Omar, B (2012) Context-aware services delivery in the construction supply chain. PhD thesis, University of Reading, UK.
Abstract
This research explores the concept of context-aware services delivery in the construction supply chain. It demonstrates how a combination of context-awareness and Web Services can be used to facilitate supply chain interactions. Investigation into the magnitude of which technology is being used in construction is the first step in determining if the construction industry is ready to adopt new technology. Next, the investigation into current practices of construction supply chain management involves case studies of live construction projects. Interviews to learn from site managers of the approaches in addressing problems encountered in construction project result in the development of a proposed business model aimed at promoting the use of ICT and automation. Based on this model, scenario plots illustrating the application of a context-aware system are created using Scenario Planning Method and presented to construction experts for validation. Contexts are classified and modelled using Activity Theory tool with the outcome of database schemas. The architecture framework of the proposed service-oriented context-aware application is developed using Context Toolkit integrated with WASP technology. Finally, a conceptual prototype is developed and demonstrated to construction experts for evaluation. This research reveals that many construction sites still manage their supply chain services manually or utilise low-level ICT. Construction experts have indicated that the proposed automation system has great potential to support supply chain management integration, enhance the visibility of assets mobility and improve construction planning.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | automation; business model; case studies; construction planning; construction supply chain; integration; scenario planning; supply chain management |
| Index terms: | interview, prototype, construction site, validation, integration, construction project, toolkit, mobility, case study, new technology, database, scenario planning, activity theory, business model, construction supply chain, investigation, site manager, construction planning, interaction, construction industry, automation |
| Subjects: | professional development, software systems, management, infrastructure and transport systems, industry analysis, data management, organizational analysis, construction logistics, business, data collection methods, construction planning, modelling and simulation, work location, production management, automation and robotics, theoretical framing, behavioral psychology, practitioner, innovation and technology management |
| Topics: | Supply Chain Management, Project Management, Engineering Principles, Digital Applications, Urban Studies, Organizational Design, Site Management, Research Practice, Information Management, Business Strategy, Roles and Professions |
| 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