Christofferson, J P (1996) Computer-integrated specification information flow through the residential construction process. PhD thesis, Colorado State University, USA.
Abstract
To increase their profitability in a market that continually is becoming more competitive, builders must find ways to use the tools of technology to improve the effectiveness of their communication. The problem is that residential contractors lose profits as a result of inefficiencies and mistakes that are made because of poor communication of specification information through the construction process. The purpose of the study was to develop a specification information flow model and computer program which could provide a framework to convert large amounts of construction specification data into useful information for builders, suppliers and subcontractors, thereby increasing production efficiency and effectiveness. A series of interviews with residential builders was used as a basis for the development of an effective specification information flow model. These same builders evaluated the revised information flow model for conceptual correctness and completeness. Implementation of the model was accomplished through the development of a computer application to control and organize customer specification information. The builders' assessment of the software confirmed that the model greatly facilitated the organization and management of specification information and would improve communication efficiency and effectiveness if implemented. It was found that a communication system based on a project's schedule was an effective method of managing residential specification information. Recommended future studies would include studies to identify potential differences that may occur in other types of work such as commercial, heavy, or linear construction. Future research could also include expanding the information flow model to encompass estimating and cost control.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | communication; cost control; estimating; future studies; linear construction; market; residential; specification |
| Index terms: | effectiveness, information flow, computer application, cost control, efficiency, computer program, profit, construction process, future study, profitability, residential construction, linear construction, becoming, implementation, specification, builder, interview, estimating, subcontractor |
| Subjects: | contractual condition, building construction, financial and cost management, contractual arrangements, practitioner, construction integration, data collection methods, economic analysis, research design and methodology, performance management, information systems, philosophical process, software systems |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Procurement, Engineering Principles, Business Strategy, Site Management, Cost Management, Contract Administration, Digital Applications, Roles and Professions, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
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