch weitere Beschleunigungen und damit Kräfte wirken, ist nicht das Gewicht, sondern vielmehr die Masse neben der Funktion die entscheidende Eigenschaft, die im Leichtbau optimiert werden soll. Um folglich Produkte leichtbaugerecht zu konstruieren, müssen diese sowohl funktions- als auch massegerecht konstruiert werden. Die funktions- und massegerechte Konstruktion von Produkten kann den Energieverbrauch eines Produkts, wie z. B. den Kraftstoffverbrauch eines Fahrzeugs, reduzieren und damit dessen ökonomische und ökologische Eigenschaften verbessern (Ponn & Lindemann 2011). Zusätzlich zur Massenreduzierung kann eine verbesserte Massenverteilung die physische Belastung des Produktnutzers reduzieren, indem Kräfte und Momente, die durch die Masse auf den Nutzer ausgeübt werden, minimiert werden. Außerdem kann eine bessere Massenverteilung weitere dynamische Produkteigenschaften verbessern, z. B. höhere erreichbare Kurvengeschwindigkeiten eines Kraftfahrzeugs. Die Massen- und Trägheitsmomentreduzierung kann außerdem höhere Beschleunigungen ermöglichen (Ponn & Lindemann 2011). Zu einem ganzheitlichen leichtbau- und damit funktions- und massegerechten Konstruieren gehört folglich die Betrachtung der Masse, der Massenverteilung und des Trägheitsmoments.

Continuously increasing demand for faster project delivery of emergency and non-emergency projects, project complexity, and pandemic caused price escalations and material shortages requiring real time pricing and use of available equipment are showing that construction industry needs to shift toward creating designs that will be driven by the construction process or construction-driven designs. The construction-driven designs enable faster than fast project delivery or flash tracking by adopting the mindset that construction is the last phase of the design and by integrating the building approach with the design where the means and methods of construction drive the design development process. However, the development of such designs requires the involvement of the key stakeholders such as contractor, major subcontractors and equipment vendors, and operations and maintenance personnel at the appropriate time in the design. This research presents the framework which addresses the key areas needed to develop construction-driven designs such as (1) formalizing the construction-driven design definition; (2) determining construction-driven design characteristics and the preferred level and timing of involvement of the key stakeholders (contractor, major subcontractor, major equipment vendor, and operations and maintenance personnel) in the design development process; (3) determining key stakeholder’s (contractor, designer, and owner) experience requirements for the successful development and execution of construction-driven designs; (4) identifying potential contractual, licensure, and insurance barriers that can affect contractor’s early involvement in the design and providing recommendations to overcome those barriers; (5) ranking project delivery methods based on their effectiveness and suitability to develop and implement construction-driven designs; (6) identifying and ranking the best practices specific to construction-driven designs; and (7) providing a tool that will allow a company or a project team to measure their readiness to develop a construction-driven design for a project. / Ph.D. / Continuously increasing demand for faster project delivery of emergency and non-emergency projects, project complexity, and rising prices and material shortages caused by pandemic require real time pricing and use of available equipment. Moreover, these issues are showing that construction industry needs to shift toward creating designs that are constructible and led by the means and methods of construction or construction-driven designs. The construction-driven designs enable faster than fast project delivery by adopting the mindset that construction is the last phase of the design and by integrating the building approach with the design process where the means and methods of construction influence and guide the design development process. However, the development of such designs requires the involvement of the key stakeholders such as contractor, major subcontractors and equipment vendors, and operations and maintenance personnel at the appropriate time in the design. This research presents the framework which addresses the key areas needed to develop construction-driven designs such as (1) formalizing the construction-driven design definition; (2) determining construction-driven design characteristics and the preferred level and timing of involvement of the key stakeholders (contractor, major subcontractor, major equipment vendor, and operations and maintenance personnel) in the design development process; (3) determining key stakeholder’s (contractor, designer, and owner) experience requirements for the successful development and execution of construction-driven designs; (4) identifying potential contractual, licensure, and insurance barriers that can affect contractor’s early involvement in the design and providing recommendations to overcome those barriers; (5) ranking project delivery methods based on their effectiveness and suitability to develop and implement construction-driven designs; (6) identifying and ranking the best practices specific to construction-driven designs; and (7) providing a tool that will allow a company or a project team to measure their readiness to develop a construction-driven design for a project.

