Ndekugri, I E (1986) Construction contract information management: an integrated systems approach. PhD thesis, Loughborough University, UK.
Abstract
Even by 1980 it was observed that software for construction management comprised many independent packages with different programming languages and hardware. By and large, not only were these packages stand alone systems but they were also not suitable for their individual functions. Not only do construction projects increase in complexity but competition and volatile markets also generate pressures for better management and that requires integrated and effective systems. The hypothesis of this research has been that computer technology and systems concepts can be used to develop the necessary tools that will make integration possible and effective. To that end, the following research has been undertaken: an investigation of the causes of the lack of integration; a survey of the operations of the management functions; the specification, development and testing of a computer-based system called PLUS VAL to demonstrate the viability of integration; and an assessment of PLUS VAL. Causes of lack of integration revealed include: segregated education, training and working of functional groups; development of software by people without the relevant expertise; and inadequate research and failure to apply research findings due to the structure of the construction industry. A survey of the operations showed: the various methods of carrying them out; the flow of data among them; and their interdependencies. The major features of PLUS VAL are: it assists valuations, purchasing management and cost control; it can be linked to estimating, planninq and accounting; and it allows quick access to contract information. Its assessment, which involved demonstrating it to and interviewing potential users, and comparisons with similar packages commercially available showed that it provides all the facilities that the users wanted. It covers all the methods of operations of companies contacted and it is more comprehensive than those surveyed. Integration is possible and provides such benefits as: reduced costs of data capture; better use of computer storage; reduced turn around times of data processing; and increased data consistency. The results of the research show that the application of computer technology and systems concepts can produce effective integrated systems which not only assists contractors in carrying out their obligations but also provide reliable information for decision-making.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | case study; contract management; information management; prototype development |
| Index terms: | purchasing, package, case study, integrated system, markets, construction industry, testing, construction contract, investigation, hardware, survey, prototype, specification, contract management, estimating, complexity, accounting, competition, programming, data processing, construction project, cost control, integration, decision-making |
| Subjects: | decision analysis, market analysis, organizational analysis, systems engineering, procurement strategy, industry analysis, contract management, contractual condition, production management, modelling and simulation, economic analysis, financial and cost management, contractual arrangements, data science, professional practice, contract type, data collection methods, computer hardware, design methods, programming |
| Topics: | Project Management, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Procurement, Risk Management, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Organizational Design, Contract Administration |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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