Shalaby, A and Ezeldin, A S (2022) A model for work packages optimization in results-based-finance projects. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 29(7), pp. 2810-2835. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: In many developing countries, the sanitation sector constitutes a major part of their strategic plans of reform. Yet with the very limited budget of the public treasury, countries opt to major lending institutions for funds. “Results-Based-Finance” is a new funding mechanism that has proven its efficiency in achieving the necessary reform in sanitation sectors. Due to the complexity of the funding tool, it is crucial to be able to decompose the project into smaller packages to be able to effectively control the project. The objective of this paper is to reach an optimum packaging scheme that enables the project to be successfully managed through better planning and cost control practices. Design/methodology/approach: With the aid of Unified Modelling Language (UML), an algorithm is developed to map the logic behind the model suggested with detailed illustrations of its different modules. Object-oriented processes and operations are modeled using different diagrams of the language, which automatically generate the optimum packaging combination. The packaging model is then implemented via a number of computer-aided programs. The Microsoft Excel 2019 is used for calculation purposes. Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) programming language is used to make the model user-friendly for non-engineering stakeholders. The Palisade's Decision Tools Suite is used for the optimization process Findings: The model is validated through a case study of a mega sanitation project located in Egypt. The model output is not only the content of the packages but also a complete managing plan which demonstrates many useful information to the decision-makers and government officials. Originality/value: The research aim is to provide the construction industry with a tool that makes the packaging process of mega projects funded through the “Results-Based-Finance” mechanism, done in an automated manner. Moreover, the packages are selected in a way to optimize the project cashflow. Having the optimum package size shall ensure better planning and a more accurate cost control. Yet it is a challenging task; especially, when the project cash flow is very sensitive and intolerant to delays like in the “Results-Based-Finance” mechanism.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | model; optimization; results-based-finance; sanitation; uml; work packages |
| Index terms: | programming, Egypt, package, cost control, modelling, program, funding, developing country, case study, cash flow, methodology, module, efficiency, construction industry, sanitation, complexity |
| Subjects: | systems engineering, financial management, software systems, programming, architectural elements, economic analysis, Geography, industry analysis, research methods, analytical methods, financial and cost management, performance management, environmental health, development economics, contractual arrangements, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Design Practice, Research Practice, International Construction, Engineering Principles, Procurement, Sustainability, Cost Management, Geographical Context, Business Strategy, Digital Applications |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here