Fahmy, A; Hassan, T; Bassioni, H and McCaffer, R (2020) Dynamic scheduling model for the construction industry. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 10(3), pp. 313-330. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose: Basic project control through traditional methods is not sufficient to manage the majority of real-time events in most construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to propose a Dynamic Scheduling (DS) model that utilizes multi-objective optimization of cost, time, resources and cash flow, throughout project construction. Design/methodology/approach: Upon reviewing the topic of DS, a worldwide internet survey with 364 respondents was conducted to define end-user requirements. The model was formulated and solution algorithms discussed. Verification was reported using predefined problem sets and a real-life case. Validation was performed via feedback from industry experts. Findings: The need for multi-objective dynamic software optimization of construction schedules and the ability to choose among a set of optimal alternatives were highlighted. Model verification through well-known test cases and a real-life project case study showed that the model successfully achieved the required dynamic functionality whether under the small solved example or under the complex case study. The model was validated for practicality, optimization of various DS schedule quality gates, ease of use and software integration with contemporary project management practices. Practical implications: Optimized real-time scheduling can provide better resources management including labor utilization and cost efficiency. Furthermore, DS contributes to optimum materials procurement, thus minimizing waste. Social implications: Optimized real-time scheduling can provide better resources management including labor utilization and cost efficiency. Furthermore, DS contributes to optimum materials procurement, thus minimizing waste. Originality/value: The paper illustrates the importance of DS in construction, identifies the user needs and overviews the development, verification and validation of a model that supports the generation of high-quality schedules beneficial to large-scale projects.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | dynamic scheduling; multi-objective optimization; particle swarm; resource management; resource-constrained project scheduling problem; scheduling |
| Index terms: | internet, construction industry, cost efficiency, resource management, project control, integration, methodology, multi-objective optimization, construction project, user need, test case, validation, functionality, survey, cash flow, user requirement, project management practice, case study, scheduling, project scheduling, labour utilization |
| Subjects: | financial management, management, algorithms, research methods, economics, production management, professional development, project management theory and practice, organizational analysis, project controls, industry analysis, data collection methods, user-centered design, control systems, computing systems, design features, operations research, professional practice |
| Topics: | Human Resources, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Time Control, Organizational Design, Research Practice, Project Management, Information Management, Engineering Principles, 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