Michael J. Mawdesley

The enhancement of simulation based learning exercises through formalised reflection, focus groups and group presentation

Computer based simulations and games can be useful tools in teaching aspects of construction project management that are not easily transmitted through traditional lecture based approaches. However, it can be difficult to quantify their utility and it is essential to ensure that students are achieving the learning outcomes required rather than just learning to play a game. Maintaining engagement and encouraging reflection are critical elements in ensuring that effective learning is occurring. Recent work using simulation games for teaching construction project planning and control is described with reference to a range of methods employed by the authors. The paper focuses on a teaching module at the University of Nottingham employing simulation games as the primary source of instruction in a self-directed learning exercise. This style of teaching is not suited to all students and current work to extend the learning experience to suit a wider audience is described. Preliminary findings from the work are given along with discussion of plans for further development.

Modelling construction project productivity using systems dynamics approach

Purpose - Improvement in productivity will not be achieved without bearing in mind that there is an enormous number of factors affecting productivity and that there is a necessity to locate the most influential ones among them. Doing so will enable researchers as well as practitioners to pinpoint the areas where efforts are to be directed in order to reach the optimum productivity of the studied project. The work described in this paper is based on data collected from the construction industry in the UK. In collecting the information, there are three initial aims: to determine what factors affected productivity at site level, to determine how these factors interacted and to determine the significance of the factors. Design/methodology/approach - The research method undertaken is to model productivity in construction using system dynamics. In particular, it concentrates on the use of system dynamics and project level productivity. The literature identifies 34 factors affecting productivity but based on a survey of professionals, five of these are recognised as important. They form the basis of a systems model whose development is described. Findings - The results of testing the developed model have suggested that investments in planning and control have most benefits on project productivity and that investments in safety, motivation and reduction of disruptions are beneficial. Originality/value - The use of system dynamics to model productivity represents untraditional and novel approach in research in construction. The developed model is valuable in that it can be used to evaluate management strategies and their effects on project productivity.

Advances and challenges in computing in civil and building engineering

This paper provides an overview of the advances presented in the manuscripts included in this issue. The authors of these manuscripts were asked to propose future directions and challenges in their respective research areas. This paper summarises these proposals and concludes with general directions and challenges related to computing in civil and building engineering. The suggested directions include enhancing digital information modelling and extending the standardised product and process modelling technologies; improving decision-support capabilities and decision-implication analysis through integrating wider-aspects of the problem space; embedding optimisation techniques more holistically; and integrating all of these by making more use of virtualisation in an attempt to simplify the use of the output technologies. The challenges that will arise as a consequence will inevitably include reducing the inherent complexity in such a manner that the resulting models are both realistic and useable by all of the disciplines involved. Another main challenge is the inclusion of concepts that are significant but less readily formalised than traditional engineering ones. It could be argued that the high-level directions and challenges mentioned above are not very different from those that could have been predicted a considerable number of years ago. However, it is worth stressing that, with increased capabilities and reach of information technologies and greater expectations of decision makers, the current ambitions are an order of magnitude greater. The proposed directions and the resulting challenges are now much greater in both scale and breadth.

Some experiences with computer based games in civil engineering teaching

Abstract This paper presents an overview of some experience in the use of computer simulation for teaching purposes gained over the past ten years in the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Nottingham. The work described can be divided into four main areas: planning and control of construction projects; negotiation within the construction process; transport planning; and the development of games by students. A number of computer games adapted to different educational requirements are described in outline. Practical problems and benefits of the approach are discussed.

Site layout for earthworks in road projects

This paper describes the integration of various models to provide a realistic decision support system for linear project site layout. Initially, the paper describes an investigation to determine the actual methods currently used by project managers and planners. A review of both techniques adopted by the managers and the knowledge acquisition methods employed are included in the paper. Following this, this paper describes the work done to automate the existing systems. This resulted in a system which has been used in practice and has been shown to be a great help to managers. It is based on the traditional method of mass‐haul diagrams used to determine the earthworks activities. A separate simulation and artificial intelligence model of earthworks are described. This will be extended to model linear projects more realistically than does mass‐haul.

A computer system for modelling the process of earthwork planning in linear construction projects and applying preferred techniques

An investigation into current earthworks planning practice showed that the planning techniques used tend to be subjective and time consuming with a heavy reliance given to the experience and knowledge of the planner. This practice can lead to inaccurate planning and makes explanation of the techniques used difficult. In this paper, 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 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.

Investigating a Genetic Algorithm based Decision Support System for the Location of New Major Housing Allocations within the Local Plan Process

This paper describes the use of genetic algorithms to assist in deciding which land to allocate for housing development. It starts by providing a background to relevant aspects of the UK planning process and the role of a decision support system. Two genetic algorithm formulations for the positioning of housing allocations are proposed which take into account the geography of the area under consideration and the availability of transport, as well as the more traditional aspects of site costs and convenience. Example experiments with the genetic algorithm are provided and the results critically assessed. These indicate that the genetic algorithm approach appears to provide a potentially practical method to address a complex decision-making problem.