Project planning in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry at present relies heavily on individual skills, experience and improvisation. In an attempt to increase predictability and efficiency, and to improve knowledge retention across projects, this thesis proposes a more systematic approach to project planning. It does so by introducing the notion of a meta-process model that embodies and cultivates the logic and intelligence of incremental and collaborative planning activities in a given domain. Planning tasks are encoded and enforced as a set of structured dialogues between project partners. To make this possible, a taxonomy extension to current workflow modeling technology is introduced. The concept of the chosen approach can thus be classified as process mediation through structured dialogues. It is applied to the particular example case of Design-Build project delivery for which a detailed workflow model was created. This model serves as a partial instantiation of the larger Project Management Body Of Knowledge, an abstract framework put forward by the US Project Management Institute. A prototype system architecture is devised as an extension to an existing collaborative virtual environment developed in the European e-HUBs research project. This experimental Web-based platform supports the enactment of workflows that are expressed in the standardized syntax of the neutral process definition language XPDL. The functional richness of the structured dialogue extensions is demonstrated through a dialogue management prototype developed as a separate MS Access database application.

published_or_final_version / Housing Management / Master / Master of Housing Management

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2012 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The construction project environment is dynamic and prone to change. Project change can be defined as any event that alters a project’s original scope, execution time or the cost of the works. Improper management of the projects’ changes could therefore adversely impact on the actual cost and duration of the project which may lead to project cost overruns and even claims and legal disputes. During the construction phase of a project, change affects every aspect of productivity – the planned schedules and deadlines, work methodology, resource procurement, as well as the budget and thus it could prevent the achievement of the project objectives. A project manager, therefore, wants to limit the number of change to a project. However, during a construction project there may be quite a number of changes. Managing a construction project is difficult, in that all the relevant information is rarely available at the initial stage of a project to enable one to plan and design the project accurately and make the best possible decisions. As information becomes available during the construction phase of the project, it can lead to various changes. Design errors or variations, unforeseen site conditions and vagueness in the original scope are but some of the reasons for change. No matter the size of the change, each alteration to the works has a cost, time and risk implication. Due to tight time constraints on most projects, every change requires quick, robust decision making, so as not to delay the project, which therefore results in changes not being comprehensively evaluated. Decisions are often made on intuition or experience, without an assessment of the risks involved or the influence on the cost of the project and without applying well-known project management techniques. The aim of this research was to determine what a change management process for a civil engineering project should look like, specifically the cost and risk management of changes. It investigated the current state of change management of construction projects in practice, by doing a case study and various interviews with project managers. Based on the findings of the research and the industry requirements, a model was developed for managing the costs and risks of changes. The Model was validated by means of an expert evaluation review. The change management model developed as part of this thesis can be used to analyse the cost, time and quality impact of the change, and to do a detailed risk assessment. The Model also reviews the proposed change in order to determine whether the change is necessary. It is a generic tool that can be used by engineers and their project team to enhance the management of changes that happens during the construction phase of a project for any civil construction project. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die konstruksie omgewing is dinamies en geneig tot verandering. Projek verandering kan gedefinieer word as enige gebeurtenis wat die projek se aanvanklike omvang verander of lei to verlenging van die tydsduur of vermeerdering van die koste van die projek. Wanbestuur van projek veranderinge kan ‘n nadelige impak op die projek kostes en tydsduur hê wat kan lei tot oorskryding van die begroting en selfs eise en regsdispute. Verandering kan elke aspek van produktiwiteit tydens die konstruksie fase van ‘n projek affekteer. Dit affekteer die beplande skedules, spertye, werk metodologie, hulpbron bestuur, asook die begroting. Dus kan dit verhoed dat die projek doelwitte bereik word. ‘n Projek bestuurder wil daarom die hoeveelheid en omvang van veranderinge beperk. ‘n Konstruksie projek kan egter heelwat veranderinge ondergaan. Om ‘n konstruksie projek te bestuur is moeilik aangesien al die relevante informasie selde beskikbaar is tydens die begin fases van ‘n projek wat nodig is om die beplanning en ontwerp van die projek so akuraat moontlik te doen en die regte besluite te neem. Soos informasie beskikbaar raak tydens die konstruksie fase van die projek, lei dit dikwels to verskeie veranderinge. Ontwerp foute of variasies, onvoorsiene terrein toestande en onduidelikheid oor die projek omvang is van die redes vir veranderinge. Ongeag die grootte van die verandering het elke wysiging tot die projek ‘n koste, tyd en riskiko implikasie. As gevolge van tydsbeperkinge vereis elke verandering vinnige en kragtige besluitneming om sodoende nie die projek te vertraag nie. Dit lei daartoe dat veranderinge nie omvattend geëvalueer word nie. Besluite word dikwels geneem op intuïsie of ervaring, sonder 'n beoordeling van die risiko's wat betrokke is of die bepaling van die invloed op die koste van die projek, en sonder die toepassing van erkende projek bestuur tegnieke. Die doel van hierdie navorsing was om vas te stel hoe 'n verandering bestuur proses moet lyk vir ‘n siviele ingenieurswese projek, spesifiek die koste en risiko bestuur van die verandering. Die huidige stand van verandering bestuur van konstruksie projekte in die praktyk is ondersoek deur middel van 'n gevallestudie en verskeie onderhoude met die projek bestuurders. 'n Model is ontwikkel vir die bestuur van die koste en risiko's van veranderinge gebaseer op die bevindinge van die navorsing en ook die vereistes van die bedryf. Die model is getoets met behulp van evaluering deur professionele ingenieurs. Die verandering bestuur model wat ontwikkel is as deel van hierdie proefskrif kan gebruik word om die koste, tyd en kwaliteit impak van ‘n verandering te analiseer, asook om 'n omvattende risiko assessering te doen. Die model hersien ook die voorgestelde verandering om te bepaal of die verandering nodig is. Dit is 'n generiese hulpmiddel wat deur ingenieurs en hul projek span gebruik kan word vir die bestuur van die veranderinge wat tydens die konstruksie fase van siviele projekte plaasvind.

