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Cardin, M-A (2011) Quantitative performance-based evaluation of a procedure for flexible design concept generation, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

  • Type: Thesis
  • Keywords: flexibility; real estate; uncertainty; lifecycle; training; measurement; performance improvement; designer; experiment
  • ISBN/ISSN:
  • URL: https://www.proquest.com/docview/916764128
  • Abstract:
    This thesis presents an experimental methodology for objective and quantitative design procedure evaluation based on anticipated lifecycle performance of design concepts, and a procedure for flexible design concept generation. The methodology complements existing evaluation methodologies by measuring anticipated performance via efficient computer-modeling techniques. The procedure, in contrast to others, stimulates flexible design concept generation by packaging a short lecture on flexibility, and a prompting ideation mechanism. Controlled collaborative experiments had participants suggest alternative solutions to a design problem under different treatment conditions. Experimental conditions used the procedure for flexibility, while control conditions relied on prior training in science and engineering only, and free undirected ideation. Measures included the quantity of flexible design concepts generated, anticipated economic performance improvements compared to a benchmark design, participants' subjective impressions of satisfaction with the process and results, and results quality assessments. Seventy-one designers divided among twenty-six teams performed the experiments involving a simplified real estate infrastructure design problem. Application of the methodology demonstrated effective and efficient evaluation of the design procedure based on anticipated performance of design concepts. The lecture and prompting mechanism significantly improved anticipated performance compared to the benchmark design, by nearly thirty-six percent. The prompting mechanism significantly improved generation of valuable flexible design concepts. Lecturing improved significantly user satisfaction with the process and results, as well as results quality assessments. Even though prompting demonstrably improved anticipated performance and concept generation, it had no effect on participants' satisfaction with the process and results - unless combined with the lecture. Also, prompting did not lead participants to expect better results quality. This demonstrates the need for thorough and rigorous procedure evaluations based both on subjective user impressions and objective quantitative measurements. A preliminary analysis suggests that the proposed experimental platform can be used to study the influence of uncertainty and flexibility related words on discussion content, although more work is necessary to fully validate the approach.

Chiang, R (2002) Agency and incentive contract in private investment of transport project: An exploration of fundamental relationships, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Garvin, M J (2001) Strategic indicators for characterization of water system infrastructure and management, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Kristinsdottir, A (2012) Risks and decision making in development of new power plant projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Kua, H W (2006) The design of effective policies for the promotion of sustainable construction materials, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Lee, S (2006) Dynamic planning and control methodology: Understanding and managing iterative error and change cycles in large-scale concurrent design and construction projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Miller, J B (1995) Aligning infrastructure development strategy to meet current public needs, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Minelli, P (2020) Improved methods for managing megaprojects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Moret, Y (2011) Modeling cost and time uncertainty in rail line construction, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Park, M (2001) Dynamic planning and control methodology for large-scale concurrent construction projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Slaughter, E S (1991) Rapid innovation and integration of components: Comparison of user and manufacturer innovations through a study of residential construction, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Sousa, R L (2010) Risk analysis for tunneling projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Taylor, D D J (2018) Tools for managing intermittent water supplies, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Tsai, I T (2007) Default and renegotiation: Financial structure and incentive in public-private partnership contracts, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Viteri, V R (2003) Experiential learning environments for structural behavior, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Wang, M-T (1989) Knowledge processing for a construction management database, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Wooldridge, S C (2002) Balancing capital and condition: An emerging approach to facility investment strategy, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Yan, S (1992) Intermodal pricing and operations using network flow techniques, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Massachusetts Institute of Technology.