A framework for applying simulation in construction

1998 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 604-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simaan M AbouRizk ◽  
Dany Hajjar
Keyword(s):  
Visual Object ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Construction Operations ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Simulation Tools ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
The Past ◽  
Simulation Based ◽  
Research Environments ◽  
Process Interaction

Researchers have successfully implemented system simulation concepts for the design and analysis of construction operations over the past two decades. A number of simulation environments have been created mostly following the CYCLONE methodology introduced by Halpin. The successes, however, remain limited to the academic and research environments. Construction companies have yet to demonstrate acceptance of simulation for everyday decision making. In this paper, an approach is presented that will facilitate adoption of simulation by industry. It summarizes five years of close work with a number of construction firms in developing and implementing simulation-based tools at their organizations. The paper also provides an overview of three simulation implementations for an earth moving contractor, an aggregate producer, and a general contractor. The three implementations represent different "world views" of simulation, namely (i) dynamic process interaction, (ii) continuous time-dependent, and (iii) static simulation. The successful implementation of these simulation tools was based on a common visual-object-oriented modeling environment. The successes, failures, and challenges of these implementations are also discussed.Key words: computer modeling, computer simulation, special purpose simulation.

Assessment of Electronic Procurement Practices on Project Delivery, Case Study of Selected Construction Companies in Oyo State

2018 ◽  
pp. 257-266
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Development Programs ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Electronic Procurement ◽  
Ict Infrastructure ◽  
E Mail

This study investigated the use of e-Procurement in selected construction firms in Oyo state, Nigeria. The data were derived using a well-structured questionnaire survey involving 104 respondents. Descriptive statistical and correlation analyses were used to analyze the data. Findings show that the use of electronic procurement in the selected construction firms for carrying out procurement function is high with majority of the professionals affirming the use of the system, the four categories of e-Procurement used were e-mail, static websites, web.2.0 technologies and portals that have capabilities of supporting the execution of functions limited to intra and inter firm communication and exchange of project information and data. Consequently, between 84 percent and 76 percent of the respondents used these e-Procurement technologies for communication of information, exchange of bill of quantities, project reports, CAD drawings and project specifications. Consequently, factors with the highest positive impacts on the use of these technologies in the firms were the speed of transactions, lower transaction cost and ease of use. The study implies that the selected construction firms in Oyo state Nigeria predominantly use e-mails and websites to support the execution of pre-award phase of construction procurement. Finding also shows that there is positive relationship between e-Procurement (e-Notifying, e-Exchange, and e-Submission of bid) and Project delivery. The study suggests that to accelerate the rate of uptake of e-Procurement and maximize its benefits in the Nigerian construction industry, there is a need to improve the quality and quantity of ICT infrastructure across the country; and to embark on aggressive enlightenment campaigns, training and skill development programs in the use of e-Procurement in the construction industry in this country.

Classifying the Past: Discriminant Analysis and its Application to Medieval Farming Systems

1996 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ken Bartley
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Discriminant Analysis ◽  
Processing Time ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Frame Of Reference ◽  
Analytical Models ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Medieval Period ◽  
The Past ◽  
Livestock Management

This paper discusses the need for nationally based analytical models of the medieval period. The use of cluster analysis as a method for classifying demesne farms, by the crops they grew and their livestock management, is explained. Successful implementation of cluster analysis requires both the existence of a large base sample, to permit isolation of specific groupings within the data, and access to considerable processing time. The paper concludes by demonstrating how discriminant analysis can provide an efficient and systematic way of classifying even a single manor within a national frame of reference.

E-Projects Challenges in India – Role of Human Resource Management and Technology

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (8) ◽  
pp. 263
Author(s):  
Ramnik Kaur
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Public Administration ◽  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
The Public ◽  
Government Services ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Government ◽  
Traditional Approaches

E-governance is a paradigm shift over the traditional approaches in Public Administration which means rendering of government services and information to the public by using electronic means. In the past decades, service quality and responsiveness of the government towards the citizens were least important but with the approach of E-Government the government activities are now well dealt. This paper withdraws experiences from various studies from different countries and projects facing similar challenges which need to be consigned for the successful implementation of e-governance projects. Developing countries like India face poverty and illiteracy as a major obstacle in any form of development which makes it difficult for its government to provide e-services to its people conveniently and fast. It also suggests few suggestions to cope up with the challenges faced while implementing e-projects in India.

