Dynamic planning and control methodology for design/build fast-track construction projects

Peña-Mora, F and Li, M (2001) Dynamic planning and control methodology for design/build fast-track construction projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 127(1), pp. 1-17. ISSN 0733-9364

Abstract

A dynamic planning and control methodology is developed by integrating the applications of axiomatic design concepts, concurrent engineering concepts, the graphical evaluation and review technique (GERT), and the system dynamics modeling technique. The goal of the proposed methodology is to help create a dynamic project plan for design/build fast-track civil engineering and architectural projects where unforeseen changes can be absorbed in the project schedule without creating major interruptions. The axiomatic design concepts are applied to formulate and evaluate various work methodologies, and to create a project plan based on the selected work methodology. The concept of concurrent engineering is adapted to develop a fast-tracking framework based on the task production rate, the upstream task reliability, and downstream task sensitivity to the upstream error. The GERT diagramming scheme is used to calculate the project duration probabilistically by incorporating the possible branches and loops in the project. The system dynamics modeling technique is applied to analyze the causality links of relevant factors in the construction system, and further identifies the important variables that determine the success of a particular overlapping strategy. Consequently, with a rigorous and systemized methodology to help project planning, potential problems can be addressed early before construction. The overall increase in productivity and efficiency as a result of a better planning process can consequently promote the competitiveness of the construction industry.

Item Type: Article
Index terms: planning process, efficiency, productivity, competitiveness, concurrent engineering, construction industry, duration, modelling, strategy, fast-tracking, construction project, system dynamics, methodology, project planning, construction system
Subjects: industry analysis, project controls, market analysis, building construction, production management, management, performance management, research methods, engineering methods, analytical methods, control systems, computing systems
Topics: Time Control, Quality Management, Digital Applications, Engineering Principles, Project Management, 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