STAFF COMPETENCY ISSUES IN LINEAR SCHEDULING APPLICATIONS

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juneseok Yang ◽  
David Arditi
Keyword(s):  
Project Managers ◽  
Construction Scheduling ◽  
Linear Scheduling ◽  
Management Association ◽  
Project Organizations ◽  
Scheduling Method ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Scheduling Tool ◽  
And Function ◽  
Repetitive Activities

Linear scheduling method (LSM) is a scheduling method that is based on achieving a continuous flow of resources as well as precedence requirements. Although LSMs have recognized strengths in dealing with resource-intensive projects that are composed of repetitive activities, LSMs are not used extensively. This study proposes a staff-technology fit model that aims to measure the extent to which the features provided by LSM match scheduling staff experience, know-how and capabilities. The aim is to understand why LSM is not used as extensively as expected in construction scheduling. A questionnaire survey was administered to professionals listed in the directory of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) to measure staffing-technology fit in LSM applications. Research findings indicate that LSM applications satisfy user requirements in construction scheduling by (1) providing information that is useful to project participants depending on their position and function in the project organizations, (2) presenting graphics that are easy to understand, and (3) providing ease in communication. Research findings also reveal that LSM is not only a scheduling tool but also a control tool. However, the findings also point out that (1) LSM schedules require much time and effort to produce, (2) there are only very few commercially available software programs capable of running LSM schedules, and (3) there are not enough training opportunities for project managers and their staff to learn how to use LSM.

TASK-TECHNOLOGY FIT IN THE ADOPTION OF LINEAR SCHEDULING METHOD

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juneseok Yang ◽  
David Arditi
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Software Packages ◽  
Linear Scheduling ◽  
Management Association ◽  
Scheduling Method ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Task Technology Fit ◽  
Resource Data

Although the general consensus is that linear scheduling methods (LSMs) are quite powerful, their use in construction has been very limited. The linkage between the characteristics of scheduling methods and the requirements of the tasks performed by schedulers has been an on-going concern in the construction industry. This study proposes a “task-technology fit” model to understand why LSMs are not being used as extensively as expected. The model aims to determine whether the characteristics of LSM (technology) satisfy the duties and obligations of construction schedulers (tasks). By scrutinizing the task-technology fit in LSM applications, deficiencies can be detected which hinder the wider use of these methods in the industry. A questionnaire survey was administered to measure task-technology fit in LSM applications. The target population included schedulers, project managers, construction managers, and other professionals listed in the directory of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). The findings indicate that LSM is effective in repetitive projects and is able to provide a smooth and efficient flow of resources by adjusting activities’ rate of production. In addition, research findings point out that LSM effectively shows activity sequences as well as progress. However, the findings also reveal that LSM is not applicable when reliable resource data are not available. It should also be noted that very few software packages that perform LSM scheduling are commercially available on the market.

scholarly journals PEMODELAN PENJADWALAN LINIER DENGAN ALOKASI SUMBER DAYA MANUSIA PADA PROYEK PERUMAHAN

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 41-47
Author(s):  
HEDWIG ANGDIARTO TAN ◽  
Ratna Alifen
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Idle Time ◽  
Resources Allocation ◽  
Project Duration ◽  
Linear Scheduling ◽  
Scheduling Method ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Working Groups ◽  
Repetitive Activities

Metode penjadwalan linier cocok untuk proyek dengan aktivitas sederhana, dan repetitif dengan jumlah unit yang tipikal, seperti proyek jalan, irigasi, tunnel, apartment, dan perumahan sederhana. Pada penelitian ini dilakukan pemodelan penjadwalan linier proyek pembangunan perumahan sebanyak 50 unit tipikal. Simulasi alokasi sumber daya manusia dan penggunaan buffer agar penggunaan sumber daya manusia dapat seefisien mungkin. Hasil penelitian diperoleh bahwa simulasi ke-8 dengan menggunakan buffer memiliki durasi 314 hari dengan 18 kelompok kerja, apabila dibandingkan dengan simulasi ke-9 tanpa menggunakan buffer memiliki durasi 180 hari dan idle time 134 hari inefisiensi 1522 orang hari.   Linear scheduling method is suitable for projects with repetitive activities, as well as tipical mass product units such as a road, apartment, and residential housings. In this research linear schedule modeling was carried out on residential typical housings project of 50 units. The simulation of linear scheduling is to minimize the idle times by using time buffers and human resources allocation so that the usage of human resources can be as efficient as possible. The research findings show that the 8th simulation by using buffers has a project duration of 314 days were chosen with 18 working groups, compares to 9th simulation without buffers that has a duration of 180 days and 134 days of idle time which with 1522 man day of inefficient.

