Chen, S-M (2002) Intelligent scheduling model and multi-dimensional CM information system. PhD thesis, Columbia University, USA.
Abstract
Whereas three-dimensional computer models offer significant advantages and improvements on product quality during the design phase, four-dimensional computer models (3D + time) enhance the potential of computer-aided tools and their advantages in both the design and the construction phase. However, the existing commercial four-dimensional tools only allow the planners to create graphic simulations of the construction process without providing any features to support analysis of such process. The main objective of this research is to build a multi-dimensional construction management information system, called EFFCON (short for EFFective CONstruction management information system), which can be utilized throughout the planning, design, and construction management stages of a project. There are two development stages in this system. The first involves developing an intelligent scheduling model called ISM. This model can automatically optimize the user specified objectives based on the utilization of resources and space by using simulation techniques. The outputs of ISM including: (1) resource distribution with resource allocation, (2) space distribution with dynamic space allocation, (3) production rates of driving resources, (4) utilization rates of resources and space, (5) activity duration, (6) project schedule and cost (including project revenue and project net present value), (7) material management and procurement schedule, and (8) stochastic risk analyses of project duration, project cost, project revenue and project net present value. Furthermore, it allows for what-if analyses of possible scenarios, and schedule adjustments based on unforeseen conditions (change orders, late material delivery, etc. ). The second is to build EFFCON, which involves developing the Dynamic Database System (used to build a multi-dimensional computer model) and the Database Linkage System (a database management system), besides ISM, and integrates a 3D CAD tool, ISM, the Dynamic Database System and the Database Linkage System by applying Fully Integrated and Automated Project Process (FIAPP), and has some important functions (dynamic database window, object-identifier function, “3D WalkThrough” function, etc. ) to assist in the construction stage. The database management system allows users to do detailed and effective database management of labor, material, equipment, space, purchase order, activity, accounting and cost, and generate each report automatically. ISM can work independently of EFFCON to find the optimum schedule plan, and it is a part of the EFFCON integrated system.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Griffis, F H |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | duration; equipment; construction phase; information system; integrated system; management information system; material management; project cost; resource allocation; scheduling; net present value; simulation |
| Index terms: | construction phase, integrated system, duration, management information system, planner, design phase, linkage, product quality, net present value, change order, database, resource allocation, space allocation, risk analysis, information system, accounting, window, construction process, project cost, revenue, management system, scheduling |
| Subjects: | operations research, project delivery, resource management, economic analysis, professional practice, business, profession, design methods, building construction, data management, project controls, information systems, environmental hazards, quality assurance, economics, architectural elements, design practice, management, contractual condition |
| Topics: | Cost Management, Business Strategy, Roles and Professions, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Site Management, Organizational Design, Contract Administration, Time Control, Project Management, Sustainability, Quality Management |
| 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