Griffin, G S (1996) Complexity theory in construction management. PhD thesis, Colorado State University, USA.
Abstract
This was a qualitative inquiry using Complexity and Chaos theories to investigate factors behind successful construction project delivery. Using a constant comparative approach, the author investigated four $1 billion plus projects, attempting to isolate universal success factors. The data were used to develop two graphics describing each construction management team: a ``culture map'' and an ``edge of chaos'' score. Based on this research, three success constants were isolated: (a)~avoid failure (vs. emulate success), (b)~communicate, and (c)~remain on the edge (but within) the corporate culture.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | complexity; culture; failure; project delivery |
| Index terms: | chaos theory, project delivery, complexity, corporate culture, construction project delivery, success factor |
| Subjects: | health monitoring assessment and metrics, project delivery, mathematical modelling, sociology, project controls, systems engineering |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Organizational Design, Time Control, Procurement, Health and Safety, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
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