Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) projects are becoming more complex in terms of client requirements, stakeholder issues, physical, budget and time constraints, and safety and environmental concerns. These constraints have spawned ad-hoc innovations in some AEC projects, without structured frameworks for their assessment, resulting in varying success for these innovations. The primary goal of the thesis is to test an existing framework for evaluating innovative design and construction technologies for high-rise buildings by way of a case-study. The case study is a48-story structure (with an 8-level sub-grade parkade) in a downtown setting with significant constraints and challenges. Unlike most other assessment frameworks which are single-issue based (financial, cost, time or risk), a holistic method that captures a broad range of critical issues at the micro and macro levels is used to screen a number of construction innovations. The process highlights the primary difficulty in balancing stakeholder issues, technical/engineering requirements and project goals in assessing the overall feasibility and net benefits of an innovation. As a useful tool, it facilitates the engineering/technical judgment of proposed innovations and provides evidence of a sufficient trade-off between incremental 'cost and benefits' to justify a detailed evaluation and possible subsequent use of a subset of the innovations that passed successfully through a tiered first stage evaluation process. A secondary objective is to propose appropriate quantitative models for a detailed evaluation of the screened technologies that not only seeks to quantify incremental cost and benefits (e.g. time, increased revenue, etc.) but also assess the level of certainty (in benefits and cost) of innovative construction technologies. An illustrative evaluation provides insights as to the level of modeling and analysis required to evaluate an innovative or novel strategy both at the 'activity/work package' and project levels. The quantum of data required at the pre-construction planning stage coupled with the lack of easy to apply evaluation models probably accounts for the non-prevalence of detailed quantitative evaluation of innovative construction technologies on AEC projects, especially in terms of impact at the project level and the degree of certainty with which net benefits are likely to be achieved. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Civil Engineering, Department of / Graduate

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For a long-term period, the construction industry has been challenged by low growth rate performance, with strong relationships between reduced productivity, inefficient processes, and low level of digitalization. The industry is an important part of the development of society and generates considerable economic values that motivate change, by utilizing the forces of digitalization to a greater extent. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a technology in today's digital revolution that has received a lot of media attention about its capabilities and how it can be implemented to create a higher degree of efficiency. In the construction industry, AI is a relatively new concept that is predicted to have great potential to challenge the conventional construction process to promote a more efficient and productive construction project. The aim of the study is to increase knowledge about AI, its potential and to develop a guideline for implementing AI. The study applied a qualitative research approach where qualitative data was analyzed. Data collection techniques for the study consisted of literature review consisting of book, reports and articles to create the theoretical framework of the topic. A comprehensive interview study was conducted with individuals in three different segments; Construction companies, consulting companies and academia to be able to cover the questions of the study. The results of the study indicate that AI is applied to a limited extent in the Swedish construction industry. However, the potential is considered high in many of the different phases and processes of the construction process, where the greatest extraction can be obtained in early stages and during the actual project management phase. Guidance of the implementation and its key factors is reinforced by the identification of the challenges that, according to the interviews and theory, can be found in both external and internal factors. Furthermore, AI technology requires investment and challenges the structure of the industry in terms of collaboration and data collection. Today's fragmented industry and the unwillingness to share data requires updated business models to achieve the expected impact that AI may generate. Implementation in construction projects often remains in test environments and, according to the study, struggles to scale up. Lack of knowledge about AI and low willingness to invest are identified as two reasons. An implementation of AI differs from "traditional" digitization since the technology is more closely connected to the business strategy and not only a technological issue. A knowledge boost within company management is crucial for an implementation to be strategic and incorporate the company's business strategy. The analysis further indicated that sector-wide initiatives are required to