Perera, A A D A J and Imriyas, K (2004) An integrated construction project cost information system using MS accesstm and MS projecttm. Construction Management and Economics, 22(2), pp. 203-211. ISSN 01446193
Abstract
The integration of time and cost management of construction projects has been recognized as the most effective way for close management. However, it has not been effectively used due to the presence of a large quantity of data with many complex interrelationships. Advanced software using current state-of-the-art could be developed to solve this problem. Nevertheless, construction organizations, especially those of small to medium size, cannot afford to procure such software due to the high cost involved in development and training. Probably, the maximum capability of small to medium size contractors is to purchase general applications - spreadsheet, database, etc. - and general time planning software. Thus, a computer solution for an existing problem using general software will have a higher potential for application. In this context, research was undertaken to establish the feasibility of the use of MS AccessTM and MS ProjectTM to provide an integrated time and cost management information system encompassing estimating, scheduling, cost control, resource monitoring and costing, and financial control. First, through a literature review, documentary search in contractor organizations and interviews of professionals, the requirements of such a system were identified. Second, detail procedures were established by use of standard system design procedures. Third, a data modelling was developed and a relational database was established with data transfer mechanism between database and time planning software. The research proved that an effective integrated project cost management system could be developed using MS Project™ and MS Access™ as an economical solution for small to medium construction organizations.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | dbms; integrated cost management; management information system; time planning software |
| Index terms: | estimating, information system, state of the art, integration, construction project, cost control, project cost, financial control, literature review, relational database, scheduling, management system, interview, data modelling, costing, presence, management information system, monitoring, database, cost management, contractor organization, spreadsheet, construction organization, cost information |
| Subjects: | data science, data analysis and analytics, environmental science, financial and cost management, economic analysis, operations research, control systems, research dissemination and communication, data collection methods, organization, information systems, organizational analysis, data management, production management, management, economics, accounting and finance |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Time Control, Organizational Design, Site Management, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Project Management, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
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