Paul R. Waskett

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.

Modelling and managing project complexity

The Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, like many others, is increasingly aware of the need to improve efficiency and effectiveness to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace. A key discovery in their search for improvements is the benefits of repeatability in both processes and products. However, although the latter has seen significant advances, such as the adoption of pre-assembly and standardised components and systems, the industry has experienced far greater difficulties identifying ways of capturing, understanding, and replicating work processes. The identification and removal of waste from the process can only be achieved once the process has been captured. Their repeated use and development, combined with analysis with the Analytical Design Planning Technique, enable the improvement of work practices and culture in terms of integration, decision-making and reductions in re-work.

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.