Design changes during construction, which are typical in most projects, lead to increased cost, loss of productivity and delays. These changes are usually due to approved scope changes or due to design errors and omissions (E&Os) found in the construction documents. Errors and omissions are typically manifested in terms of incorrect or inconsistent dimensions and layouts in the construction documents, or by the lack of timely and correct information that it is needed to build the project or to meet the code requirements. Among others, E&Os are usually caused by poor coordination and communication among the many parties involved in the design process. The objective of this research is to explore the extent to which change orders resulting from errors and omissions in the design documents are caused by poor coordination and communications, and to determine the extent to which the use of the concept of the 3D parametric building model can be used to minimize or eliminate E&Os, hence minimizes total change orders. The concept of the 3D parametric building model has been implemented in commercial software using object-oriented technology. It creates a centralized database storing all the information about the design components as well as their interrelationships. Thus, whatever change is made is consistently propagated to the entire design object. The research was conducted through reviewing of the literature, a case study and a web-based survey among design professionals. The study revealed that 35% of E&Os are primarily due to poor coordination and that the use of 3D parametric building model has a significant impact on productivity and on improving the coordination of the design process. This model shows promising results in helping to minimize errors and omissions in the design documents.

Submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the Degree of Magister Technologiae: Civil Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / Infrastructure project costs are being scrutinised more closely and with greater skill and accuracy as projects have become larger, more complex and more expensive, and clients have become more exacting in their requirements. These and other factors compel engineers to design with greater care and in more detail. However, public planners spend very little time generating alternative project options, often presenting decision-makers with only a few poorly differentiated alternatives borrowed ad hoc from other projects. Even more disturbing is that they often devote the greatest amount of decision making resources to the development of a single decision rather than a variety of options. A systematic and iterative analysis of the cost consequences of different design solutions is commonly suggested for infrastructure projects, but rarely happens. There is a growing need to integrate design and costs. This study concentrates on the issue of cost optimisation of infrastructure projects (particularly at the design stage of the project) and applies construction economics, cost planning, cost optimisation and value engineering techniques to the design of such projects. The methodology proposed in this study for the optimisation of cost and design planning is the Infrastructure Cost Planning Model. This model divides the planning of a project into four stages and utilises twelve Cost Report Forms across these stages. The Cost Report Forms define in a comprehensive, precise and verifiable manner the essential characteristics of a deliverable component. They are used to measure, quantify, verify and audit the different design options. By means of the Cost Report Forms, the Infrastructure Cost Planning Model enables the client to select a combination of alternatives and evaluate a number of possible design options – with their cost implications – at each stage of the design process. This i promotes transparency and accountability, and enables consultants and clients to have greater control over the planning process and overall costs. Two case studies on infrastructure related projects were conducted and confirm that the Infrastructure Cost Planning Model can reduce costs. This study demonstrates that it is possible to overcome the problem of over expenditure by introducing cost effective design decisions prior to the infrastructure design approval process. The Infrastructure Cost Planning Model can improve infrastructure standards and procure design in a cost effective, equitable, competitive and transparent manner. This study contributes to the underdeveloped area of cost planning and forecasting of infrastructure projects. The findings are relevant to the South African government's infrastructure service delivery programme and the general issue of affordable infrastructure services.

Delay and disruption (DD) to contractors’ progress, often resulting in time and cost overruns, are a major source of claims and disputes in the construction industry. At the heart of the matter in dispute is often the question of the extent of each contracting party’s responsibility for the delayed project completion and extra cost incurred. Various methodologies have been developed over the years as aids to answering this question. Whilst much has been written about DD, there is limited information on the extent of use of these methodologies in practice. The research reported in this thesis was initiated to investigate these issues in the UK, towards developing a framework for improving DD analysis. The methodology adopted in undertaking this research was the mixed method approach involving first, a detailed review of the relevant literature, followed by an industry-wide survey on the use of these methodologies and associated problems. Following this, interviews were conducted to investigate the identified problems in more depth. The data collected were analysed, with the aid of SPSS and Excel, using a variety of statistical methods including descriptive statistics analysis, relative index analysis, Kendall’s concordance and factor analysis. The key finding was that DD analysis methodologies reported in the literature as having major weaknesses are the most widely used in practice mainly due to deficiencies in programming and record keeping practice. To facilitate the use of more reliable methodologies, which ensure more successful claims resolution with fewer chances of disputes, a framework has been developed comprising of: (i) best practice recommendations for promoting better record-keeping and programming practice and; (ii) a model for assisting analysts in their selection of appropriate delay analysis methodology for any claims situation. This model was validated by means of experts’ review via a survey and the findings obtained suggest that the model is valuable and suitable for use in practice. Finally, areas for further research were identified.

