Froese, T M (1992) Integrated computer-aided project management through standard object-oriented models. PhD thesis, Stanford University, USA.
Abstract
This dissertation explores new computer technologies that can significantly increase the power of Computer-Aided Project Management (CAPM) for construction while simultaneously addressing the accessibility of the software for the typical user. The technological focus is on the complementary areas of project modeling--the rich, general-purpose representation of the project in the computer--and system integration--sharing the computer model among applications (from local to industry-wide). The dissertation's premise is that CAPM programs create models of construction projects inside the computer, that standard forms of these models should be established, and that systems then can be integrated by requiring all applications to adopt these standard models. There are three specific elements to these standard models: (1) A Data Model is a formal methodology for representing information in general. This dissertation proposes an object-oriented data model, reviews the emerging technologies of object-oriented programming and object-oriented databases, and develops the SOL object-oriented data model that could standardize data representation for integrated CAPM programs. (2) A Domain Model or schema expresses relevant project management and construction concepts in the data model. This dissertation proposes standard domain models as a technology for communication among software programs, and it develops the GenCOM domain model that combines both the requirements of typical CAPM applications and the fundamental concepts that make up construction. The domain model presents a series of object-oriented class definitions that can become the software components for building CAPM programs and serve as the universal language for communicating project data and knowledge among integrated applications. (3) A Project Model or database collects actual project data stored using the data and domain models. This dissertation uses a common project database as the mechanism for sharing data and controlling information flow in an integrated CAPM system. Tests of this approach involved developing a working prototype system, called OPIS, that combines CAD product data, a plan-generation expert system, an estimating program, and a scheduling application around a shared object-oriented project database. This research proves that a standard models approach to system integration is possible and that the resulting system offers extreme flexibility and significant integration.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Paulson Jr., B C |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | accessibility; flexibility; communication; estimating; expert system; integration; programming; scheduling; construction project |
| Index terms: | expert system, programming, integration, data model, methodology, construction project, program, system integration, estimating, scheduling, information flow, prototype, project data, emerging technology, project management, modelling, dissertation, accessibility, database |
| Subjects: | data management, organizational analysis, information systems, inclusive design, software systems, research methods, project management theory and practice, organizational theory, production management, modelling and simulation, operations research, financial and cost management, analytical methods, innovation and technology management, data science, data collection methods, research dissemination and communication, programming |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Project Management, Research Practice, Cost Management, Organizational Design, Time Control, Digital Applications, Design Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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