Zohrehvandi, S; Khalilzadeh, M; Amiri, M and Shadrokh, S (2022) Project buffer sizing and dynamic buffer consumption algorithm in power generation construction. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 29(2), pp. 716-738. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this research is to propose a buffer sizing and buffer controlling algorithm (BSCA) as a heuristic algorithm for calculating project buffer and feeding buffers as well as dynamic controlling of buffer consumption in different phases of a wind power plant project in order to achieve a more realistic project duration. Design/methodology/approach: The BSCA algorithm has two main phases of planning and buffer sizing and construction and buffer consumption. Project buffer and feeding buffers are determined in the planning and buffer sizing phase, and their consumption is controlled in the construction and buffer consumption phase. The heuristic algorithm was coded and run in MATLAB software. The sensitivity analysis was conducted to show the BSCA influence on project implementation. Then, to evaluate the BSCA algorithm, inputs from this project were run through several algorithms recently presented by researchers. Finally, the data of 20 projects previously accomplished by the company were applied to compare the proposed algorithm. Findings: The results show that BSCA heuristic algorithm outperformed the other algorithms as it shortened the projects' durations. The average project completion time using the BSCA algorithm was reduced by about 15% compared to the previous average project completion time. Originality/value: The proposed BSCA algorithm determines both the project buffer and feeding buffers and simultaneously controls their consumption in a dynamic way.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | buffer management; project management; schedule management; wind farm construction project |
| Index terms: | buffer, implementation, duration, project management, power generation, heuristic, methodology, completion time, consumption, renewable energy facility construction, wind power, sensitivity analysis |
| Subjects: | project management theory and practice, financial risk, civil engineering, research methods, environmental hazards, project controls, consumer economics, risk assessment, energy systems, contractual arrangements |
| Topics: | Time Control, Project Management, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Cost Management, Procurement, Sustainability, Stakeholder Management, Risk Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
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