A phenomenological study was conducted to explore and understand the personal experiences and meaning ascribed by senior leaders within a large multidisciplinary construction company. An effort was made to understand how they personally experienced leading others, what they learnt about themselves, what challenged them most, and what support, if any they had during their leadership of large-scale organisational change. The research found that there is a significant personal cost to the individual. This cost comes in terms of career, work-life balance and even reputation. It provides an opportunity to grow in self-knowledge, provided leaders are open to learn and reflect and that there is a substantive support structure both internally and externally to the organisation in order to ‘survive’. Without this malleable disposition, the already high cost escalates to the extent that it could be life threatening. In spite of the prolific literature available, the leaders claim that shareholders and most others do not understand the extreme length of time it takes to start and embed change that is sustainable. Without that understanding from the other role players, the leader carries not only the blame but also the scars of failed change. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M.A. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

A dissertation presented to the Higher Degrees Committee of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Technology: Construction Management, 2012 / This study investigated the underlying causes of rework in construction projects and the impact on overall project performance so that effective containment and reduction strategies can be developed. The objectives of the study were as follows: (i) to determine the influence different project types have on the causes of rework in construction projects; (ii) to determine the impact of rework on organisational and project performance; (iii) to determine the influence various project types have on rework costs (direct and indirect) in construction projects; (iv) to determine the influence various procurement methods have on total rework costs in construction projects; (v) to design and develop rework reduction and containment strategies. The research was motivated by several international and local studies demonstrating a lack of concern for the root causes of rework and the potential impact on cost, overall project performance, and the ‘value-addedness’ to the completed project. The research approach adopted included an exploratory and main study targeting purposively selected construction professionals and stakeholders in the Cape Peninsula metropolitan area of the Western Cape Province. The exploratory case study was carried out at the initial stage of the study to gain more insight into the causes and impact of rework on overall project performance. Specifically, data was collected by means of observation of physical works, semi-structured interviews with relevant parties directly involved in site operation and the analysis of site instruction record documents. The main study obtained data from 78 construction professionals and stakeholders via questionnaire survey, a survey conducted among design consultants and contractors in the general building category ranging from grade 3 to 9 who are registered with Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB). Descriptive, inferential statistics and probability distribution functions were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that changes initiated by the client, changes initiated by the design team due to errors and omissions, poor coordination, and finally, integration among the design team were the major contributing factors to rework. Moreover, non-compliance with specifications, setting-out errors, low labour skills, and emphasis on time and cost aggravated the occurrence of rework on site. The study revealed that while there is no significant difference between the causes of rework and various project types, rework can and often does make a significant contribution to any project’s cost overrun. The total mean cost of rework as a percentage of the original contract value for new build project and refurbishment/renovation projects was 4.89% and 6.28% respectively. However, rework costs do not differ relative to project type or procurement method. Furthermore, the study revealed that cost overruns, time overruns and design team dissatisfaction all impacted on project performance. The findings indicate that designrelated rework can be minimised by implementing the following strategies: team building, involvement of subcontractors and suppliers, and design for construction. Moreover, involvement of subcontractors during construction, and the implementation of quality control and site quality management systems could also lead to reduction in rework during the construction phase. Furthermore, the probabilistic analysis of rework occurrence was determined in the projects selected; this analysis predicts the occurrence of rework so that a quantitative risk assessment could be undertaken prior to the commencement of construction. The research concludes by recommending that design and construction firms must develop organisational measurement systems for recording rework occurrence and its associated costs. It is by determining the frequency and costs of rework that effective strategies for its containment and reduction can be identified.

