Process models implementation in the construction industry: a literature synthesis

Purpose -Improving process management within construction projects has been the source of academic and policy research for decades, and continues to be today. This paper seeks to focuses on the relatively under investigated management of Housing Association (HA) planned works and aims to improve this often ill-defined process by developing a Planned Work Process Model (PWPM) that aids the definition of the phases and activities. Design/methodology/approach -First step in developing the process model was through semistructured interviews with 11 HA practitioners allowing for the identification of 20 planned works activities. Second step considered the responses of 7 HA practitioners to a set of questions about the 20 activities leading to the development of an initial Process Model (PM). Third step contextualises the PM within four case studies with HAs of different sizes from which the PWPM emerged. Finally, the PWPM was validated by a panel of HA practitioners. Findings -The PWPM is a process model specific to the practices of HAs in the UK. It represents the first step for process management improvement for planned works by providing a structure to facilitate project planning and performance monitoring. Research limitations/implications -A panel of HA practitioners recognised the uniqueness and value of the PWPM especially in the context of new staff induction and progress monitoring. Further refinement of the PWPM would be possible through a large survey to help improve its practical applicability and refining the activities description and vocabulary. Originality/value -This research will be of interest to those responsible for planning and delivering HA planned works since it presents a tailored interpretation of the project process that currently does not exist.

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“…These observations align with the benefits of process modelling described by Tzortzopoulos et al (2005).…”

Section: The Pwpmsupporting

confidence: 86%

“…Process modelling has been the focus of studies in different areas such as new product development (NPD), business process reengineering (BPR) and operations management for many years (Tzortzopoulos et al, 2005). As a result, many process modelling definitions exist reflecting different perspectives (Lindsay et al, 2003).…”

Section: Process Modelling Approachmentioning

confidence: 99%

Developing a planned work process model for housing associations

Leblanc

Thomson

Cameron

et al. 2013

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

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“…Mapping the 'as-is' situation in the planning, design and construction of sustainable buildings, increases the understanding of the process by 5-27% and leads to efficiency and quality improvements Klotz et al (2008). This agrees with the findings of Tzortzopoulos et al (2005), whose list of benefits to the construction industry includes supporting education and development of IT systems.…”

Section: The Benefits Of Process Mappingsupporting

confidence: 80%

“…The main benefits of process mapping include: increasing understanding of actor's roles and activities (Klotz et al, 2008); aiding identification of strategic, process and IT requirements (Aouad et al, 1999); or forming the basis for IT systems (Tzortzopoulos et al, 2005).…”

Section: The Benefits Of Process Mappingmentioning

confidence: 99%

A BPMN-based process map for the design and construction of façades

Voss

Jin

Overend

2013

Journal of Facade Design and Engineering

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Process mapping can lead to significant efficiency and quality improvements in construction engineering and is an ideal basis for developing IT support tools. The increasing complexity and multidisciplinary nature of façade design and construction suggest that a process map would be beneficial in this sector of the construction industry, but it has received limited attention to date. This paper presents a verified process map of the façade design and construction process. The map is the first of its kind to represent, in detail, the whole process relevant to all façade types, from commencement of the façade consultant's and contactor's participation, to the end of their involvement. The paper describes the process by which the mapping notation was selected, followed by the development and verification of the process map, including testing in two independent research projects. The BuildingSMART's BPMN notation is found to have superior system features and comprehensibility for this application and the resulting process map is easy to interpret and verify by industry experts. The trialling of the map in the two research projects indicate that the map is a useful tool for assessing process improvements in the façades sector.

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“…Process models help represent, study, and improve processes (Curtis et al 1992), and various modeling methods have been used to study building delivery (Tzortzopoulos et al 2005;Austin et al 1999;Klotz et al 2007). A prioritized energy decision model would allow informed selection of cognitive biases for further study.…”

Section: Model and Prioritize Critical Energy Decisionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cognitive biases in energy decisions during the planning, design, and construction of commercial buildings in the United States: an analytical framework and research needs

Klotz

2010

Energy Efficiency

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Despite a national goal for every building to achieve net-zero energy by 2050 and despite exemplary projects proving the technical and economic feasibility of much better energy performance, commercial buildings in the USA today use more energy per square foot than they ever have. Decisions made during planning, design, and construction (delivery) of commercial buildings appear systematically irrational, not maximizing utility for designers, occupants, or society. In other fields, notably economics, improved understanding of cognitive biases like "loss aversion" and "anchoring" has helped to explain seemingly irrational decision making. Related work has examined these cognitive biases for energy decisions made in an occupied building. Less clear is the role these cognitive biases play in the high-impact, long-term energy decisions made during commercial building delivery. As an initial step towards addressing this gap in understanding, this paper outlines key energy decisions in commercial building delivery and shows how cognitive biases may impact these decisions. A suggested approach to study these biases, and to design policies that address them, is provided. By highlighting these potential cognitive biases, based on an understanding of the building delivery process, this paper aims to engage those with relevant expertise in the behavioral and social sciences to help address the decision making that is preventing progress towards improved energy performance in commercial buildings.

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Process models implementation in the construction industry: a literature synthesis

Cited by 24 publications

References 36 publications

Developing a planned work process model for housing associations

Developing a planned work process model for housing associations

A BPMN-based process map for the design and construction of façades

Cognitive biases in energy decisions during the planning, design, and construction of commercial buildings in the United States: an analytical framework and research needs

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