Wood, H L; Piroozfar, P A E and Farr, E R P (2014) Moving beyond project complexity: Exploring empirical dimensions of complexity in the construction industry. In: Raiden, A and Aboagye-Nimo, E (eds.) Proceedings of 30th Annual ARCOM Conference, 1-3 September 2014, Portsmouth, UK.
Abstract
Complexity is not an under-researched concept within the construction industry. However, because of the nature and characteristics of this concept, most of the works have traditionally tended to approach it in a reductionist manner, concentrating on project complexity above all others. Therefore a more comprehensive understanding aimed at being able to make more informed decisions correspondent to the specification of new construction in the age of digital tectonics should be developed. As there is an undeniable need for new vantage points, the data should come directly from the immediate context in which complexity is to be scrutinised. A deductive approach based on in-depth study of live cases is deemed appropriate for this purpose. With reference to our previous theoretical framework, this paper deepens the quest for a more intelligent decision process by investigating construction case studies. This review of cases will be carried out using our alternative way of reading complexity which is nurtured by its meaning in many other disciplines, encompassing all aspects of complexity in a more holistic manner. The findings of the study are to be further developed through additional research in order to substantially contribute to a more up-to-date, fit-for-purpose decision framework to effectively manage complexity comprehensively where and when required in the construction industry.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | complexity; case study; systems; complexity science |
| Index terms: | case study, specification, meaning, science, decision framework, decision process, construction industry, dimension, complexity, project complexity |
| Subjects: | health monitoring assessment and metrics, specialized education, data collection methods, industry analysis, systems engineering, sociology, decision analysis, contractual condition, organizational theory |
| Topics: | Risk Management, Project Management, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Health and Safety, Contract Administration, Education |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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