M. Mawdesley

Planning linear construction projects: automated method for the generation of earthwork activities

Earthworks planning for road construction projects is a complex operation and the planning rules used are usually intuitive and not well defined. An approach to automate the earthworks planning process is described and the basic techniques that are used are outlined. A computer-based system has been developed, initially to help planners use existing techniques more efficiently. With their input, the system has been extended to incorporate a knowledge base and a simulation of the earthworks processes. As well as creating activity sets in a much shorter time, the system has shown that for a real project, the model is able to generate activity sets that are comparable to those generated by a project planner.

Teaching construction management through games alone: a detailed investigation

Purpose – This paper aims to describe work carried out by the authors using simulation games to teach key aspects of construction management to civil engineering students. The use of simulation games for this purpose is well documented but is still not fully accepted. The work described in this paper aims to address this by analysing the use of simulation games as the primary teaching mechanism in a teaching module, Applied Construction Management.Design/methodology/approach – Two simulation games are described along with the software used to manage and monitor their operation. The two games are functionally similar though the construction scenarios represented, 30 m high dam and 7 km of clay lined canal, are quite different. The Applied Construction Management module is detailed, including the instructional design, assessment procedures and operation during its first three years. This is compared with the more traditional use of the simulation games as a coursework element as employed at Curtin Universi...

A model for the automated generation of earthwork planning activities

A review of techniques used in industry showed that there is an absence of a formalised, systematic approach to earthworks planning. The techniques used tend to be subjective and time consuming with a heavy reliance given to the experience and knowledge of the planner. This absence of a formalised technique can lead to inaccurate planning and makes explanation of the techniques difficult. This paper describes the development of a new automated approach for use by the planners to generate earthworks activities that overcomes such limitations. As well as creating activity sets in a much shorter time, the ability to compare various sets allows the planner more scope when planning earthworks. The model is able to generate activity sets that are comparable to those generated by a project planner.

Learning to be real engineers. The dam game simulation

Abstract Most engineering programmes around the world now ensure students develop specified graduate attributes and achieve clearly stated learning outcomes. Not only do engineering graduates require technical knowledge and skills, they also need to demonstrate that they have acquired competencies related to the more social aspects of engineering practice. Working in teams, communicating with people from diverse backgrounds and conducting themselves in an ethical and responsible way are some of these types of learning outcomes that are expected of engineering graduates. An 18-month study has been conducted with more than 250 undergraduate students at Curtin University of Technology (Perth, Australia) into the effectiveness of a simulation in developing these outcomes. In the study, close attention was paid to learning theory and research methodology associated with investigating educational settings. The information gathered focused on how students reacted to the simulation as a learning tool, the ways in which students used the simulation to learn and the learning outcomes students achieved through their learning experiences. The study demonstrated, in the main, that students believed that the simulation was an effective learning tool for them and they recognized that the simulation helped them to develop skills in applying their fundamental engineering knowledge to a civil engineering construction project. They also developed understanding about how their engineering decisions affected the workplace, people and the environment. Students were confident that the simulation taught them much about working as part of a professional team because they had to cooperatively plan, monitor, control and report on their project. Furthermore, the study showed that the simulation should be part of a holistic teaching and learning experience in which explicit teaching strategies are required so that students gain optimum learning by using the simulation.

A decision making model for infrastructure projects selection in developing countries

This paper deals with the process followed to select investment projects within the construction industry with emphasis on the characteristics of infrastructure projects in developing countries. It presents an overview of the current practices in the main areas concerned with the process, namely project evaluation and decision‐making. The research carried out shows a process with a narrow scope and a lack of integration between the different techniques. The methodology described in this paper is developed to overcome such diffi culties and reduce some of the uncertainty that surrounds the selection of engineering projects. The proposed methodology has been tested and validated and results of the testing have been discussed and conclusions are drawn.

Automatic generation of construction project networks from activity lists

Abstract This paper describes a research project to assist construction professionals to produce better programmes of work with wider applicability. In particular, it presents an automated method of obtaining the connections between the activities of a bar chart thereby enabling the user to obtain the benefits of network techniques with less input from specialist project planners. This is achieved by through the examination of activity names, and their treatment using knowledge base systems and artificial neural networks. A description of the theory employed is included together with a description of the analysis of project data that was necessary for the development.

A management game for evaluating the selection of project plans in construction

Project planning is an essential task of project management that is taught in most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes within universities. However unlike in engineering or other technological areas, students in the management of engineering projects will probably not have the opportunity during their study to test and employ the concepts they have learned about this subject. Project planning is practical subject and previous research illustrates that traditional construction management instruction methods and techniques are insufficient to equip students with skills to solve problems in the real world. There is a belief that management games represent a viable alternative to solving this problem. This paper describes an experimental management game that allows players to choose their own planning activities to complete a construction project. The game then makes a judgement as to how good the set of activities are. The work develops theories using tree-like structures to represent project plans. This theory enables a comparison of the players’ plan and a standard plan and a consequent judgement of its goodness. The theory is tested in an experimental computer game. The development and testing of this game are presented and discussed. Conclusions about the feasibility of such a game are presented.