Su, Y (2017) Unified quantitative modeling for integrated multi-objective project management with singularity functions. PhD thesis, Catholic University of America, USA.
Abstract
Construction project management is essentially an ongoing process with multiple constrains consisting of quality, time, cost, and resource. These constraints are interrelated and compete with each other, which requires an integrated method to express the complete project efficiently. Therefore, the objective of this dissertation is to explore how such very disparate aspects, here limited in scope to quantitative ones, can be integrated by cohesive and versatile modeling. The mathematical models which integrate linear schedules, cash flows, and resources are created per the paradigm of Ockham’s razor, who advocated ‘as simple as possible, as complicated as necessary’ for models. First, the synthetic cash flow model is developed to integrate schedules and cash flows, which considers periodically occurring cash flows, profit markups, and time value of money. With this model, the balance can be expressed as a group of equations. Second, based on the synthetic cash flow model, feasible prompt payment discount scenarios are investigated from transforming the balance function to the discount function and discussing its upper and lower bounds; unbalanced bidding strategies are created from reforming the markup functions; a new theory is developed on how contractors can increase their profit by rescheduling noncritical activities within their floats. Third, with integrating schedules and resources, the linear scheduling with multiple crews model is established which provides a comprehensive theory for the repetitive scheduling. Fourth, the multi-dimension model is expanded to the point-vector formula with singularity functions. In this area, the mathematical model is created to support allocating time and workspace with concurrent activities and under safety constraints, which ensures that temporal and spatial buffers between work-paths, planes, and zones are maintained. Finally, it integrates modeling on schedules, cash flows, and site layout planning and safety management, which allows the model to generate a work plan that is both efficient to achieve and safe to execute. In conclusion, such integrated models based on singularity functions open new possibilities for holistic planning and management of construction projects. Linking its various quantitative elements thus enables a customizable and easily adoptable approach and facilitates comprehensive analysis toward minimum duration, minimum cost, and maximum resource utilization.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Lucko, G |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | duration; construction project; bidding; cash flows; payment; safety; scheduling; site layout |
| Index terms: | bidding, safety management, unbalanced bidding, linear scheduling, construction project, profit, strategy, site layout, mathematical model, scheduling, cash flow, repetitive scheduling, project management, site layout planning, dimension, dissertation, duration, modelling, construction project management, buffer, paradigm, workspace, integrated model, resource utilization |
| Subjects: | production management, financial risk, research dissemination and communication, bidding, analytical methods, economic analysis, site logistics, operations research, project management theory and practice, education and knowledge transfer, management, financial management, occupational health and safety management, project controls, mathematical modelling, construction planning, health monitoring assessment and metrics |
| Topics: | Stakeholder Management, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Information Management, Time Control, Site Management, Procurement, Health and Safety, Project Management, Engineering Principles |
| 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