Baizhan Li

Analytical design planning technique (ADePT): a dependency structure matrix tool to schedule the building design process

Current planning practice takes little account of the interdisciplinary, iterative nature of the building design process. This leads to a compromised design process containing inevitable cycles of rework together with associated time and cost penalties in both design and construction. The analytical design planning technique (ADePT) is a planning methodology which helps to overcome these difficulties. The central part of ADePT is a dependency structure matrix (DSM). This paper describes DSM techniques and a tool developed to optimize the design process.

Analytical design planning technique: a model of the detailed building design process

Abstract Current planning practice takes little account of the interdisciplinary, iterative nature of the building design process. This leads to a compromised design process containing inevitable cycles of rework together with associated time and cost penalties in both design and construction. The Analytical Design Planning Technique (ADePT) is a planning methodology which helps to overcome these difficulties. This paper describes the development of a modelling notation and model of the detailed building design process, which forms the first stage of ADePT.

Application of the Analytical Design Planning Technique to Construction Project Management

Current construction project planning practices take little account of the interdisciplinary, iterative nature of the design process. This, combined with work packaging devised to suit construction and other influences on design planning, leads to a compromised design process containing inevitable cycles of redesign. This paper describes the Analytical Design Planning Technique (ADePT), a project planning methodology that helps to overcome these problems by providing a structured approach based on information flow rather than the production of design deliverables. It takes in account the iterative nature of design enabling coordinated, integrated design solutions to be developed within budgetary and time constraints.

The Management of Hazardous Waste in Developing Countries

This book chapter discusses the management of hazardous waste in developing countries, with particular emphasis on industrial hazardous waste, medical waste, and household hazardous waste. It seeks to identify the current situation and also aims to provide a review of the existing strategies that are particularly related to hazardous waste management. In developing countries, hazardous waste manage‐ ment systems lack a systematic approach to administer waste management pro‐ grammes; inability to effectively collect and manage wastes as well as to reduce the negative impacts of those activities. The current regulatory frameworks and regulations do not adequately address hazardous waste treatment and final disposal. There are inadequacies in the implementation of regulations associated with hazardous waste management due to fragmented responsibilities among govern‐ ment departments and local authorities. The chapter provides practical best processes for the management of hazardous waste aimed at improving the current situation.

Investigation of thermal comfort and the nozzle usage behaviour in aircraft cabins

In order to understand passengers’ demand for thermal comfort in aircraft cabins, we carried out a measurement of thermal environment parameters and thermal comfort field survey in an aircraft cabin under cruising at altitude in both summer and winter. The results showed that the air temperature studied was always kept within the range of 25℃ to 28℃ and the relative humidity was maintained within the range of 20% to 35%. The Mean Thermal Sensation Vote (MTSV) of passengers’ back and feet was higher than other local body parts, with lower air movement sensation. The MTSV of passengers in winter was higher than that in summer. Due to the muggy thermal environment, more than 60% of passengers advocated that it was necessary to utilize the personal ventilation system. In their usage of the personal ventilation nozzle, more than half of these passengers chose to cool upper body parts, only a minimum number of passengers opened the nozzle to direct airflow to their head. Therefore, we concluded that the position of the personal ventilation nozzle should be as close to the upper body part of a passenger’s body as possible, making it more convenient and effective to regulate passengers’ thermal comfort.

The Generation, Composition, Collection, Treatment and Disposal System, and Impact of E-Waste

The problem of e-waste has forced governments of many countries to develop and implement environmentally sound management practices and collection schemes for E-waste management, with a view to minimize environmental impacts and maximize re-use, recovery and recycling of valuable materials. In developed countries, e-waste management is given high priority countries, while in developing countries, it is exa‐ cerbated by completely adopting or replicating the e-waste management of developed countries and several problems including, lack of investment, technological, financial, technically skilled human resources, lack of infrastructure, little available information on the e-waste situation, recovery of valuable materials in small workshops using ru‐ dimentary recycling methods, lack of awareness on the impacts of e-waste, absence of appropriate legislations specifically dealing with e-waste, approach and inadequate description of the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders and institutions involved in e-waste management, etc. This chapter provides the definition of e-waste, and presents information on generation of –andcomposition of e-waste, collection, treat‐ ment, and disposal systems. It also discusses the overview of e-waste collection schemes in different parts of the world with regional focus, and the best current prac‐ tices in WEEE management applied indeveloped and developing countries. It outlines the illegal e-waste trade and illegal waste disposal practices associated with e-waste fraction. In this chapter, the terms “WEEE” and “E-waste” are used synonymously and in accordance to the EU, WEEE Directive.

A comparative analysis of solid waste management in developed, developing and lesser developed countries

Solid waste (SW) management is a challenge across the globe due to the increasing diversity of waste characteristics and lack of effective implementation of consistent waste policies accompanied by changing lifestyles, increased production processes and rapid urbanization. To date, fewer papers have been published in international literature on a comparative analysis of SW management in developed, developing and lesser developed countries. To fill that gap, this comparative review aims to analyse SW management pratices in lesser developed, developing and developed countries, using existing data from 2005 to 2015, from major scientific journals, Waste Management; Resources, Conservation and Recycling; Journal of Environmental Management and Waste Management and Research, covering both quantitative and qualitative data to draw experiences from developed countries for improving SW management efficiency in lesser developed and developing countries. The findings from the comparative review indicate that SW management in lesser developed and developing countries is not well established and inefficient. Key issues were identified around lack of cooperation among stakeholders, institutional structural weaknesses, lack of legislated recycling, ad hoc and uncoordinated approaches. This paper provides the critical aspects that could be useful to policy- and decision-makers when developing, designing, and making adjustments and implementing efficient SW management systems in developing and lesser developed countries.

Case study of “project controlling” on a large HOPSCA project in China

Purpose n n n n nThe purpose of this paper is to present a detailed case study on the methods and organisational structure used for controlling the time schedule for a large and complex project. The paper discusses the use of “project controlling”, a term used to describe project control by a third-party organisation. n n n n nDesign/methodology/approach n n n n nThe researchers used action research to collect data for the case study. A member of the research team was a “participant-observer” on the project on a day-to-day basis for a period of 18 months collecting and analysing data which were subsequently analysed by a mixed methods approach. n n n n nFindings n n n n nThe use of a “Project Controlling Unit” operated by an independent adviser organisation has significant advantages over traditional methods. It can provide timely, consolidated, independent guidance to the client and assistance to other participating organisations. n n n n nResearch limitations/implications n n n n nThe research has confirmed the effectiveness of the method on the project under study. n n n n nPractical implications n n n n nThe findings provide guidance for enhanced project control on large complex infrastructural projects that will be of interest to other researchers, other clients and other construction organisations both within China and internationally. n n n n nSocial implications n n n n nOrganisations that seek to develop Project Controlling Units to implement the methods described in this paper will need to review their recruitment and training strategies to ensure that appropriate and experienced staffs are engaged. n n n n nOriginality/value n n n n nThe paper extends the knowledge relating to “project controlling” method. The findings provide additional insights to progress reporting and the management of construction production on HOPSCA and other large infrastructural projects.