Avi Wiezel

Ontology-Based Service Composition Framework for Syndicating Building Intelligence

Building Information Model (BIM) encompasses building geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, and quantities and properties of building components; however, it does not include any information related to the functions that a building might require. On the other side, Service–Oriented computing emerged as a promising technology to enable fast, efficient software development. Even though features such as standard protocols, loosely coupled components, ontology-enabled dynamic discovery and composition of SOA seems a perfect fit for the building construction domain, the potential gain of applying SOA techniques has not really been discovered. In the paper, an ontology-based service composition framework for construction domain is proposed, and BIM is extended to include function requirements and service specifications. An example is shown to demonstrate the advantages over traditional techniques also.

Leadership Transition and Growth

The concepts of leadership and leadership principles have been studied extensively. We know that the application of leadership principles is strongly determined by the personality and style of the individual exercising such leadership, the leaders hierarchical level, and the surrounding environment. Less clarity exists, however, about how to apply and understand leadership under diverse circumstances, and how to transition ones own leadership style during a lifetime of growth and professional progression. After developing an “action card game” (as a participatory experience) to teach leadership to construction Project Managers (PM), the authors decided to address the leadership transition need with a second set of “action cards.” This second set of cards vividly illustrates the different, as well as highly challenging, demands imposed by a corporate Senior Executives perspective and environment. The Senior Executive Magic Action Cards (SEMAC) game is also played with a deck of 52 cards that describe plausible executive actions. During 12 discussion rounds, each member of a four or five person “Senior Executive” team proposes an action based on his/her personal preference. Team members then vigorously advocate, negotiate, and compromise to reach a decision on the best action that, in their view, addresses internal or external events that have profound impact on the companys future. Although leadership awareness, education, and wisdom are programmed into the action cards, events, and procedures, the participants receive the greatest benefit from the insights gained during team discussions where personal experience and knowledge are shared. By playing first the PM and then the Senior Executive game, participants eventually are forced to ask themselves if they are prepared for, and willing to take on, such responsibilities and challenges. Feedback from past participants clearly indicates that the desired learning objectives are achieved.

Meeting the computer competency expectations of the construction industry

A Microcomputer Applications in Construction course was developed to provide computer literacy for undergraduate construction students. The course topics and the results of construction industry computer literacy expectations research are presented. A critical issue was the question of the extent to which multimedia application development should be included in the course. It is recommended that there be continuous monitoring of computer courses and adaptation to change.