O propósito desta pesquisa é estudar características dos sistemas de custos gerenciais (SCG), sendo elas o método de custeio utilizado pelas empresas, as ferramentas de gestão em uso, os principais objetivos do sistema de custos gerenciais e o suporte provido pelo ERP (software de gestão). Estas características são analisadas a luz das pressões isomórficas de convergência e do decoupling, discutindo as implicações destas por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica expondo conceitos das práticas de custos gerenciais e o paradoxo das pressões isomórficas de convergência e o decoupling. Esta pesquisa explora dados coletados por meio de questionário com 27 subsidiárias de empresas alemãs operantes no Brasil, de grande e médio porte, dos setores automobilístico e de máquinas e equipamentos, afim de identificar as práticas do sistema de custos gerenciais em uso, a presença de evidências complementares do isomorfismo e do decoupling. A análise dos dados foi realizada de forma qualitativa e quantitativa (estatística descritiva) a luz da revisão bibliográfica apresentada, buscou-se consolidar conhecimentos que contribuem com o provimento ao meio acadêmico e profissional com uma ampla descrição das características gerais dos sistemas de gerenciamento de custos empregados por subsidiárias de empresas alemãs, uma população economicamente relevante e pouco explorada em estudos anteriores. Dentre os principais achados, ressalta-se que quanto maior o isomorfismo coercitivo, menor o decoupling das práticas do sistema de custos gerenciais. O baixo nível de decoupling demonstra ainda ter influência sobre a baixa divergência nos objetivos do sistema de custos gerenciais. Ainda a respeito das propriedades do sistema de custos gerenciais, é importante destacar que a maior parcela das subsidiárias utiliza o método de custeio por absorção para tomada de decisão e o orçamento e o custo padrão são ferramentas de gestão institucionalizadas na maioria das empresas. Como objetivo principal do SCG, a redução de custos é uma unanimidade, seguida por aumento da transparência, facilitação da formação de preço e fomento de melhorias de processo. Elementos do isomorfismo coercitivo e mimético são apresentados em todas as subsidiárias, sendo na maioria delas de maneira expressiva. O isomorfismo em sua forma normativa mostra-se presente na maioria delas. / The purpose of this research is to analyze aspects of Costs Management System (CMS), these being the costing method used by companies, the management tools in use, the main objectives of cost management system and the support provided by ERP (software management). These features are analyzed through the light of isomorphic convergence pressures and the occurrence of decoupling, discussing these implications applying the bibliographical research showing the management cost practical concepts and the paradox of isomorphic pressures of convergence and the decoupling. This research explores data obtained through a questionnaire with 27 senior executives of subsidiaries of German companies in Brazil of large and medium-size, in the automotive and machinery equipment industry with the objective of identifying management cost practices in use, evidences of the isomorphism and the decoupling. The data analyses was made through quantitative and qualitative ways applying the bibliographical research, searching to consolidate knowledge that provides the academic and professional field with a large description of the main features of cost management system in use by German subsidiaries working in Brazil, a population with economic relevance but not being showed in former research. Concerning the main findings, it is noteworthy that the bigger the isomorphic coercion found in the subsidiaries, smaller the decoupling of the cost management practices investigated. The smaller level of decoupling shows also an influence on the smaller level of divergence in the goals to the cost management system. Still about the cost management system features it is important to highlight that the large portion of subsidiaries apply the absorption cost method by decision making and the budget and cost standard are the most used management tools and are institutionalized in almost all companies. The cost reduction shows up as the main objective of the CMS, followed by increasing transparency, facilitating pricing and incentive to process improvements. Coercive isomorphism elements are presented in almost all subsidiaries, the mimetic and normative isomorphism also have remarkable presence. Evidence of isomorphic coercion and isomorphism mimetic are presented by all subsidiaries, being in the most of them very expressive. The isomorphism normative are present in the most part of subsidiaries.

