Utility assessment of electronic networking technologies for design -build projects
Abstract
This study presents an assessment model for measuring the utility of Electronic Networking Technologies (ENT) to support construction activities. The model is based on the multi-attribute value measurement that involves determination of attributes, assessment of the weights of attributes, assessment of single attribute values, and the use of an additive model to determine the overall utility values of ENT services. A survey of the utility of ENT services in Design-Build projects was conducted to implement the assessment model and to illustrate its application. A Web-based questionnaire was developed based on the assessment model and various Web-based technologies were used to present the specific questions and deliver the data obtained from respondents. A total of 378 qualified professionals from the Design-Build industry and academia responded to the survey, constituting a response rate of 36%. The satisfied analysis of the survey confirmed the adequate validity and reliability of the assessment model. The survey produced the utility values of 14 ENT services and suggestions for optimal configuration of ENT services in Design-Build projects. ENT services were shown in the survey to have high utility in supporting asynchronous communications and information retrieval but only moderate utility in supporting activities that require synchronous communications. A heuristic algorithm was developed to determine the optimal configuration of ENT services. Web and FTP services were included in the ENT configuration as the tools to support all activities that require information retrieval. E-mail, list server, video conferencing, and remote access services were included in the ENT configuration as communication tools. An implementation scenario for the model is provided as a guideline to utility assessment of ENT services, which includes consideration of the primary ENT services; selection of activities that require ENT applications; consideration of additional ENT services; using the assessment model to measure the utility of ENT services; configuring ENT services for the selected project activities; and planning the implementation of ENT services in a project.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Skibniewski, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Civil engineering
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