CD38 as an immunomodulator in cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (34) ◽  
pp. 2853-2861
Author(s):  
Yanli Li ◽  
Rui Yang ◽  
Limo Chen ◽  
Sufang Wu
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Human Tissues ◽  
Transmembrane Glycoprotein ◽  
Cell Activation Marker ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
A Cell ◽  
And Function ◽  
Human Molecule

CD38 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is widely expressed in a variety of human tissues and cells, especially those in the immune system. CD38 protein was previously considered as a cell activation marker, and today monoclonal antibodies targeting CD38 have witnessed great achievements in multiple myeloma and promoted researchers to conduct research on other tumors. In this review, we provide a wide-ranging review of the biology and function of the human molecule outside the field of myeloma. We focus mainly on current research findings to summarize and update the findings gathered from diverse areas of study. Based on these findings, we attempt to extend the role of CD38 in the context of therapy of solid tumors and expand the role of the molecule from a simple marker to an immunomodulator.

HISTORIAN ON SOCIAL NETWORKS: SOME METHODOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

2020 ◽  
pp. 223-227
Author(s):  
Vasily Syrov
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Decisive Role ◽  
Professional Community ◽  
Historical Knowledge ◽  
Main Attention ◽  
Web Technologies ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Methodological Considerations ◽  
And Function

The article discusses some of the research findings related to the topic of the place and function of histori-ans on social networks. The main attention is paid to identifying the role of web technologies in the con-ventional practices of creating historical knowledge creation of historical knowledge. It is emphasized that the thesis about blurring the boundaries between the professional community and users in general does not mean rejection of the recognition of the decisive role of the professional community in the production of knowledge. The ways and methods of historians' actions in social networks and their advantages over traditional methods of knowledge production are revealed.

Industry 4.0 Technologies Used in Project Management

2019 ◽  
pp. 40-63
Author(s):  
Dilek Özdemir Güngör
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Revolutionary Change ◽  
Smart Systems ◽  
Industrial Internet ◽  
Project Organizations ◽  
Networking Technologies ◽  
New Generation

Advancements in technology, especially ICTs, has caused a revolutionary change in every aspect of life. The reflection of these advancements on manufacturing industry is named “The Industrial Internet,” or “Industry 4.0.” New generation factories are to be equipped with cyber-physical systems. Teams integrating physical industrial components, and advanced modern sensing and networking technologies to form new smart systems. These systems will have more capabilities than the systems which are already in use. These winds of change will also affect projects and project management. Clearly, success in agile project management will become more crucial. At this point, technologies enabling Industry 4.0 will help project managers. Project organizations have the flexibility to get adapted to new situations fast. In this chapter, benefits of the technologies enabling Industry 4.0 in project management are introduced.

Managing Project Sustainability

2016 ◽  
pp. 708-732
Author(s):  
Gilman C. K. Tam
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Evaluation Framework ◽  
Design And Implementation ◽  
Project Life Cycle ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Project Sustainability ◽  
Key Barrier ◽  
Project Life

Managing project sustainability is becoming important in the last two decades since the Earth Summit in 1992. An increasing number of projects have built in sustainability considerations into project design and implementation. Recent research findings show that lack of sustainability knowledge for project managers is a key barrier to drive projects and programs contributing towards a sustainable society. Definitions and approaches (pillar-based and principles-based) to sustainability in project management together with project manager competence requirements are discussed. The purpose of this chapter is to devise an assessment tool for project managers incorporating the concept of pillar-based and principles-based sustainability approaches as well as the EIA-driven and objectives-led assessment methodologies. Criteria for selecting assessment scheme appropriate to various project initiatives are developed. Integrating selected assessment methodology into sustainability evaluation framework within the project life cycle forms a complete tool. This chapter contributes to devising a practical assessment tool for project managers in managing project sustainability.

Keep IT Together

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-105
Author(s):  
Mor Brokman Meltzer ◽  
Dikla Perez ◽  
Roy Gelbard
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Approach ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Work Plan ◽  
Gantt Chart ◽  
Group Type ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Perceived Complexity ◽  
Practical Implications

Prior research shows that project managers tend to avoid following the optimal work plan, and that this tendency is negatively influenced by the perceived complexity of the Gantt chart. This research introduces a central factor moderating this effect: the level of communication effort required by PMs (project managers) when managing IT (information technology) team members. To test this prediction, the researchers followed an experimental approach and manipulated the level of communication effort by defining two group types, which differed in the number of team members and the geographical distance between them (together or not). Research results show that the complexity level of the Gantt chart negatively affects PMs' motivation to adopt an optimal work plan, and importantly, findings suggest that the group type (together or not) attenuates this effect. Research findings also offer practical implications for managers seeking to influence PM's behavior and attenuate the negative impact of Gantt chart complexity without changing other aspects of the work plan.