Thesis. 1976. M.S.--Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Civil Engineering. / Microfiche copy available in Archives and Engineering. / Bibliography: leaves 116-118. / M.S.

This research provides an example delay calculation for long-haul single unit and combination trucks on Interstate-75 (I-75) in Georgia. Truck profiles on Georgia interstates are used to calculate the value of freight by truck type and commodity moved. Determining the types of trucks and commodities moved within the state of Georgia allows the researcher to monetize the effect of recurring congestion by location in addition to the cost of lost time. A more accurate calculation of delay based on truck type and commodity moved will better inform the Georgia Department of Transportation about the performance of Georgia's major truck routes and its potential effect on the local economy. A review of past research on this topic found that the calculated cost of delay in previous studies varied widely based on truck and commodity type. The identification of the types of commodities moved can assist in better monetizing the value of truck freight. Using forecast data on future truck traffic volume increases in the corridor, the growing importance of putting a value on different types of truck freight delay costs are demonstrated.

Submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements for the Degree of Magister Technologiae: Civil Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / Infrastructure project costs are being scrutinised more closely and with greater skill and accuracy as projects have become larger, more complex and more expensive, and clients have become more exacting in their requirements. These and other factors compel engineers to design with greater care and in more detail. However, public planners spend very little time generating alternative project options, often presenting decision-makers with only a few poorly differentiated alternatives borrowed ad hoc from other projects. Even more disturbing is that they often devote the greatest amount of decision making resources to the development of a single decision rather than a variety of options. A systematic and iterative analysis of the cost consequences of different design solutions is commonly suggested for infrastructure projects, but rarely happens. There is a growing need to integrate design and costs. This study concentrates on the issue of cost optimisation of infrastructure projects (particularly at the design stage of the project) and applies construction economics, cost planning, cost optimisation and value engineering techniques to the design of such projects. The methodology proposed in this study for the optimisation of cost and design planning is the Infrastructure Cost Planning Model. This model divides the planning of a project into four stages and utilises twelve Cost Report Forms across these stages. The Cost Report Forms define in a comprehensive, precise and verifiable manner the essential characteristics of a deliverable component. They are used to measure, quantify, verify and audit the different design options. By means of the Cost Report Forms, the Infrastructure Cost Planning Model enables the client to select a combination of alternatives and evaluate a number of possible design options – with their cost implications – at each stage of the design process. This i promotes transparency and accountability, and enables consultants and clients to have greater control over the planning process and overall costs. Two case studies on infrastructure related projects were conducted and confirm that the Infrastructure Cost Planning Model can reduce costs. This study demonstrates that it is possible to overcome the problem of over expenditure by introducing cost effective design decisions prior to the infrastructure design approval process. The Infrastructure Cost Planning Model can improve infrastructure standards and procure design in a cost effective, equitable, competitive and transparent manner. This study contributes to the underdeveloped area of cost planning and forecasting of infrastructure projects. The findings are relevant to the South African government's infrastructure service delivery programme and the general issue of affordable infrastructure services.