Emerging Framework for Planning and Implementation of Online Programs

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor M. Hernández-Gantes
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Planning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Program Planning ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Online Programs ◽  
The Past ◽  
Effective Program ◽  
Assessment Strategies ◽  
Interactive Feedback ◽  
Dramatic Growth

The dramatic growth of online education over the past two decades is requiring colleges to make a shift from fragmented approaches to program planning and implementation towards a framework integrating both into a coherent support system. This article provides an overview of an emerging holistic framework for planning and implementation of online programs calling for shared strategic planning needs assessment strategies, and establishing program consensus. Guided by a program vision, curriculum and instructional strategies are identified along with internal and external supports needed for successful implementation. The framework suggests demand-driven strategic planning, benchmarking approaches to implementation practices, and interactive feedback to ensure effective program planning and implementation.

Advantages in Environmental Compliance For Maritime Corrosion Control

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Lethe
Keyword(s):  
Material Selection ◽  
Shop Floor ◽  
Chief Financial Officer ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
The Past ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Traditional Procedure ◽  
Environmentally Sound ◽  
A Company ◽  
Selection Of

The need for environmentally compliant processes and materials in the Painting Industry grows more pressing every day. As the need for these processes grows, so grows the confusion regarding the selection and implementation of these new methods and materials. In the past, price and traditional procedure were the only criteria by which a material was procured. Speed and compliance with Original Equipment Manufacturer specification governed how things were done on the shop floor. With the advent of the environmental regulations, processes are being examined all across the globe. In many of the larger companies, the chief environmental officer has as important a role as the comptroller or Chief Financial Officer. Environmental managers are often not chemists or line painters, and typically, the environmental manager is skilled only in the policies of waste disposal, spill clean up, or remediation. The methods whereby a company can minimize the generation of hazardous waste remain less familiar. Often the examination of possible alternate techniques and materials are left for the last minute, or are conducted by personnel who are unfamiliar with how to make changes work. This is usually a recipe for failure in the implementing of anything new. This paper will suggest methods for selection of alternative products and processes in a clear and organized manner. Salient discussion points will be: 1. Process Examination 2. Material Selection 3. Steps For Successful Implementation 4. Possible Impediments 5. How to Avoid Risky Alternatives It will focus on procedures that will assist in the decision making process, and hopefully be of use in the choosing of environmentally sound equipment, chemicals, and methodologies.

An assessment of the readiness of construction firms for international construction joint ventures (ICJVs) using the VERDICT model

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Akunyumu ◽  
Frank D.K. Fugar ◽  
Emmanuel Adinyira
Keyword(s):  
Joint Ventures ◽  
Technology Infrastructure ◽  
Commitment To Change ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Construction Joint ◽  
Foreign Companies ◽  
International Construction ◽  
Construction Organizations

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the readiness of construction companies in Ghana to partner with foreign companies in international construction joint ventures (ICJVs). Design/methodology/approach Using the Verify End-User e-Readiness using a Diagnostic Tool (VERDICT) model, a survey with 31 construction companies was conducted to assess their readiness through four pre-defined elements of readiness. Findings The results indicated the readiness of construction companies to collaborate with potential foreign partners in ICJVs. Notwithstanding, certain areas such as management commitment to change, employee buy-in, process flexibility and technology infrastructure need improvement in some firms to achieve readiness. Government has a role in ensuring the readiness of domestic firms for the international market. Originality/value This study applies the VERDICT model, a tool originally designed to assess construction organizations’ readiness for e-commerce, to assess the readiness of Ghanaian construction companies for ICJVs.

Constraints and opportunities facing construction organization in post-conflict condition in Afghanistan

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qais Amarkhil ◽  
Emad Elwakil
Keyword(s):  
Matrix Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
Conflict Condition ◽  
Local Construction ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Construction Organization ◽  
Critical Constraints

