Spencer, G R (1987) Integration of cost estimating with critical path scheduling. PhD thesis, Oklahoma State University, USA.
Abstract
Scope of study. While significant advances have been made in the automation of the various functions of project management, little effort has been directed towards linking the individual processes. This research addresses linking of the estimating function with the scheduling function. A microcomputer program was developed that utilizes the cost database system of a construction estimate to produce the database input to generate a project schedule by network analysis. The construction industry is in need of a computer system which allows practitioners to view their data from many different perspectives. These views can be developed from three required systems: construction estimating, project scheduling, and job costing. This paper discusses a construction estimating and scheduling database system which allows the user to share information developed in the cost estimate with the scheduling system. The program has several unique features such as: a Quick file retrieval structure used for data storage, a basic breakdown of work items to create a cost database system, and one read statement to limit the number of input errors. The program also features a pull down menu system and context sensitive help and error routines. Findings and conclusions. The estimating and scheduling interface reduces the amount of double data entry and creates a schedule which more accurately reflects the total project cost. The interfacing process forces the scheduler to consider the methodology behind the project estimate. The developed program enhances the scheduling process by eliminating the necessity of entering data twice and indicates the need for further research in automated construction management.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Oberlender, G D |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | automation; estimating; project cost; scheduling; network analysis |
| Index terms: | automated construction, database, network analysis, construction industry, cost estimate, estimate, costing, automation, project management, critical path, project cost, computer system, scheduler, scheduling, data storage, project scheduling, cost estimating, routine, estimating, construction estimating, methodology, integration, program, practitioner |
| Subjects: | operations research, financial and cost management, data analysis and analytics, practitioner, computing systems, sociology, project controls, data management, organizational analysis, industry analysis, accounting and finance, economics, software systems, research methods, project management theory and practice, automation and robotics |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Project Management, Cost Management, Roles and Professions, Digital Applications, Time Control, Organizational Design |
| 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