Khanzadi, M; Nasirzadeh, F; Mir, M and Nojedehi, P (2018) Prediction and improvement of labor productivity using hybrid system dynamics and agent-based modeling approach. Construction Innovation, 18(1), pp. 2-19. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a hybrid simulation approach for predicting the value of labor productivity taking account of various continuous influencing factors and the interactions between different agents involved in the project. Design/methodology/approach The various continuous factors affecting labor productivity are simulated using system dynamics (SD). The heterogeneity of different agents involved in the project and their interactions is accounted using agent-based modelling (ABM). The developed ABM and SD models are finally integrated to simulate the value of labor productivity taking account of all the influencing factors. Findings The proposed hybrid simulation tool is implemented in a real project to evaluate its perfomance. The value of labor productivity is simulated by taking account of all the influencing factors. The most appropriate execution strategy is then selected using the developed hybrid SD-ABM approach to improve productivity. It is shown that the number of working groups and their movement patterns affect the severity of the groups' interferences which will in turn affect the value of labor productivity. Practical implications This research helps project managers to predict and improve the value of labor productivity taking account of all the influencing factors. Originality/value It is believed that the proposed hybrid SD-ABM simulation approach offers a novel and robust tool for modeling labor productivity because the effects of various continuous influencing factors and the interactions between different agents are taken into account through the combination of SD and ABM. Many complex problems faced in construction projects involve interacting elements of a different nature, and the integration of SD with ideas from ABM offers potential to combine the strengths of the two methodologies to solve the problem.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction industry,simulation,system dynamics,agent-based modeling,labor productivity,hybrid simulation |
| Index terms: | labour productivity, dynamics, hybrid simulation, construction industry, interaction, modelling, project manager, influencing factor, productivity, agent-based modelling, system dynamics, construction project, methodology, integration, agent, movement, hybrid system, strategy |
| Subjects: | modelling and simulation, analytical methods, risk assessment, profession, health behaviours and lifestyles, computing systems, practitioner, organizational analysis, industry analysis, systems engineering, systems and processes, behavioral psychology, management, research methods, production management |
| Topics: | Site Management, Organizational Design, Digital Applications, Risk Management, Roles and Professions, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Project Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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