Employing Technology to Enable Remote Research Charrettes as a Method for Engaging Industry and Uncovering Best Practices: A Novel Approach for a Post-COVID-19 World

Abstract

Methods to collect data in construction engineering and management (CEM) research are evolving, informed by recent technological advancements. One such method is research charrettes that allow effective interactions and knowledge sharing between expert industry practitioners and academic researchers, all colocated in a single venue, enabling rich data collection and live communication. A pivot point in technological evolution occurred with the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing a global shift to remote work. Hence, planned in-person research charrettes had to shift to remote sessions, relying on virtual conferencing platforms and online data collection mechanisms. Technology-enabled charrettes have allowed the authors to collect significantly richer data sets and ensure a more diverse representation of participants, while saving tremendous amounts of time. With the continuing emergence of technological applications, the world might not go back to functioning fully in person. The authors believe remote research charrettes (RRCs) will still be used in a post-COVID-19 world because of their superior performance. This paper builds on a previous publication that described traditional research charrettes as a method to enhance CEM research a decade ago; it offers a significantly updated and improved RRC method based on the knowledge gained from transitioning a dozen in-person charrettes into RRCs. It also presents performance comparisons between RRCs and traditional charrettes by quantifying metrics indicating how RRCs are more time-efficient and cost-saving, harness more participants from more diverse locations, and enable the collection of richer data sets and four times more industry comments and expert feedback. This paper also provides guidance on the integration of technology with traditional research charrettes, hence contributing to the CEM body of knowledge.

A novel approach for measuring the accuracy of front end engineering design

“…Research charrette workshops have been successfully used a method in construction engineering and management research for the past two decades (Gibson and Whittington, 2010 and Gibson et al. , 2022).…”

“…Research charrette workshops have been successfully used a method in construction engineering and management research for the past two decades Whittington, 2010 andGibson et al, 2022). The authors began each workshop with an explanation of the new FEED accuracy assessment, the research objectives and the desired product.…”

Enhancing project success: the impact of sociotechnical integration on project and program management using earned value management systems

“…Emphasis must be given to the human aspect around project controls because it is an upstream dimension that affects the maturity of EVMS subprocesses and project outcomes. This environment dimension, which has always been around but has now been newly formalized and tested versus performance, not only includes the adequate expertise of the project team members (people), but also the appropriate team size, their values and beliefs (culture), their professional training, effective coordination (practices) and the availability of the right technology (resources), among others (Gibson et al. , 2022).…”

“…Government agencies and contractors have often questioned the reliability and effectiveness of EVMS when executing projects, in terms of its impact on project performance. To this end, the authors, in partnership with the U.S. department of energy formed a research team of industry experts representing 19 organizations and developed an EVMS assessment model called integrated project/program management maturity and environment total risk rating (IP2M METRR) to support reliable and effective EVMS (Gibson et al. , 2022).…”

Second Special Collection on Research Methodologies in Construction Engineering and Management

“…This topic was not included in the 2010 special issue. • Gibson et al (2022) presents research charrettes, which are structured workshops that facilitate data collection from participants combining the benefits of surveys, interviews, and focus groups in one setting. In the 2010 special issue on research methods, the lead author and a coauthor provided details of how to use this method in a CEM context.…”