CONBPS - an Expert System to Improve the Efficiency of the Construction Process
Name:
Poon RICS 4(21) 2003.pdf
Size:
1.272Mb
Format:
PDF
Description:
RICS Research Papers, 4(21)
Abstract
The aim of the research outlined in this paper is to develop a best practice process model for building projects based on the use of an expert system. The CONstruction Best Practice System (CONBPS) focusses on projects which are based on the traditional procurement strategy, using the JCT 80 standard form of contract. The model clearly identifies the sequence of construction activities. It also identifies the roles and responsibilities of the major parties on the building team and the issues within the project cycle, which can prove critical to project success. The system incorporates many user-friendly functions, including the provision of multi-choice icons and the provision of an on-line help function. Besides, it also provides interim and final reports which are used to advise the participants on the success factors that they have ignored and to which aspects they should pay more attention. A framework was initially developed focussing on the whole design process with a full knowledge-based system developed for the Inception Stage. CONBPS can be used as a teaching/learning tool to assist teachers and students to better understand the construction process. Also, it could prove useful to project managers and all the participants in the construction process.Citation
RICS Research Papers, 4(21)Additional Links
http://www.rics.org/NR/rdonlyres/75E0FA34-167C-47FB-A57B-55A0BF25AA33/0/CONBPS_An_expert_system_to_improvethe_efficiency_of_the_construction_process_20030331.pdfhttp://www.rics.org/Practiceareas/Builtenvironment/Constructionmanagement/CONBPS_+An_+expert_+system_+to_+improve+the_+efficiency_+of_+the_+construction_+process_20030331.htm
Type
BookProject Report
Language
enDescription
The authors acknowledge the financial assistance of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)Education Trust, the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) Research Grant and the University of Wolverhampton.Collections
Construction and InfrastructureRelated items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
A Framework for Utilising Lean Construction Strategies to Promote Safety on Construction Sites(University of Wolverhampton, 2013-06)The poor safety situation in the United Kingdom (UK) construction industry and its adverse socio-economic record are well documented in the existing literature. The application of Lean Construction techniques has been proposed as an effective strategy to address accidents on construction sites, a major safety concern in the construction industry. However, examination of the relationship between Lean Construction techniques and safety issues has been marginal. This study explores this relationship with the aim of developing a framework for using Lean Construction techniques to promote safety on UK construction sites. A framework was initially devised based on a synthesis of the literature and further refined based on findings from interviews held with 10 Lean Construction practitioners on antecedents of Lean Construction techniques and safety issues. In order to develop and confirm the framework, data was collected from practicing Lean Construction organisations using a questionnaire survey and analysed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and inter-rater agreement statistical test to examine the pattern and extent of the relationships. The study found a total of thirty-eight (38) relationships between Lean Construction techniques and safety issues. These relationships are mainly positive in nature in that they demonstrate path to improvement in safety on construction sites. They show which techniques could be used to address the relevant safety issue. Furthermore, it was established that the application of Lean Construction techniques on construction sites can be impeded by challenges such as: lack of Lean Construction knowledge, complexity, misconception about Lean and difficulties in changing employees’ working culture. The study identified strategies that could be used to address these challenges. These include enlightenment on benefits of Lean practice, publication of improvements realised from Lean practice, training, workers’ involvement and empowerment, persistence, robust planning and gradual step-by-step implementation. The study, therefore, concludes that Lean Construction techniques have positive relationships with safety issues on construction sites in the UK and on the basis of the relationships develops an integrated framework to guide application of the techniques by contracting organisations in promoting safety. The study makes a number of recommendations including the incorporation of Lean Construction practice into government health and safety initiatives, regulations and policies, and identifies areas for further research.
-
Insolvency and resolution of construction contract disputes by adjudication in the UK construction industry(Taylor & Francis, 2005)The Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 provides that a party to a construction contract has a right, at any time, to refer any dispute under the contract for adjudication. This resolution method requires a neutral third party, the adjudicator, to determine the dispute within 28 days after receipt of the referral regardless of the complexity of the issues in dispute. The decision is to be implemented even if it is palpably wrong in fact or law. A key assumption of this legislation is that any mistakes made by an adjudicator can be corrected by reference of the same to litigation or arbitration. It is a major concern that restoration of the parties to their correct positions may become impossible where, after implementation of an adjudicator's mistaken decision, the beneficiary of the decision becomes insolvent. This article is a critical review of all the cases in which the courts have dealt with the effect of insolvency on the right to adjudicate and the enforceability of adjudicators' decisions. Two main conclusions are derived from the review. First, the court may decline to enforce an adjudicator's payment decision where there is strong evidence that, on account of formal insolvency, the payee would be unable to make repayment if final resolution of the dispute necessitates it. Second, the only exception so far to the general right to refer to adjudication arises where the other party is in administration. (Taylor & Francis)
-
IGR Report: The Virtual Construction Site: A Decision Support System for Construction Planning (Award Numbers GR/N 00890; 00876; 00906)(EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council), 2002)The software was a direct outcome of the collaborative EPSRC 'Virtual Construction Site - VirCon' project involving UCL, UMIST, Teesside and Wolverhampton Universities and several industrial collaborators. The software provides a platform for current research and knowledge transfer activities through the West Midlands Centre for Construction Excellence and has directly informed the development of the '3-Centre' collaborative visualisation system which provides support to numerous construction companies.
