Tuholski, S J (2008) Transformation, flow, and value constellations in AEC projects. PhD thesis, University of California, Berkeley, USA.
Abstract
A void exists in development of design theory methodology (DTM) within the structural engineering community. This void hampers efforts to resolve performance deficiencies including cost over-runs, unplanned rework, and sub-optimal design. In manufacturing, product design and production improvements have resulted from implementation of the design structure matrix (DSM) methodology. DSM use within the architecture engineering construction (AEC) industry has been effective, but sporadic, and focused primarily in the UK. Activity DSM offers a means to represent, analyse, and decompose complex systems in order to improve their performance. Research presented in this dissertation relates the nature of AEC production systems to highly influential forms of dependence within activity networks. When applied in conjunction with complementary process-management tools, insights into dependence networks extending beyond the activity domain are illustrated. These extensions include: networks forming the dependence constellations (interconnecting structures) of T-transformation, F-flow, and V-value domains (TFV constellations). This dissertation presents two case studies: (1) The primary proof-of-concept case examines and documents the implementation of DSM on a seismic retrofit design through 'action' research. Traditional and optimized processes are compared through the use of DSM, swim-lane diagrams, and critical path method schedules. (2) The validation case demonstrates the feasibility of translating value stream maps into DSM representations for the purpose of production-system analysis and optimization. This dissertation describes the use of group brainstorming, collocated design sessions, rapid feedback, set-based design, and collaborative design aids to increase overall effectiveness of teams working on highly dependent blocks of work. Research findings extend lean production theory and confirm the suitability of tools for use in design planning. One such tool, DSM, correctly identified iterative activities central to design and provided: (1) a common vocabulary to discuss rework in the context of a multidisciplinary design team, (2) a rational method to schedule team collocation and brainstorming efforts to maximize their benefit, and (3) a means to consider iterative activities and associated hand-offs in design work structuring. Conclusions presented regarding the interdependence of TFV constellations merit additional investigation in applications inside as well as outside of AEC, including manufacturing and new product development.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Tommelein, I D |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | effectiveness; optimization; collaborative design; critical path method; design aid; feedback; lean production; manufacturing; retrofit; structural engineering; structural engineer; UK; case studies |
| Index terms: | complex system, transformation, case study, interdependence, dissertation, implementation, investigation, effectiveness, new product development, lean production, design structure matrix, rework, design team, product design, production system, value stream map, critical path method, design aid, collaborative design, suitability, validation, documents, structural engineer, methodology |
| Subjects: | design criteria, systems engineering, organizational analysis, professional development, manufacturing engineering, performance management, lean construction, research methods, contractual arrangements, innovation and technology management, professional practice, operations research, operations management, design methods, innovation studies, profession, data collection methods, research dissemination and communication, business |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Project Management, Procurement, Quality Management, Business Strategy, Information Management, Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Design Practice, Time Control, Organizational Design |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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