Lee, S (2006) Dynamic planning and control methodology: Understanding and managing iterative error and change cycles in large-scale concurrent design and construction projects. PhD thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA.
Abstract
Construction projects are uncertain and complex in nature. One of the major driving forces that may account for these characteristics is iterative cycles caused by errors and changes. Errors and changes worsen project performance and consequently, cause schedule and cost overruns to be prevalent. In particular, these iterative cycles are more detrimental when large-scale concurrent design and construction is applied. In an effort to address these issues, this research proposes Dynamic Planning and control Methodology (DPM) as a robust design and construction planning methodology for large-scale concurrent design and construction. The proposed DPM is composed of (1) an error and change management framework that enables understanding of the construction processes associated with errors and changes and how they affect construction performance; (2) a proactive buffering strategy for reducing sensitivity to iterative error and changes cycles; (3) a System Dynamics-based construction project model which provides policy guidelines for the planning and control of projects; and (4) a web-based error and change management system, which supports coordination of errors and changes among contractors and design professionals without hardware and software compatibility issues. Applying all research components into a couple of real world case projects, this research concludes that a concurrently developed project can benefit by: (1) adding realism to planning taking into account iterative error and change cycles; (2) implementing a proactive mechanism to look and act ahead against uncertainties; (3) making appropriate policies with the help of the system dynamics-based simulation model; and (4) facilitating coordination from the IT-supported management system; even if the time frame of a project is shortened. Also, future research opportunities are discussed extending the findings from this research.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Pena-Mora, F |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | coordination; change management; construction planning; policy; project performance; simulation; cost overrun; construction project; professional |
| Index terms: | construction project, system dynamics, construction process, methodology, management system, strategy, change management, project performance, design and construction, hardware, realism, robust design, coordination, construction planning, construction performance, cost overrun |
| Subjects: | design methods, computer hardware, computing systems, performance assessment, contractual arrangements, financial and cost management, construction planning, management, education and knowledge transfer, research methods, production management, project management theory and practice, building construction |
| Topics: | Procurement, Project Management, Business Strategy, Cost Management, Research Practice, Organizational Design, Site Management, Design Practice, Digital Applications |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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