A pragmatic approach to using resource loading, production, and learning curves on construction projects

1994 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 939-953 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Max Wideman

The purpose of this paper is to present some rules of thumb, based on experience, for the early planning of new civil and building construction work. In such construction, resource input (men, materials, equipment, etc.) is varied according to the planned timing and availability of the work. On a well-run site, this resource loading as well as its consequent output follows a distinctive pattern within relatively narrow limits for the whole of the job. Practical considerations of why this should be so are presented.Based on experience, this paper suggests first approximation profiles for both typical resource loading and progress S-curves and shows that the difference could be due to the effects of learning. The basis for calculating the shape of the learning curve and how the application of this concept is limited on a construction site are described. The manner in which an alternative learning curve calculation can be more useful in tracking progress is demonstrated. The significance of these profiles and their relationships for improved planning and tracking of new construction work is suggested. An example of the output from a less well managed project as compared to the planned S-curve is also included. Key words: learning curve, productivity improvement, progress (production) curve, resource loading.

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 5041
Author(s):  
Ayyagari Ramani ◽  
Borja García de Soto

Multiple sustainability standards and rating systems have been developed to draw attention to constructing sustainable buildings. The Pearl Rating System (PRS) is a mandate for all new construction projects in Abu Dhabi. Hence, it is important to understand the main components, advantages, and limitations of the PRS. The feasibility and the practical relevance of the PRS are still being studied. This paper addresses this gap and critically evaluates the PRS against some of the well-established rating systems like LEED and BREEAM. The analysis suggests that the PRS considers the cultural aspect of sustainability, in addition to the environmental, societal, and economic aspects. It was also found that most rating systems, including the PRS, have a very superficial inclusion of life cycle assessment (LCA). The paper finally concludes with other observations and outlook for a more robust implementation of the PRS.


2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 279-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Romano-Feinholz ◽  
Sergio Soriano-Solís ◽  
Julio César Zúñiga-Rivera ◽  
Carlos Francisco Gutiérrez-Partida ◽  
Manuel Rodríguez-García ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the learning curve that shows the progress of a single neurosurgeon when performing single-level MI-TLIF. Methods: We included 99 consecutive patients who underwent single-level MI-TLIF by the same neurosurgeon (JASS). Patient’s demographic characteristics were analyzed. In addition, surgical time, intraoperative blood loss and hospital stay were evaluated. The learning curves were calculated with a piecewise regression model. Results: The mean age was 54.6 years. The learning curves showed an inverse relationship between the surgical experience and the variable analyzed, reaching an inflection point for surgical time in case 43 and for blood loss in case 48. The mean surgical time was 203.3 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 150-240 minutes), intraoperative bleeding was 97.4ml (IQR 40-100ml) and hospital stay of four days (IQR 3-5 days). Conclusions: MI-TLIF is a very frequent surgical procedure due to its effectiveness and safety, which has shown similar results to open procedure. According to this study, the required learning curve is slightly higher than for open procedures, and is reached after about 45 cases.


2011 ◽  
Vol 361-363 ◽  
pp. 1000-1004
Author(s):  
Qi Li

Based on the statistics data from 1990 to 2008 in Anhui province, this article selects four indexes which include energy consumption, SO2 discharge, water consumption and COD discharge per ten thousand yuan GDP, and establishes environment learning curves of energy consumption and air pollution, water consumption and pollution in Anhui province. According to these models, the potentials of resources saving and pollution reducing in different periods are calculated and analyzed, represented by the decrease of each index when the per capita GDP increase 1000 yuan. The result shows that: (1) With the growth of GDP per capital, each index falls by power exponential model which follows "environmental learning curve", illustrating that the burden of resource and environment was steady declining. (2) The potentials of saving energy resources and reducing pollution in Anhui province gradually descents from 1990 to 2008, illustrating that the reduction in marginal cost by the development of technology is becoming smaller and smaller, and the enhancement of resource using efficiency and pollution reducing efficiency is not unlimited.


2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 11-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Therese Daddow ◽  
Martin Skitmore

Despite its obvious theoretical benefits, there has been some reservations regarding the practical implementation of Value Management (VM) for construction projects. In particular, these concerns the extra time and costs involved in conducting VM in relation to the actual benefits gained as a consequence of its use. This paper provides the result of an interview survey of the experiences and observations of 17 professionals working in the property and construction industry to establish the extent to which this is an issue. The main conclusion is that the process is working well, with VM being popular among those with experience in its use - which has been extended into the area of consultant selection. However, in contrast with the prescriptive literature, much of the participants' experiences appear to be more concerned with VM's contribution to the identification and management of the risks involved in project delivery than the straight value-for-money aspects. This may be due to the higher levels of uncertainty involved in construction work than in VM's original use in construction.


