Project-controls systems opportunities

Rowings, J E (1991) Project-controls systems opportunities. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 117(4), pp. 691-697. ISSN 0733-9364

Abstract

The current generation of project-control systems provides useful information, but has several problems that limit the effectiveness and efficiency in controlling projects. The current generation of project-control systems has focused on the increased use of the microcomputer for sorting, computing, and storing data. This increased use of the microcomputer has not been without the introduction of difficulties to the process. The problems include input inefficiencies (e.g., multiple input of the same data) and output problems (e.g., extensive tabular listings of data). These problems lead to wasted or ineffective use of time to support the project-control systems. Potential opportunities and advancements to address these deficiencies are presented. These opportunities include input technologies, analysis techniques, and systems integration. Specific examples discussed include scanning and digitizing technology, holography, artificial intelligence, remote-sensing technologies, voice-recognition systems, and enhanced software-systems development. The areas discussed in this paper are intended to provide direction for future research and development of project-control software for the next generation of project-control systems for the construction industry.

Item Type: Article
Index terms: effectiveness, construction industry, artificial intelligence, efficiency, research and development, integration, computing, control system
Subjects: artificial intelligence, computing systems, industry analysis, research management, organizational analysis, monitoring and control, performance management
Topics: Quality Management, Digital Applications, Organizational Design, Research Practice, Business Strategy
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