Cho, C-S (2000) Development of the project definition rating index (PDRI) for building projects. PhD thesis, University of Texas at Austin, USA.
Abstract
Recent research studies have proven the importance of the pre-project planning phase of the construction life cycle. Specifically, a complete scope definition improves project performance in the area of cost, schedule, and operational characteristics. Unfortunately, until now, the building sector has lacked non-proprietary tools to assist in performing this critical stage of the project. This research was initiated to address this need and to produce an effective and user-friendly scope definition tool for building projects. As a result of this research effort, the PDRI for building projects, which consists of 64 scope definition elements in a weighted checklist format, was developed. The PDRI for building projects is a weighted index based on industry “best practices” and allows its users to measure the level of scope definition and to compare scope definition to anticipated project success. This tool should help owners and contractors better achieve business, operational, and project objectives. Input from 69 experienced project managers, architects, and engineers were used in weighting the 64 scope definition elements of the PDRI for building projects in order of importance. The result of this weighting process revealed the critical elements in building projects that are imperative to project success. Data collected from the 33 sample projects were used in validating the relationship between the PDRI and project success. Bivariate analyses, ANOVA, independent samples t test, and a comprehensive qualitative analysis were used to evaluate the data. A significant and positive relationship was found between the PDRI and project performance as measured in various performance variables. The evaluation of the PDRI on several on-going projects confirmed the usefulness of the PDRI as a management tool. Research procedures, conclusions, and recommendations for industry and for future research are also discussed in this dissertation.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Gibson Jr., G E |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | life cycle; project performance; project planning; project success; qualitative analysis |
| Index terms: | project manager, project success, engineer, owner, life cycle, best practice, project performance, architect, dissertation, qualitative analysis, project planning |
| Subjects: | research dissemination and communication, control systems, value management, profession, business, research design and methodology, project management theory and practice, sociology |
| Topics: | Stakeholder Management, Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Project Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCA |
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