Newton, S (1983) Analysis of construction economics: a cost simulation model. PhD thesis, University of Strathclyde, UK.
Abstract
This thesis concerns the highly complex relationship between cost and design decision-making. A theoretical cost function is described by examining the output requirements of the design activity, and the constraints placed on the input to the process by current cost generation procedure. The description takes the form of a set of preferred characteristics or alternatively, criteria on which the potential of a future costing process might best be judged. A particular interpretation of this set of characteristics is described, which produces the tentative specification for a new generation of cost models. An implementation of the specification resulted in the computer-based cost simulation model ACE (Analysis of Construction Economics). This interactive, knowledge-based cost model is used to investigate a series of cost relationships and cost thresholds, both to exemplify its possible applications, and to produce some means of determining the validity of both the general approach, and the particular interpretation which ACE represents.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction economics; design decision; simulation |
| Index terms: | design decision, cost model, specification, costing, implementation, construction economics, validity |
| Subjects: | design practice, evaluation and assessment methods, contractual arrangements, contractual condition, financial and cost management, financial analysis, accounting and finance |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Contract Administration, Design Practice, Cost Management, Procurement |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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