ensure that AI can be applied throughout the construction process. From the results and the subsequent analysis, there is a strong interest in AI and how itcan be applied. An increased utilization and investment in the technology can provide competitive advantages and consequently there is a risk that more activities will occur than what has been identified in the study. The result is in alignment with previous research but also indicates that Sweden as a country is generally behind in the development of AI. Further research and more use cases of AI are necessary to increase knowledge in the industry and to motivate companies participating in a construction project to increase their willingness to invest. / Byggbranschen har under lång tid utmanats av låg tillväxtutveckling där minskad produktivitet, ineffektiva processer och låg grad av digitalisering har starka samband. Branschen utgör en viktig del i samhällsutvecklingen och genererar stora ekonomiska värden som motiverar till förändring, genom att i större utsträckning nyttja digitaliseringens krafter. Artificiell Intelligens (AI) är en teknik i nutidens stora tekniska revolution som har fått ett stort medialt utrymme om dess förmåga och hur det kan implementeras för att bland annat skapa högre grad av effektivitet. Inom byggbranschen är AI ett relativt nytt begrepp som spås ha stor potential att utmana den konventionella byggprocessen för att främja ett effektivare och produktivare byggprojekt. Målet med studien är att öka kunskapen om AI, dess potential samt att forma en vägledning i implementeringen av AI. I studien tillämpades en kvalitativ undersökning där kvalitativa data analyserades. Datainsamlingstekniker för studien bestod av litteraturgenomgång i form av bok, rapporter och artiklar för att bygga upp det teoretiska ramverket kring ämnet. En omfattande intervjustudie utfördes med aktörer inom tre olika segment; Byggföretag, konsultföretag och akademin för att kunna besvara studiens frågeställningar. Resultatet i studien visar att AI används i begränsad utsträckning inom svensk byggbransch. Dock bedöms potentialen stor i många av byggprocessens olika skeden och processer, där den största utvinningen kan fås i tidiga skeden genom användning av historiska data samt under själva projektstyrningen. En vägledning i implementeringen och dess nyckelfaktorer förstärks genom identifieringen av utmaningarna som enligt intervjuerna och teorin bottnar i både externa och interna faktorer. AI-tekniken kräver dock investeringar och ställer krav på branschens struktur när det kommer till samarbete och datainsamlingar. Dagens fragmenterade bransch och motviljan att dela data kräver uppdaterade affärsmodeller för att få den förväntade effekt som AI kan generera. Införandet i byggprojekt stannar ofta i testmiljöer och har enligt studien svårt att skalas upp. Kunskapsbrist om AI och låg investeringsvilja pekas ut som två anledningar. En implementering av AI särskiljer sig från ”vanlig” digitalisering då tekniken i högre utsträckning är kopplad till affärsstrategin och inte enbart en teknisk fråga. Ett kunskapslyft inom företagsledningar anses nödvändigt för att en implementering ska ske strategiskt och genomsyra företagets affärsstrategi. Analysen och vägledningen visar också att det behövs branschgemensamma initiativ för att AI ska kunna tillämpas genom hela byggprocessen. I resultatet samt i den efterföljande analysen framhålls ett tydligt intresse för AI och hur det kan användas. En utökad tillämpning och satsning på tekniken kan ge konkurrensfördelar och det finns därför en risk att det görs mer än vad som framkommit i studien. Resultatet går i linje med tidigare forskning men visar också på att Sverige som land generellt ligger efter i utvecklingen av AI. Vidare forskning och fler användarfall av AI är nödvändigt för att öka kunskapen i branschen och också motivationen till att öka investeringsviljan hos bolag verksamma i ett byggprojekt.

Abstract. BIM (Building Information Model) and GIS (Geographic Information System) have been rapidly developed in recent years due to their respective strengths in projects. But these two systems are totally different on focus, reference systems and data storage. With the increasing discussion about integrated BIM-GIS and technologies development, application fields, solutions and challenges are continuously updated and developed. However, the actual application of BIM and GIS integration has not been better implemented because it is restricted to certain extent by different regions, different projects and certain technical constraints. To better explore the integration of BIM and GIS, this paper reviews the development progress of BIM and GIS integration, the exiting integration methods at data level, process level and application level, and the remaining integrated challenges through the studies of 43 relevant research articles, and analyzes the actual situation of integration application through the results of questionnaire. Based on the literature review and a questionnaire, there are still technical problems in BIM-GIS integration including transformation accuracy, semantic simplification and geometric information filtering and so on, and integrated BIM-GIS is currently rarely used in the AEC industry. But due to the benefits of the integration, there is no doubt that integrated BIM-GIS system can bring significant value to the AEC industry.

The Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry is passive in employing innovative technologies and conducting change efforts. As a result, numerous companies in the AEC industry do not exploit many of the benefits, which otherwise can be achieved with digital innovations. When engaging with digital innovations, it is suggested to understand and verify the organizational capabilities of implementing new technologies instead of merely the capacity of the latest technologies considered. It is essential for organizations that go digital, to recognize a need for digital change while identifying the organizational obstacles that potentially can obstruct their change attempts. Hence, activities related to promoting and adopting new, innovative technologies are in practice concerned with change efforts, and challenges regarding how to implement and influence individuals to embrace them, thus making the best use of a considered digital tool. This research thesis explores how consultancy companies in the AEC industry are coping with the adoption and implemention of digital innovations. By taking the consultancy firm’s perspective, the thesis identifies, analyzes and addresses the main organizational obstacles that hinder digital adoption within the AEC industry. Methodologically, this research thesis builds on a qualitative single case study approach, seeking to achieve an understanding and analytical capability instead of a generalization. The qualitative means used involve 13 semi-structured interviews with employees at a Case Company as well as external experts working with digitalization and change management. Besides, through a literature review, the thesis compares and analyzes the findings from the interviews and how they are interrelated to existing literature regarding implementing digital innovations. The empirical results indicate that a main obstacle for implementing digital innovations at consultancy firms in the AEC industry is related to an inadequately articulated and mediated vision regarding the digital transformation process and the change required. The results show that the initiated and planned change projects are not systematically shared and communicated among the Case Company’s teams, and individuals alike. So, the practices for how the employees appropriately can proceed with an idea related to digital innovation are not widely understood nor shared. Accordingly, there is a lack of knowledge among managers and employees on why they should engage in digital change projects and how this can be done appropriately. Lastly, there is also a lack of time as well as financial and personal incentives allocated towards working with digital change. This research thesis emphasizes that an organizational vision, strategy, and procedures must be realized and mediated to all teams and individuals who are involved or affected by a digital change to address these obstacles. Managers and leaders need to foster the creation of change readiness required for the digital transformation process. This involves providing coworkers with sufficient prerequisites, mediating the change process and helping them to embrace it. For example, a) by explaining the benefits and the need for change, b) communicating and systematically informing the teams and individuals with the opportunities to develop necessary competences, and c) by offering guidance and managerial support. Still, it is essential to continuously evaluate change efforts to ensure that their outcome is valuable, instead of merely convincing individuals about the necessity of conducting a change. / Arkitektur, Ingenjör och Konstruktion (AEC) industrin beskrivs som passiv gällande att använda innovativ teknik och genomföra digital förändring. Därmed är det många företag inom AEC industrin som inte utnyttjar de fördelar som annars hade kunnat uppnås med digitala innovationer. När ett företag arbetar med digitala innovationer föreslås att man förstår och verifierar de organisatoriska kapaciteterna för att implementera en ny teknik istället för bara kapaciteten för den senaste teknologin som beaktas. För organisationer som strävar efter att bli digitalt adoptiva är det viktigt att urskilja ett behov om digital förändring och samtidigt identifiera de organisatoriska utmaningarna som potentiellt kan hindra deras förändringsförsök. När en verksamhet eftersträvar att främja och anta nya innovativa tekniker, så är det i praktiken ofta utmanande att influera individer