Purpose Although there are many challenges and constraints for construction organization operation and performance in a post-conflict condition, there is insufficient construction project management literature. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify a framework to understand and determine critical constraints and opportunities in a post-conflict condition facing local construction firms in Afghanistan. The proposed framework is composed of three major steps: identify and determine key performance indicators; identify challenges impacting organization operation and performance in post-conflict condition; determine critical constraints and opportunities based on prioritized performance measures; and organizational strength and weakness factors. Design/methodology/approach The strength, weakness, opportunities and threat matrix analysis has been used to determine post-conflict condition constraints and opportunities. Then the analytical hierarchy process has been used to prioritize the measures and identify the constraints and opportunities facing construction companies in a post-conflict situation. The mix-research method is applied to this study to analyse qualitative variables and quantitative variables obtained from the experts’ opinions and 51 filled questioners. Findings The study shows that there are a total of 11 critical constraints and three essential opportunities for construction companies that industry practitioners and policymakers should take into account while formulating the organizational strategy. Practical implications The developed framework will benefit construction companies in improving their performance and operation in after-conflict conditions. Originality/value This paper is the first to provide a comprehensive conceptualization of the challenges and constraints for construction organization operation and performance in a post-conflict condition. It also offers a novel conceptual framework to understand and determine critical constraints and opportunities in a post-conflict condition facing local construction firms in Afghanistan.

Programming in Restrictive Housing: Considerations for Improving Outcome Evaluations

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (8) ◽  
pp. 1174-1191 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Daniel Butler ◽  
Starr Solomon ◽  
Ryan Spohn
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Effect ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Inmate Misconduct ◽  
The Past ◽  
What Works ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Time Served ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Outcome Evaluations ◽  
Behavioral Programming

A number of studies have identified “what works” in regard to the successful implementation of correctional programming over the past several decades. Few studies, however, have examined the complexities associated with programming in restrictive housing. Using data from a Midwestern department of corrections, we examined whether the provision of programming in restrictive housing achieved desired outcomes (e.g., reductions in inmate misconduct). The findings revealed the amount of time served in restrictive housing and confinement in different types of restrictive housing may influence estimations of a treatment effect. As a growing number of states seek to reform the use of restrictive housing, the proper implementation of cognitive-behavioral programming may increase institutional security and safety.

Development, operational experience and implications for future design of fast reactors in Western Europe

1990 ◽  
Vol 331 (1619) ◽  
pp. 367-380
Keyword(s):  
Fast Reactor ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Development Programme ◽  
Operational Experience ◽  
Zero Energy ◽  
Small Power ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Future Design ◽  
The Past ◽  
Commercial Size

Over the past 30 years, the partners now collaborating in Europe on fast-reactor development have taken the technology from a theoretical possibility to an engineering reality. In that time there has been a progression from experimental zero energy facilities followed by small power-producing engineering test reactors, to prototype reactors and a large commercial-size reactor. The paper describes the highlights of the reactor programmes in the partner countries and by example illustrates the experience gained from reactor operation and some of the principal activities in the supporting development programme. These include such topics as fuel performance, fast-neutron physics, liquid-metal thermal hydraulics, sodium chemistry, instrumentation and safety aspects. The paper concludes by summarizing some of the main objectives of the current development programme, which is directed to the support of the European Fast Reactor design being prepared by the European design and construction companies.

An Approach to Integrated Multi-Disciplinary Turbomachinery Design

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerome P. Jarrett ◽  
William N. Dawes ◽  
P. John Clarkson
Keyword(s):  
Process Management ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Design Codes ◽  
The Past ◽  
Design Changes ◽  
Data Architecture ◽  
And Function ◽  
Design Process Management ◽  
Turbomachinery Design

Aeroengines are designed using fractured processes. Complexity has driven the design of such machines to be subdivided by specialism, customer and function. While this approach has worked well in the past, with component efficiencies, current material performance and the possibilities presented by scaling existing designs for future needs becoming progressively exhausted it is necessary to reverse this process of disintegration. Our research addresses this aim. The strategy we use has two symbiotic arms. The first is an open data architecture from which existing disparate design codes all derive their input and to which all send their output. The second is a dynamic design process management system known as “SignPosting”. Both the design codes and parameters are arranged into complementary multiple level hierarchies: fundamental to the successful implementation of our strategy is the robustness of the mechanisms we have developed to ensure consistency in this environment as the design develops over time. One of the key benefits of adopting a hierarchical structure is that it confers not only the ability to use mean-line, throughflow and fully 3D CFD techniques in the same environment but also to cross specialism boundaries and insert mechanical, material, thermal, electrical and structural codes, enabling exploration of the design space for multi-disciplinary non-linear responses to design changes and their exploitation. We present results from trials of an early version of the system applied to the redesign of a generic civil aeroengine core compressor. SignPosting has allowed us to examine the hardness of design constraints across disciplines which has shown that it is far more profitable not to strive for even higher aerodynamic performance, but rather improve the commercial performance by maintaining design and part speed pressure ratios stability and efficiency while increasing rotor blade creep life by up to 70%.

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