Rahman, Muzibur (2022) Constructors' decision-support framework for nzeb projects. PhD thesis, Oklahoma State University, USA.
Abstract
Efficient construction project management is crucial to project success. As the construction industry changes, constructors find themselves confronted by new issues and must undertake roles that have not traditionally been part of their responsibility. This change in roles requires their traditional responsibilities to be supplemented with non-engineering knowledge and skills to meet today's professional demands. While many studies have examined competency for effective project management, few have done so in the context of NetZero Energy Building (NZEB) construction. Achieving NZEB is a complex process. The decisions made in the early stages of a project impacts its outcomes most in meeting NetZero energy (NZE) goals, which requires knowledge sharing of NZEB constructors in a collaborative work environment. So, the decision-making process and the delivery of the completed project should be integrated, and crucial for NZEBs in achieving the NZE goals. Another important aspect for NZEB projects is the successful integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Building Performance Simulation (BPS) tools, which aid the constructors in selecting optimal solutions from a set of available alternatives. Therefore, this study primarily aimed to determine the critical knowledge areas and skills that are necessary to respond to NZEB construction challenges. Through a survey and follow up interviews with NZEB constructors, this study identified the knowledge and skills base for constructors to be competitive and to effectively execute NZEB projects. Results from this study revealed that the most important challenges were workers' unawareness of the correct methods and procedures, reluctance to change from traditional practices, and lack of the technical skill regarding Green/NZEB technologies. The most important knowledge areas were communication management, schedule management and planning, and cost management. The most important skills required to mitigate the challenges were teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. In addition, this study summarized attitudes of the participants regarding the relative importance of the various mechanisms for professional development. The contribution of on the job site experience was rated higher than that of formal industry training provided by employers. The contribution of academic education to the competency of NZEB constructors was rated lower than that of industry training. For BIM implementation, industry's resistance to change from traditional working practices, inadequate in-depth expertise and know-how to operate sustainability related analysis software program, and high initial investment in staff training costs were the top challenges. Accuracy, intelligence, and usability were the important features for BPS tools. This study is expected to be beneficial for the constructors' decision making in NZEB project context. Construction educators are also expected to benefit from this study in developing their academic curriculum with a goal to meet the industry need.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | McCuen, Tamera |
| Index terms: | accuracy, survey, knowledge sharing, usability, technical skill, relative importance, interview, integration, decision-making, program, cost management, decision-making process, working practice, teamwork, project success, professional development, building information modelling, project management, implementation, construction industry, building performance simulation, work environment, construction project management |
| Subjects: | knowledge management, contractual arrangements, accounting and finance, data collection methods, risk assessment, user-centered design, modelling and simulation, professional development, project management theory and practice, management, software systems, industry analysis, information systems, organizational analysis, decision analysis |
| Topics: | Procurement, Risk Management, Project Management, Organizational Design, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Research Practice, Information Management, Cost Management |
| 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