The purpose of this study was to explore, from readily available data, the best predictors of medical claims costs at Ball State University (BSU). Multiple regression equations were developed to predict BSU's medical claims costs from selected demographic and health-related measures among 1,799 BSU employees. The predictors were chosen from data previously collected during the three-year study period: July 1, 1995 to June 30, 1998. Regression equations were developed for the entire BSU population and the high-cost population. The linear composite of number of emergency room visits, number of chronic health problems, gender and age predicted 17.86% of the variation in transformed medical claims costs for the entire BSU population. The linear composite of age, number of emergency room visits and gender predicted 9.95% of the variation in transformed medical claims costs for high-cost BSU employees. Logistic regression, performed on the entire BSU population, did not differentiate low and highcost employees well: only 15.0% of high-cost employees were classified correctly. / Fisher Institute for Wellness

Orientador: Prof. Dr. Reynaldo Palácios Bereche / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do ABC. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Energia, 2015. / O Brasil possui crescente taxa de geração de resíduos sólidos urbanos. Tal resíduo é, em sua grande parte, alocado em aterros sanitários sendo que boa parte tem destinação inadequada. Em 2008, o governo brasileiro instituiu a política nacional de resíduos sólidos, que indica que somente o resíduo sem viabilidade econômica deve ser alocado em aterros sanitários sendo que aterros controlados e lixões devem ser fechados. Entre as diversas opções de tratamentos disponíveis, a incineração com aproveitamento energético se apresenta como uma opção a ser estudada uma vez que o país possui uma alta demanda de energia. Sendo assim, esse trabalho tem como objetivo o estudo das tecnologias e do potencial de geração de energia elétrica a partir de resíduos sólidos urbanos em ciclos de potência a vapor. O trabalho foi dividido em quatro estudos: (I) Estudo das correlações para determinação do poder calorífico; (II) Análise da influência da composição dos resíduos; (III) Análise técnico-econômica da planta; (IV) Análise econômica. O estudo (I) consistiu na comparação de diversas correlações e composições de RSU de forma a avaliar a melhor opção para o cálculo do PCI do combustível. O estudo comparou a resposta das correlações em relação aos valores experimentais e mostrou que os erros encontrados não são maiores do que o esperado pela variação da composição devido à mudança dos hábitos da população. Os estudos (II) e (III) levaram em conta a separação de materiais e alterações na configuração dos ciclos a vapor. O estudo (II) revelou que a separação da matéria orgânica é benéfica à incineração enquanto a remoção de plásticos é nociva do ponto de vista do aproveitamento energético. O estudo (III) revelou que existe um potencial de ganho considerável no aumento da eficiência desses ciclos. Por fim, o estudo (IV) mostrou que, para o Brasil, esta tecnologia ainda possui custo elevado e para viabilização, deveria ser buscado um aumento da eficiência com o aumento da escala de plantas desse tipo, além de fomentos econômicos na forma de financiamentos e redução de impostos. Como conclusão do trabalho foi possível observar o custo elevado da tecnologia e o potencial desta para o futuro. Esse potencial pode ser atingido com planejamento e conscientização da população para que, com o fim da vida dos aterros, essa tecnologia possa ser implementada com custo que viabilize este tratamento. / Brazil has an increasing rate of waste generation where such waste is, for the most part, allocated in landfills. In 2008, the Brazilian government established a national solid waste policy that states that only the economically unviable waste must be placed in landfills, while the controlled landfills and dumps should be closed. Among the available treatments, incineration with energy recovery is presented as an option to be studied once the country has a high energy demand. Therefore, this study aims to study the technologies and the potential for electricity from municipal solid waste incineration in steam cycles. This work was divided into four studies: (i) Study of correlations; (II) Analysis of the influence of the composition; (III) technical and economic analysis of the plant and (IV) economic analysis. The study (I) consists in comparing different correlations and compositions to assess the best choice for calculating the fuel¿s lower heating value. The study¿s goal was to shown the correlations with less difference compared to experimental data and showed that the errors found are not higher than expected by varying the composition due to changing population's habits. Studies (II) and (III) take into account the separation of materials and configuration changes in steam cycles. The study (II) revealed that the separation of the organic matter is beneficial to incineration while removing plastics is harmful. The study (III) revealed that there is considerable upside potential in increasing the efficiency of these cycles. Finally, the study (IV) revealed that, in Brazil, this technology still has high cost and, to make this technology viable, would be important to have higher efficiency and bigger plant scale along with economic stimulation to this technology. As conclusion, was possible to observe the high cost of technology and the potential in the future. This potential can be achieved with planning and public awareness so that, with the end of life of landfills, this technology can be implemented at a cost that enables this technology.