Since 1976 public agencies in Oregon have been allowed to select construction contractors using a "qualification" based competition instead of the more typical lowest responsible bid or Design-Bid-Build (DBB) basis. Since 1985, at least 136 such selections, commonly known as CM/GC for Construction Manager/General Contractor, have been made. The results of this policy have not previously been analyzed. This research compares these selection methods, seeking to answer the following questions: Does the CMl/GC method result in projects that differ from DBB projects regarding cost and schedule control? Are CMl/GC projects more efficient than DBB projects, where efficiency is defined as the data envelopment analysis (DEA) technical efficiency score? Does efficiency depend on an interaction between project type and the selection method? How do project stakeholders evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of the two selection methods? How do projects compare when the only apparent difference between them is the selection method? To answer these questions, we identified 407 Oregon public building construction projects and obtained a variety of data, including cost and schedule results, for 215 jobs (111 CMl/GC and 104 DBB). We analyzed the data several ways, including statistical analysis, DEA, and various qualitative methods. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the CMl/GC and DBB projects regarding cost and schedule control. The DEA technical efficiency scores showed that CMl/GC projects outperformed the DBB projects. There was no interaction effect between project type and selection method. Project stakeholders stated that reduction of risk is the principal benefit of using CMl/GC; however, architects and subcontractors are less enthusiastic than owners and general contractors. Data on two nearly identical projects indicated that the DBB project was less costly than the comparable CMlGC project and also incurred less cost growth; both projects were completed on time. To summarize, this research fails to find support for the current Oregon law that exempts certain projects from competitive bidding based on the presumption that CMl/GC will lead to substantial cost savings but does indicate that the CMl/GC projects may be better able to accommodate accelerated project schedules.

Thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Science in Development Planning to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Architecture and Planning at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2017 / Throughout the 21st century, floods have caused major disasters in urban areas worldwide and especially in Africa. Several factors influence the ability of government to manage flood disasters through the phases of, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery at a local level. The vulnerability of poor communities to flood disasters exacerbates the impact of the flooding on their livelihoods. The inability of governments to communicate effectively with communities about preparedness strategies for flood mitigation has resulted in much damage in urban areas. The study used semi-structured interviews with Disaster Management officials and community members involved in flooding to evaluate the Disaster Risk Management in Bramfischerville. The fieldwork took place in Bramfischerville that was affected by the 2009 floods. The research revealed that the 2009 Bramfischerville floods were caused by heavy rains, the building of RDP housing on a floodplain and ineffective implementation of Disaster Management strategies by the CoJ. This research argues that in order to understand flood disasters, cooperation between all stakeholders involved in Disaster Management is vital in knowledge accumulation. The 2009 floods had negatively impacted the livelihoods of people in Bramfischerville. Their houses were damaged and they had difficulty traveling to work and school. In this view, the costs associated with floods are continuously being a debt for the people living in Bramfischerville. This research found that the disjuncture between the community and the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) officials exacerbates the negative impacts floods have on people’s livelihoods in Bramfischerville. / MT2018

