Mujumdar, P and Maheswari, J U (2019) Alternate beeline diagramming method network analysis for interdependent design entities. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 26(1), pp. 66-84. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: The design phase is generally characterized with two-way multiple information exchanges/overlaps between the interdependent entities. In this paper, entity is a generic term to represent teams, components, activities or parameters. Existing approaches can either capture a single overlap or lack practical application in representing multiple overlaps. The beeline diagraming method (BDM) network is efficient in representing multiple overlaps for construction projects. However, it considers any entity as indivisible and cannot distinguish partial criticality of entities. In reality, the design phase in any construction project is driven by need basis and often has numerous interruptions. Hence, there is a need to develop an alternate network analysis for BDM for interruptible execution. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach: A pilot study is conducted to formulate the hypothetical examples. Subsequently, these hypothetical BDM examples are analyzed to trace a pattern for criticality. This pattern study along with the existing precedence diagramming method network analysis enabled to derive new equations for forward pass, backward pass and float. Finally, the proposed concepts are applied to two design cases and reviewed with the design experts. Findings: The proposed network analysis for BDM is efficient for interruptible entity execution. Practical implications: The proposed BDM network is an information-intensive network that enables the design participants to view the project holistically. Application to two distinct cases emphasizes that the concept is generic and can be applied to any project that is characterized with beelines. Originality/value: An alternate network analysis for BDM is investigated for interruptible entity execution. This study also clarifies the related concepts – interdependency, iteration, overlaps and multiple information exchanges/linkages.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | design; design management; methodology |
| Index terms: | construction project, methodology, design management, beeline diagramming method, information exchange, design phase, network analysis, linkage |
| Subjects: | interdepence modelling, design process, production management, research methods, data analysis and analytics, data science, professional practice, business |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Design Practice, Business Strategy, Project Management, Research Practice |
| 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