Hao, J L J (2002) Better use of information: A simulation model for international construction joint ventures in China. PhD thesis, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.
Abstract
The underlying proposition of this research was that a simulation model used as a management technique would assist participants in international construction joint ventures in China to approach the management of information in a holistic and systematic way. This would not only provide a strategic advantage by helping them to understand the complexities of their venture, but would also assist them with management issues by allowing different scenarios to be tested before making decisions. The aim of this study was therefore to produce a simulation model that would allow decision makers to view the relationship of information and the effects of decisions in an integrated and dynamic context rather than a fragmented static one. The proposition was that this would not only provide for better use of information for such purposes as allocating resources and setting project targets, but would also encourage a more considered and analytical approach to projects thereby improving overall performance and increasing the chances of success. The research methodology involved an extensive literature review to identify items of information considered essential to the success of an international construction joint venture in China, and the development of a computer simulation model to allow scenario testing. Using sensitivity analysis to assess the behaviour and consequent stability of the system tested the model, which uses a system dynamics modelling approach with an interactive software programme. One of the outcomes of the study was that important items of information were found to significantly affect the behaviour of international construction joint ventures. It was also shown that, by using a system dynamics approach, it is possible and useful to integrate the flow of information and simulate its effect on such ventures. The fact that this aspect of project management had never before been considered for such a complex system, highlights the major contribution of this study in having produced a simulation model for international construction joint ventures in China.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Scott, D and Shen, G |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | international construction; China; simulation; joint venture |
| Index terms: | international construction, research methodology, project management, testing, modelling, joint venture, complex system, system dynamics, complexity, China, sensitivity analysis, management issue, programme, stability, literature review, computer simulation |
| Subjects: | structural engineering, management, project management theory and practice, Geography, project controls, systems engineering, environmental hazards, research design and methodology, business, strategic management, computing systems, modelling and simulation, analytical methods, data analysis and analytics, professional practice |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Business Strategy, Time Control, International Construction, Digital Applications, Sustainability, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Geographical Context |
| 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