Azimzadeh, F (2000) COSTEFF model: A computer-based knowledge source for improving cost effectiveness of engineering and construction projects. DEng thesis, Lamar University - Beaumont, USA.
Abstract
COST Effectiveness (COSTEFF) is an expert system prototype model developed to assist civil engineers to realize their organizational needs to a cost-effectiveness program and their own organization's computerized system. COSTEFF includes an example on how to include some relevant information in a customized prototype model for a specific organization. COSTEFF prototype has been modeled using Information Builder Inc. Level5 (TM) Expert System Software and Dbase III (TM) database. Design/construction firms should develop a cost-effectiveness program and maintain the required knowledge in an electronic form most useable for employees. This system should integrate all necessary electronic tools with all knowledge easy to codify. These tools should promote the application and enhancement of the following: productivity, constructibility, value engineering, total quality management, health and safety programs, environmental protection, knowledge enhancement, and appropriate use of innovative technology. Design and construction firms need these tools to solve their old problems and manage their new challenges. The cost-effectiveness program requires civil engineers to integrate civil engineering and construction technology. Various factors and specific main office and job-site functions should be considered in a cost-effectiveness program. In this regard, the establishment of the human resources, quality, and/or engineering committees is recommended as an important action for all firms. These committees' charge should be to summarize all cost-effectiveness efforts into a computer-based knowledge source. The committee, or committees as decided by the firm, should assess the firm and employees needs. The employees' needs: may include tools to enhance communication of what has been visualized and documented during construction. The committee faces challenges in creating a computer-based knowledge source in the areas such as hardware and software selection, computer programming, and staffing. Identifying best tools for a cost-effectiveness system is a moving target. The committee should make recommendations for purchasing hardware and software based on the current needs and a goal of integrating all computerized modules to avoid redundant data entry. This model should be built in small module link-able to other small modules or commercial software. The cost-effectiveness system may be considered as a process to empower the people involved in engineering and construction projects.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction technology; civil engineering; expert system; health and safety; programming; purchasing; quality management; safety; total quality management; value engineering; productivity; construction project; civil engineer |
| Index terms: | expert system, programming, construction project, program, human resource, computerized system, health and safety, environmental protection, total quality management, cost-effectivenes, construction firm, builder, civil engineer, prototype, face, value engineering, hardware, module, design and construction, construction technology, quality management, database, purchasing, productivity |
| Subjects: | profession, digital engineering, organization, programming, computing systems, practitioner, computer hardware, value management, psychology, modelling and simulation, contractual arrangements, evaluation methods, architectural elements, management, software systems, economics, production management, health safety and environment, data management, procurement strategy, quality assurance, environmental engineering |
| Topics: | Project Management, Engineering Principles, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Health and Safety, Procurement, Sustainability, Roles and Professions, Human Resources, Quality Management, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Organizational Design |
| Descriptive scope: | 2 PC |
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