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-45
Author(s):  
Cut Zukhrina Oktaviani

This paper aims to reviewed construction projects complexity in construction complex procurement. Construction complexity is influenced with many internal and external factors. Complexity covers entire construction project cycles. At construction work procurement stage, organization and processes complexity is a major concern, especially in government procurement. Complexity requires regulation and control are such that it does not happen obstacles at every project construction cycle stage. 


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 204-216
Author(s):  
Gurkan Calmasur ◽  
◽  
Meryem Emre Aysin ◽  

The learning curve reflects the reduction in average costs as the company's cumulative production increases. These curves are utilized when measuring company performance, managing production processes, and planning. In terms of cost reduction and profitability, the impact of learning is particularly important. The learning curves have been traditionally used in industries. In this study, the learning curves concerning the cement industry are examined. The cement sector inherits a high export potential in Turkey. Additionally, it is the industry branch that supplies the raw materials needed by countries' construction industries. On the other hand, the construction sector is a leading sector that mobilizes other markets. This sector is a major contributor to production, investment, and employment and plays a vital role in the development of the country. This paper aims to make a detailed analysis of the learning curves regarding the Turkish cement industry at the regional level covering the 2000-2018 period. In order to realize this aim, the linear and cubic learning models have been applied and the technological learning values for regions from 2000 to 2018 have been calculated. For the analysis, data of 68 factories operating in the Turkish cement industry obtained from Turkey Cement Manufacturers' Association have been used. The estimated results suggest that cubic models explain technological learning better than the linear models. The results indicated that learning levels differed across regions and times. While the highest learning level was observed in 2004, the highest level of forgetting was recorded in 2018. Finally, we can state that the learning curve of the Turkish cement industry between 2000 and 2018 is convex.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 649-661
Author(s):  
Habib Musa Mohamad ◽  
Mohamad Ibrahim Mohamad ◽  
Ismail Saad ◽  
Nurmin Bolong ◽  
J. Mustazama ◽  
...  

S-Curve analysis in the construction interpreted as managing project with knowledge and traceable in the context of sustainable construction while displays the cumulative costs, labour hours or other quantities plotted against time. In the contract administration, delays in completing a construction project led to the breach of contract but, in contracts itself allow the construction period to be extended where there are delays that are not the contractor's fault. Under those circumstances, a presentation of a case-study regarding the analysis of S-Curve of a life project drew comparative interpretation of project performance towards project delivery schedule has been conducted in private initiative project. This study aims to investigate and examine the factors that cause delays in construction projects from the perspective of S-curve representations. The paper aims to provide in depth light about the existing causes of project delay and describe the key sources of financing problem and identify the consequences of contraventions of contract. Two distinct parts divided which are refers to the methods used to assess the perceptions of clients, consultants, and contractors on the relative importance of causes of delay in a project and referred to the procurement and documentation to analyse the delay. As a result, an Extension of Time (EOT) granted and identically changed the progress towards extension time where better planning demanded for improvement and restoration progress kept on track. This paper presented a practical and comparative S-Curve within extension of time to ensure delivery of project on schedule. In the long run, the identified causes are combined into 16 factors. Finally, the result of this match was brought in order to critically understand and provide a guideline to contractor in preparing EOT application and choose reliable factor based on the specific circumstances of project delay factors thorough review conducted to reveal the nature of EOT application techniques. Doi: 10.28991/cej-2021-03091679 Full Text: PDF


2019 ◽  
pp. 243-248
Author(s):  
Marin Andrei ◽  
Marin Georgiana Gabriela ◽  
Dobrete Nicoleta Amalia ◽  
Enescu Dan Mircea

The baseline for any key research in nerve regeneration is an experimental model and the sciatic nerve in the rat model is the workhorse in this field. Although physically resistant to external traumas, a surgical intervention constitutes a major distress even for a rat. In the following presentation, we will analyse the learning curves for different stages in the rat sciatic nerve surgery as well as possible factors which influence these times.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
pp. 62-66
Author(s):  
Elena Bondar ◽  
Vlad Stitsenko

This article presents a possibility of system-based implementation of determining the cost of work in construction. Based on the principles of systemic and variable visibility a logistics mechanism of the use of systemic economic and mathematical models for determining the cost of work in construction is proposed. The proposed mechanism includes specific regulatory features, contractual proposals and specific features of construction projects. The abovementioned methodology is based on a systemic synthesis of economic feasibility and technological complexity of construction work.


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