Recent years has seen a significant drive away from traditional procurement routes with contractors finding themselves with an increasing responsibility for control of design - a process they have had little experience in managing. They now have to adapt accordingly. The learning curve is steep, not least because many projects must now be delivered fast track while co-ordinating increasingly complex fabric and content of buildings without a platform of accepted good practice to manage the design process. This is a major factor preventing the UK construction industry from delivering projects on time, to budget and to the specified quality. There is a need to educate an increasing number of people in design management techniques to equip them to manage today's fast moving and demanding projects. However, many current design management tools are insufficiently developed for industry application. Therefore, to improve design management in the industry, current techniques must be modified to align them with the needs of the modern design manager. This research has developed and tested a training initiative aimed at improving design management practice within a major UK Design and Construct Contractor. It comprises a Design Management Handbook, Design Management Training, Team Support and Project Monitoring. The Design Management Handbook is the core of the training initiative. It addresses critical aspects of design management practice and provides design management tools. Training provides guidance to project teams on the tools and practices. In Team Support project teams are supported in the implementation of the new practices and tools to help embed new ways of working in company practice. Project Monitoring establishes the impact of the new practices on project performance to demonstrate that they are working and thus reinforce change. To establish the training initiative's effectiveness and key findings, the impact of the initiative on design management performance has been explored. The research has established which practices and tools were used, which were not, as well as an understanding the applicability and performance of each Handbook practice and tool. From this, barriers to implementing new design management tools in industry were identified and strategies developed in order to overcome such barriers.

By its nature, building maintenance requires an ability to respond to a demand that is random in time, random in nature and random in location. This in turn creates complex operational and logistical problems for management, specially if the property complex is large. The objective of this research is to assess the scope for and effectiveness of quantitative modelling, and the prediction of the outcome of alternative management action (policy), to assist in the management of building maintenance complexes of the size of a hospital. Both building and engineering equipments are encompassed within the study as appropriate. The research issues are split into three related phases; a demand study; a defect reduction study; and a maintenance management model. 1- The maintenance demand study: Based upon general statistics obtained, attempts have been made to identify and quantify both the major problems areas (in terms of cost and frequency of maintenance activities), and the nature and cause of the demand for maintenance. They have revealed no coherent picture in that the demand from wards and buildings seems independent of the patient throughput and the age of buildings. The demand for maintenance, for the main trades involved, has been estimated and used in the simulation models mentioned in below. 2- Demand reduction model: Accepting the current demand situation for maintenance, it was proposed to identify what is the cause of the demand and what possible actions could reduce the demand: Possibly through design modification, changes in materials used, change in practice of service/building user, development of Preventive Maintenance 'PM' or inspection system for component. Despite considerable effort, it proved not possible to progress this aspect of the study and the reasons are discussed. 3- Maintenance management models: Simulation models to the maintenance activities within the hospital has been developed using, Extended Control and Simulation Language, ECSLPLUS, to model the maintenance policies, and assessing any changes in operating procedures. The advantage of modelling is that the magnitude and nature of changes can be assessed and contemplated prior to any actual change in operating procedures. This is generally recognised as being most valuable. For specific problems and areas of operation identified, development of specific methods of deployments have been attempted. For instance, 'recieving one job at a time'; 'recieving a batch of jobs at a time'; and 'delaying non-urgent jobs and grouping them in time'. A number of maintenance management policies have been assessed using the above models, these are: 'Previewing' and 'not previewing' most of the defects before repair to identify the required resources; 'employing extra part-time tradesmen during the busy days'; 'working 7 days instead of 5 days a week'; 'no sickness policy'; and 'employing multi-skilled tradesmen option'. These models should be capable of indicating to management the gains and consequances, in terms of measures of interest to them such as the workforce and manhours required to meet the demand for maintenance per trade, changing operating practice, customs and timescales. That is, their decision variables.

Waste production and management problems have increased in this century. Population growth and consumption patterns in developing societies are associated with this growth. During the last decades, some world organisations have contributed to a global discussion and common resolutions. Concerns about the environment and sustainable development have been soundly highlighted. The European Union through its five Environment and Development Programmes as well the Directives and other special Regulations have responded that Agenda 21. The complexity and historical context of integrated and sustainable waste management is studied within the context of the construction industry in Portugal. International experience and knowledge were also drawn upon to add to the local knowledge. The study classifies the debris trail. The deconstruction process is studied in order to illuminate the relationship with the nature of the debris trail. This is the core of the research which seeks to make a contribution to the understanding of this relationship and forms the basis for the development of a dynamic construction and demolition estimating and assessment model. The work is based on case studies derived by observation from five complex and holistic case studies in Lisbon, cases studies reported from other countries and from work by others undertaken in France. Soft Systems Methodologies are used to illuminate the qualitative concerns. The quantitative information from practice is placed along side the qualitative data to give further insight into the issues being studied. The difficulties of insufficient actor involvement and participation in the process are also discussed. Systems Dynamics methodologies are used to define a dynamic model using data from the sources referred. The model is intended to assist the assessment and estimation of the characteristics of the debris trail. The output of the dynamic model will contribute to a national strategy and plan for the construction and demolition waste stream in Portugal within the context of European Union strategies and guidelines.