Neuroimaging in autism

1998 ◽  
Vol 173 (4) ◽  
pp. 299-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shoumitro Deb ◽  
Bill Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Functional Neuroimaging ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Structural Abnormality ◽  
Brain Structure And Function ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
And Function ◽  
Distressing Condition ◽  
Neuroimaging Techniques ◽  
Methodological Difficulties

BackgroundChildhood autism is a developmental disorder with distinctive clinical features and characteristic cognitive deficits. Neuroimaging techniques have been extensively used in the study of autism and related disorders.MethodRecent important literature reported on structural and functional neuroimaging in autism was reviewed and discussed in the context of other neurobiological research findings.ResultsVarious abnormalities of brain structure and function have been proposed, but no focal defect has been reliably demonstrated. Important findings, so far, include increased brain volume, structural abnormality in frontal lobe and corpus callosum in a proportion of autistic individuals. Functional neuroimaging findings emphasised the imbalance in interregional and inter-hemispheric brain metabolism and blood flow as well as abnormality in the anterior cingulate gyrus.ConclusionThe research to date has been hindered by methodological difficulties. However, hypothesis-driven research, particularly involving activation studies and neurotransmitter/neuroreceptor activities, using functional neuroimaging will be very useful in unravelling the enigma associated with this intriguing and distressing condition.

scholarly journals Lysophosphatidic Acid Signaling in Diabetic Nephropathy

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 2850 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jong Lee ◽  
Donghee Kim ◽  
Yoon Oh ◽  
Hee-Sook Jun
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Nephropathy ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Lysophosphatidic Acid ◽  
Kidney Diseases ◽  
Cell Damage ◽  
Cell Structure ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Stage Renal Disease ◽  
End Stage ◽  
And Function

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive phospholipid present in most tissues and body fluids. LPA acts through specific LPA receptors (LPAR1 to LPAR6) coupled with G protein. LPA binds to receptors and activates multiple cellular signaling pathways, subsequently exerting various biological functions, such as cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. LPA also induces cell damage through complex overlapping pathways, including the generation of reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines, and fibrosis. Several reports indicate that the LPA–LPAR axis plays an important role in various diseases, including kidney disease, lung fibrosis, and cancer. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common diabetic complications and the main risk factor for chronic kidney diseases, which mostly progress to end-stage renal disease. There is also growing evidence indicating that the LPA–LPAR axis also plays an important role in inducing pathological alterations of cell structure and function in the kidneys. In this review, we will discuss key mediators or signaling pathways activated by LPA and summarize recent research findings associated with DN.

scholarly journals Competency Assessment for State Highway Agency Project Managers

2019 ◽  
Vol 2673 (3) ◽  
pp. 658-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Rezk ◽  
Gary C. Whited ◽  
Michael Ibrahim ◽  
Awad S. Hanna
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Competency Assessment ◽  
Skill Sets ◽  
State Highway ◽  
Wisconsin Department ◽  
Hard Skills ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Extensive Body

Project managers (PMs) play a key role in the successful completion of construction projects. Therefore, PM competencies have been heavily investigated over the past few decades, often focusing on two types of skills: hard skills, including technical knowledge; and soft skills, including personal traits. This extensive body of knowledge was lacking the focus on PMs of transportation projects who work in a state highway agency (SHA). This research addresses this gap by developing a comprehensive competency assessment model tailored for SHA PMs. This research identified 55 PM essential competencies spanning five categories: project management knowledge and experience; leadership; SHA operational knowledge and experience; industry knowledge and experience; and cognitive/personal effectiveness. Also, by collecting extensive data from 90 PMs, this research developed a mathematical model to compute competency weights for differentiating exceptional and average PMs. The weights were then used to create a comprehensive score that can assess PM competencies as an overall percentage. This score was benchmarked using the collected data to distinguish between exceptional and average PMs. To effectively communicate the research findings to industry practitioners, a computer-based tool was created. This tool assists SHAs and their PMs in assessing competencies, and identifies training needs to improve overall PM performance and skill sets. The tool was tested and validated by five Wisconsin Department of Transportation PM supervisors, all of whom acclaimed its accuracy and potential value.

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