att omfamna förändringen som dessa teknologier medför, och därmed utnyttja ett betraktat digitalt verktyg bäst. Denna forskningsuppsats undersöker hur konsultföretag i AEC-industrin klarar av implementeringen av digitala innovationer. Genom att ta ett konsultföretags perspektiv identifierar, analyserar och besvarar denna forskningsuppsats de viktigaste organisatoriska utmaningarna som hindrar digital adoption inom AEC-industrin. Forskningsmetoden bygger på en kvalitativ fallstudie som syftar till att uppnå en förståelse och analytisk förmåga istället för en generalisering. De kvalitativa medel som används involverar 13 semistrukturerade intervjuer med anställda på ett Case-företag samt externa experter som arbetar med digitalisering och förändringshantering. Genom att också utföra en litteraturstudie jämförs och analyseras resultaten från intervjuerna, samt hur de är relaterade till befintlig litteratur gällande implementering av digital innovation. Resultat visar att ett huvudhinder för att implementera digitala innovationer, för konsultföretag inom AEC-industrin, är en otillräckligt artikulerad och förmedlad vision om den digitala transformationsprocessen och den förändring som krävs. Planerade och påbörjade förändringsprojekt delas och kommuniceras inte heller systematiskt mellan Case-företagets teams och individer. Dessutom förstås eller delas inte metoderna för hur de anställda på ett lämpligt sätt kan gå vidare med en idé relaterad till digital innovation. Följaktligen saknas kunskap bland chefer och anställda om varför de ska engagera sig i digitala förändringsprojekt och hur detta kan göras på ett lämpligt sätt. Det saknas också tid såväl som ekonomiska och personliga incitament för att arbeta med digital förändring. För att hantera dessa hinder betonar denna forskningsuppsats att en organisatorisk vision, strategi och tillvägagångssätt måste realiseras och tydligt förmedlas till alla teams och individer som är involverade eller påverkade av en digital förändring. Chefer och ledare måste främja skapandet av en förändringsberedskap som krävs för den digitala transformationsprocessen. Detta involverar att ge kollegor tillräckliga förutsättningar, förmedla förändringsprocessen och hjälpa dem omfamna den. Till exempel, a) genom att förklara fördelarna och behovet av förändring, b) kommunicera och systematiskt informera teams och individer om möjligheterna för att utveckla nödvändiga kompetenser, c) genom att erbjuda vägledning och ledarstöd. Det är dock fortfarande viktigt att kontinuerligt utvärdera förändringsinsatser för att se till att deras resultat är värdefulla, istället för att endast övertyga individer om nödvändigheten av att genomföra en förändring.

Traditional 2-D contour models, Physical Models, Computer-Aided Architectural Design (CAD), Virtual Reality models, Google SketchUp, and Building Information Modelling (BIM) have all greatly enhanced the design process by enabling designers to visualise buildings and the space within them prior to their construction. A recent development is Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOG) such as Second Life (SL). These offer users the opportunity to interact with other participants in real time, and so offer an excellent opportunity to experience the environment, layout and form of virtual buildings. However, the effectiveness of such applications to some extent depends upon how realistic the interactions of those using virtual spaces are in relation to interactions within the real world. This research examines the potential of this technology for enhancing and informing the early stage building design process. Initially, the tools currently used by architects at early stages of the RIBA Plan of Work were evaluated through interviewing architects. Then, the advantages of using MMOG over current tools at early-stage design were evaluated through interviews in SL. A virtual model was developed to examine how realistic the visualisation and interaction between end-users in an MMOG was. This was used to propose and validate guidance to incorporating MMOG into the early stages of the RIBA Plan of Work. It revealed that the virtual model created, the validated guidance and a successful example combining 2D sketches, Google SketchUp and MMOG at early-stage design can be used to guide architects to manage the complex decision making process in a simple, easy, cost-effective way, while effectively engaging both professional and non-professional stakeholders.