by Woo Yan Fan, Stella. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves [36-37, 3rd gp.]). / executive summary --- p.ii / table of contents --- p.viii / Chapter / Chapter I. --- environment of business --- p.1 / Background --- p.1 / Change in Construction Industry in the PRC Context --- p.2 / Quality Management in Hong Kong --- p.4 / Quality Awareness Campaign in the Construction Industry --- p.4 / Quality Management in the Public Sector --- p.5 / Business Opportunity in Quality Management in the PRC --- p.6 / Chapter ii. --- quality assurance - confidence to the purchaser --- p.7 / Definition --- p.7 / "Service Concept of the TQM Quality Management Co., Ltd" --- p.7 / Implementation of Quality Assurance Management --- p.8 / Benefits of a Fee-based Quality Assurance Sytem --- p.10 / Chapter iii. --- market reserach --- p.11 / Analysis of Quality Management in the PRC Context --- p.11 / Current Quality Problems --- p.11 / Underlying Reasons for Quality Problems --- p.12 / Implementation of Quality Assurance in China's Construction Industry --- p.12 / Difficulties in Applying Quality Assurance in China's Construction Industry --- p.14 / Strategy for Implementating Total Quality --- p.15 / Product Profile --- p.16 / Market Profile --- p.21 / "Shanghai""" --- p.22 / Beijing --- p.26 / Guangzhou --- p.28 / Market Potential --- p.28 / Customers' Profile --- p.32 / New World Development --- p.32 / Henderson China --- p.33 / Other Major Players --- p.35 / Competitors' Profile --- p.35 / Direct Competitors --- p.35 / Indirect Competitors --- p.35 / Chapter iv. --- target market --- p.37 / Chapter v. --- marketing strategy --- p.39 / Marketing Objectives --- p.39 / Customer Acquisition --- p.39 / Break Even in the First Year --- p.40 / Mission --- p.40 / Growth --- p.40 / Marketing Plan --- p.41 / Product --- p.42 / Product Objectives --- p.42 / Product Strategy --- p.43 / Promotion --- p.44 / Promotion Objectives --- p.44 / Promotion Strategy --- p.45 / Pricing --- p.45 / Pricing Objectives --- p.45 / Pricing Strategy --- p.46 / Growth --- p.47 / Growth Objectives --- p.47 / Growth Strategy --- p.48 / Human Resources --- p.48 / Human Resources Objectives --- p.48 / Human Resources Strategy --- p.49 / Chapter vi. --- management team --- p.50 / Leadership and Organisation --- p.50 / "Founders of the TQM Quality Management Co., Ltd" --- p.50 / Other Staff and Associates --- p.51 / Chapter vii. --- financial aspects --- p.52 / appendices / Chapter 1. --- SHANGHAI - PUDONG NEW DEVELOPMENT AREA --- p.A-l / Chapter 2. --- SHANGHAI - INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT --- p.A-2 / INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN --- p.A-3 / INFRASTRUCTURE TABLE --- p.A-4 / Chapter 3. --- HONG KONG CONSORTIA ENTHUSIASTIC OVER SHANGHAI PROPERTY --- p.A-6 / Chapter 4. --- LOCAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT CONTRACT IN THE PRC --- p.A-9 / Chapter 5. --- CHINESE CITIES KEY REAL ESTATE FACTS AND FIGURES --- p.A-29 / bibliography. --- p.B-1

published_or_final_version / Public Administration / Master / Master of Public Administration

Apesar do crescimento da indústria da construção civil nos últimos anos, as obras no Brasil ainda estão marcadas pela falta de qualidade, atrasos e prejuízos, impossibilitando sua devida evolução. No entanto, o presente estudo tem como objetivo principal apresentar uma análise entre a Gestão de Desenvolvimento de Produto (GDP) e a Gestão da Construção Civil, por meio do modelo de nível de maturidade de gestão de desenvolvimento de produtos. Para tanto, aplicou-se a pesquisa survey em empresas que desenvolvem projetos no setor da construção na região sul do Brasil. A fim de enriquecer a pesquisa utilizou-se a análise discriminante, com o intuito de identificar as variáveis que melhor se diferenciam entre dois grupos ou mais, bem como o método stepwise, através do software SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Os resultados mostraram que as empresas que desenvolvem projetos para a construção civil realizam atividades do processo de desenvolvimento de produtos (PDP), e possuem alguns princípios de gestão de desenvolvimento de produtos (GDP), por realizarem monitoramento de custos e riscos, atividades padronizadas, integração de projetos, controle de mudanças e ainda aplicarem conceitos de aprovação de fases. Portanto, conclui-se que existe similaridade entre a Gestão de Desenvolvimento de Produto (GDP) e a Gestão de Desenvolvimento da Construção Civil, porém há algumas adaptações que deverão ocorrer para a aplicação da GDP na construção civil. Verificou-se também uma aderência considerável do modelo de maturidade de Rozenfeld et al. (2006) com as características das empresas estudadas, constatando que as mesmas possuem um grau de maturidade no máximo de 2.4 (Intermediário). / Despite the growth of the construction industry over the last years, the work in Brazil are still marked by the lack of quality, delays and losses, excluding its evolution. However the present study aims to present analysis of the maturity level of the project development companies in the Construction sector, through the maturity level model of the product development management of Rozenfeld et al. Therefore, it applied the research survey on companies that develop projects on construction sector in the South region of Brazil. In order to enrich the research it was used discriminant analysis, with the intention of identify the best variables that it differentiate between two groups or more, as well as the stepwise method by the software SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). The results showed that companies that develop projects for the construction perform product development process (PDP) activities, and it possess some principles of product development management (PDM), to conduct monitoring of costs and risks, standardized activities, integration projects, change control and still aplly stages of approval concepts. Therefore, it concludes that exist similarity between product development process (PDP) and construction management, however there are some adjustments that shall happen for the implementation of PDP in construction. There was also a considerable adherence of the maturity level model of Rozenfeld et al. with the characteristics of the companies studied, noting that it possess a maturity level at most 2.4 (Intermediate).