O propósito desta pesquisa é estudar características dos sistemas de custos gerenciais (SCG), sendo elas o método de custeio utilizado pelas empresas, as ferramentas de gestão em uso, os principais objetivos do sistema de custos gerenciais e o suporte provido pelo ERP (software de gestão). Estas características são analisadas a luz das pressões isomórficas de convergência e do decoupling, discutindo as implicações destas por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica expondo conceitos das práticas de custos gerenciais e o paradoxo das pressões isomórficas de convergência e o decoupling. Esta pesquisa explora dados coletados por meio de questionário com 27 subsidiárias de empresas alemãs operantes no Brasil, de grande e médio porte, dos setores automobilístico e de máquinas e equipamentos, afim de identificar as práticas do sistema de custos gerenciais em uso, a presença de evidências complementares do isomorfismo e do decoupling. A análise dos dados foi realizada de forma qualitativa e quantitativa (estatística descritiva) a luz da revisão bibliográfica apresentada, buscou-se consolidar conhecimentos que contribuem com o provimento ao meio acadêmico e profissional com uma ampla descrição das características gerais dos sistemas de gerenciamento de custos empregados por subsidiárias de empresas alemãs, uma população economicamente relevante e pouco explorada em estudos anteriores. Dentre os principais achados, ressalta-se que quanto maior o isomorfismo coercitivo, menor o decoupling das práticas do sistema de custos gerenciais. O baixo nível de decoupling demonstra ainda ter influência sobre a baixa divergência nos objetivos do sistema de custos gerenciais. Ainda a respeito das propriedades do sistema de custos gerenciais, é importante destacar que a maior parcela das subsidiárias utiliza o método de custeio por absorção para tomada de decisão e o orçamento e o custo padrão são ferramentas de gestão institucionalizadas na maioria das empresas. Como objetivo principal do SCG, a redução de custos é uma unanimidade, seguida por aumento da transparência, facilitação da formação de preço e fomento de melhorias de processo. Elementos do isomorfismo coercitivo e mimético são apresentados em todas as subsidiárias, sendo na maioria delas de maneira expressiva. O isomorfismo em sua forma normativa mostra-se presente na maioria delas. / The purpose of this research is to analyze aspects of Costs Management System (CMS), these being the costing method used by companies, the management tools in use, the main objectives of cost management system and the support provided by ERP (software management). These features are analyzed through the light of isomorphic convergence pressures and the occurrence of decoupling, discussing these implications applying the bibliographical research showing the management cost practical concepts and the paradox of isomorphic pressures of convergence and the decoupling. This research explores data obtained through a questionnaire with 27 senior executives of subsidiaries of German companies in Brazil of large and medium-size, in the automotive and machinery equipment industry with the objective of identifying management cost practices in use, evidences of the isomorphism and the decoupling. The data analyses was made through quantitative and qualitative ways applying the bibliographical research, searching to consolidate knowledge that provides the academic and professional field with a large description of the main features of cost management system in use by German subsidiaries working in Brazil, a population with economic relevance but not being showed in former research. Concerning the main findings, it is noteworthy that the bigger the isomorphic coercion found in the subsidiaries, smaller the decoupling of the cost management practices investigated. The smaller level of decoupling shows also an influence on the smaller level of divergence in the goals to the cost management system. Still about the cost management system features it is important to highlight that the large portion of subsidiaries apply the absorption cost method by decision making and the budget and cost standard are the most used management tools and are institutionalized in almost all companies. The cost reduction shows up as the main objective of the CMS, followed by increasing transparency, facilitating pricing and incentive to process improvements. Coercive isomorphism elements are presented in almost all subsidiaries, the mimetic and normative isomorphism also have remarkable presence. Evidence of isomorphic coercion and isomorphism mimetic are presented by all subsidiaries, being in the most of them very expressive. The isomorphism normative are present in the most part of subsidiaries.