Cette these présente des concepts, modèles et outils pour la<br />construction de systèmes informatiques dans le cadre des services electroniques disponibles<br />partout et n'importe quand (Everywhere Anytime Computing, AEC). Dans cette thèse nous<br />considérons qu'un cadre de conception et de développement dans le contexte de l'AEC doit<br />répondre aux points suivants: gestion de l'intermittance des communications, la composition<br />des systèmes, le respect de l'autonomie des entités, et l'interopérabilité. Pour repondre aux<br />trois premiers points le modèle algèbrique d'infrastructure nommé Mouvement, Interaction,<br />Computation (MIC*) est proposé. L'autonomie des agents est garantie grâce a l'integrité<br />structurelle. Le modèle d'interaction est persistant ce qui permet de s'affranchir des intermittences<br />du medium de communication. La composition des systemes est realisée par la<br />composition des environnements de deploiement. L'interopérabilité est abordée par la coordination.<br />Les protocoles de coordination sont représentés comme des graphes de dependance.<br />Nous avons presenté le lien formel ainsi que le moyen concret pour valider des séquences de<br />ressources par rapport à un protocole de coordination donné. Finalement, nous proposons un<br />cadre de conception des systèmes informatiques dans le contexte de l'AEC ou chaque système<br />est spécifié comme une société artificielle, peuplée d'agents autonomes, ouverte et interopérable<br />avec d'autres sociétés en coordonnant certaines activités. Nous avons pu implémenter et tester<br />nos approches grâce à une plate forme de simulation où un utilisateur peut naviguer à travers<br />un monde virtuel et interagir avec différents services.

Magister Legum - LLM / This mini thesis examines the repercussions of the establishment of institutions under the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) Agreement on countries that have multiple regional economic community (REC) memberships. The study notes that even though the TFTA initiative is being touted as a major milestone towards the ultimate establishment of the African economic Community (AEC) and that it will help solve problems associated with multiple REC memberships, the initiative may come at a cost to countries, especially those that have maintained multiple REC memberships. The study observes that the institutions that have been established under the TFTA are a mirror reflection of the already existing institutions in the three existing regional blocks forming the TFTA, thus the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), East African Community (EAC) and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). The mini thesis argues that the creation of new TFTA institutions, in addition to the similar existing regional institutions, will translate into more financial costs; increased human resource cost for government officers; increase in non-financial treaty related obligations; and a high possibility of reaping fewer trade related gains, for countries that have multiple REC memberships. The mini thesis further demonstrates how the lack of clarity and hierarchy in the relationship between the TFTA institutions and the RECs’ institutions may negatively impact on countries that have multiple REC memberships. The mini thesis concludes by offering recommendations on how these challenges or costs on countries with multiple REC memberships can be addressed or ameliorated. / Government of Malawi

abstract: The alternative project delivery methods (APDMs) today are being increasingly used by owner organizations in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Yet the adoption of these methods can be extremely difficult to accomplish and requires significant change management efforts. To facilitate the APDM adoption, this research aimed to better understand how AEC owner organizations have changed from only using the design-bid-build method to also successfully implementing APDMs from an organizational change perspective. This research utilized a literature review, survey and interviews to fulfill the research objectives. The dissertation follows a three paper format. The first paper focuses on identifying organizational change management (OCM) practices that, when effectively executed, lead to increased success rates of adopting APDMs in owner AEC organizations. The results of the first paper indicated that the five OCM practices with the strongest correlations to successful APDM adoption were realistic timeframe, effective change agents, workload adjustments, senior-leadership commitment, and sufficient change-related training. The second paper focuses on investigating AEC employees’ reactions to the adoption of APDMs. The findings of the second paper revealed that employees in AEC organizations react favorably to adopting a change in their project delivery systems. The findings further revealed that increasing the use of OCM practices is related to decreased employee resistance to change. The third paper aimed to provide guidelines detailing on how to lead APDM adoption. The findings of the third paper indicated that there was a general sequence of four implementation phases, which were preparing and planning, pilot project testing, expanding to the intended scale, and sustaining and evaluating. The phases include specific OCM practices that increase the probability of successful APDM adoption. The dissertation results can help in guiding the senior managers of construction organizations and OCM consultants to effectively implement APDMs for the first time in the construction sector. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Construction Management 2020