Andrew Munns

The role of project management in achieving project success

Abstract The role of different project management techniques to implement projects successfully has been widely established in areas such as the planning and control of time, cost and quality. In spite of this the distinction between the project and project management is less than precise. This paper aims to identify the overlap between the definition of the project and project management and to discuss how the confusion between the two may affect their relationship. It identifies the different individuals involved on the project and project management, together with their objectives, expectations and influences. It demonstrates how a better appreciation of the distinction between the two will bring a higher possibility of project success.

Potential influence of trust on the successful completion of a project

Abstract The temporary organisations formed in many projects create a situation in which trust between individuals is important to the successful completion of the project. Unfortunately, because the organisation is temporary, there is not time to develop long-term trust in interpersonal relationships. It is suggested that the initial opinions of the individuals entering the project are important in shaping its final outcome. The initial opinions can force the project into a spiral of increasing or decreasing trust. Methods are suggested of reversing the outcome when the initial attitude is one of mistrusting the other parties, to enable the project manager to build a more positive environment.

Estimating using cost significant global cost models

Cost significant models have been suggested as one way of overcoming criticisms of the amount of detail contained within the traditional bill of quantities. Recent research into these models reveals a lack of formal rules for the selection of work packages to be used within the models, and a potential to overestimate the cost of projects. This paper presents a methodology for selecting work packages, and recommends a refinement to the technique that reduces the variability in estimates produced using cost significance. Estimates are produced using both the traditional method of producing cost significant models, and a refined global cost methodology. Both techniques are tested against unpriced bills to measure the difference in results, with significant improvements being achieved with the new technique.

Joint Venture negotiation and managerial practices in the new countries of the former Soviet Union

Abstract Joint Ventures, formed by organisations from two or more countries, have become a widespread form of strategic alliance in the world economy. They offer unique benefits of integrating the complimentary skills of different organisations cross culturally, combined with quicker market access, and satisfying the host nation’s technological gaps. This paper concentrates on the important features of Joint Venture formation in the former Soviet Union; exploring the negotiation of Joint Ventures, including sources of potential conflict. Changing economic policies within the former Soviet Union gave rise to particular concerns about their current management system. Some managerial issues arising in the former Soviet Union system are examined, with recommendations for methods that Venture partners can employ to overcome these problems. The paper is illustrated by a case from the development of an oil field in Western Kazakhstan.

Work classification and the management of residential maintenance projects

Abstract Maintenance projects are increasing in size, quantity and importance. As a result, the need for effective management and control is growing. The paper proposes a method for the identification of work types in maintenance projects, and establishes management functions appropriate to each type. Using data from housing associations, the paper illustrates how the method can be used in practice, drawing conclusions in relation to trends in the results for the building type discussed.

Generating solid models from two-dimensional representations

Abstract This paper discusses topics related to geometric modelling for semi-automatic and automatic reconstruction of three-dimensional solid geometry from two-dimensional representations. Common problems and suggestions for improvement are addressed also.

Engineering Students Using Project Management to Manage Learning

Effective project managers require skills and knowledge that must be applied to “one-off” projects. Traditional methods of teaching do not always provide the depth of learning to apply knowledge to such unique situations. This paper describes a course in project management in which students use project management skills and tools to manage their learning. Starting by describing the motivation for the course design, the paper goes on to discuss some key features in the operation of the course. Elements of the organization of this course could be successfully used as a method of delivery in other project management courses.

Rule-based feature extraction from CSG representations and an application in construction

Feature extraction is highly desirable in bridging CAD and CAM systems. Based on automatic examination of spatial position relationships among geometric elements, and relationships among primitive objects, a number of knowledge-based rules are defined in this paper to identify common types of features. These rules can be applied to extracting form features from a designated CSG modeling output. The application of such rules are applied to an example in developing a spatial model of a building.

A study of competence in mathematics and mechanics in an engineering curriculum

ABSTRACT Professional bodies expect engineers to show competence in both mathematics and engineering topics such as mechanics, using their abilities in both of these to solve problems. Yet within engineering programmes there is a phenomenon known as ‘The Mathematics Problem’, with students not demonstrating understanding of the subject. This paper will suggest that students are constructing different concept images in engineering and mathematics, based on their perception of either the use or exchange-value for the topics. Using a mixed methods approach, the paper compares 10 different types of concept image constructed by students, which suggests that familiar procedural images are preferred in mathematics. In contrast strategic and conceptual images develop for mechanics throughout the years of the programme, implying that different forms of competence are being constructed by students between the two subjects. The paper argues that this difference is attributed to the perceived use-value of mechanics in the career of the engineer, compared to the exchange-value associated with mathematics. Questions are raised about the relevance of current definitions of competence given that some routine mathematical operations previously performed by engineers are now being replaced by technology, in the new world of work.

Solution to the nonuniqueness of constructive solid geometry in feature recognition

Feature recognition from geometric modeling systems plays an important role in the attempt of integrating CAD and CAM systems. The non-unique tree representations of a CSG solid modeler, however, can make a recognition process very complex. In this paper, three major reasons leading to the non-uniqueness are examined, and the most commonly occurring one is dealt with in detail. Based on the achievement of position relationships between orthogonal primitive objects, an approach for solving the non-uniqueness stemming from multiple definitions for an identical object is presented.