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AbulHassan, H S (2001) A framework for applying concurrent engineering principles to the construction industry, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

Akanmu, A A (2012) Towards cyber-physical systems integration in construction, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Balina, C M (2002) Using labor productivity data to evaluate the application of lean principles to the concrete construction process, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Bhawani, S (2021) A function-based lean construction methods ontology supporting the lean implementation planning process developed for construction projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Castronovo, F (2016) Assessing problem-solving skills in construction education with the virtual construction simulator, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

  • Type: Thesis
  • Keywords: educational psychology; construction education; construction project; new build; skills; building information modeling; learning; project manager; education; motivation; simulation; United States; experiment
  • ISBN/ISSN:
  • URL: https://www.proquest.com/docview/1847568737
  • Abstract:
    The ability to solve complex problems is an essential skill that a construction and project manager must possess when entering the architectural, engineering, and construction industry. Such ability requires a mixture of problem-solving skills, ranging from lower to higher order thinking skills, composed of cognitive and metacognitive processes. These skills include the ability to develop and evaluate construction plans and manage the execution of such plans. However, in a typical construction program, introducing students to such complex problems can be a challenge, and most commonly the learner is presented with only part of a complex problem. To support this challenge, the traditional methodology of delivering design, engineering, and construction instruction has been going through a technological revolution, due to the rise of computer-based technology. For example, in construction classrooms, and other disciplines, simulations and educational games are being utilized to support the development of problem-solving skills. Previous engineering education research has illustrated the high potential that simulations and educational games have in engaging in lower and higher order thinking skills. Such research illustrated their capacity to support the development of problem-solving skills. This research presents evidence supporting the theory that educational simulation games can help with the learning and retention of transferable problem-solving skills, which are necessary to solve complex construction problems. The educational simulation game employed in this study is the Virtual Construction Simulator (VCS). The VCS is a game developed to provide students in an engaging learning activity that simulates the planning and managing phases of a construction project. Assessment of the third iteration of the VCS(3) game has shown pedagogical value in promoting students’ motivation and a basic understanding of construction concepts. To further evaluate the benefits on problem-solving skills, a new version of the VCS(4) was developed, with new building modules and assessment framework. The design and development of the VCS4 leveraged research in educational psychology, multimedia learning, human-computer interaction, and Building Information Modeling. In this dissertation the researcher aimed to evaluate the pedagogical value of the VCS4 in fostering problem-solving skills. To answer the research questions, a crossover repeated measures quasi-experiment was designed to assess the educational gains that the VCS can provide to construction education. A group of 34 students, attending a fourth-year construction course at a university in the United States was chosen to participate in the experiment. The three learning modules of the VCS were used, which challenged the students to plan and manage the construction process of a wooden pavilion, the steel erection of a dormitory, and the concrete placement of the same dormitory. Based on the results the researcher was able to provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that the chosen sample of construction students were able to gain and retain problem-solving skills necessary to solve complex construction simulation problems, no matter what the sequence with which these modules were played. In conclusion, the presented results provide evidence supporting the theory that educational simulation games can help the learning and retention of transferable problem-solving skills, which are necessary to solve complex construction problems.

Chen, C (2005) Entry strategies for international construction markets, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

Corbett, D I (1997) Quantifying quality in industrial construction, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

Dubler, C R (2011) Evaluating waste associated with building information exchange using lean theory, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

El-Aroud, A S (1980) Road network investment model for developing countries, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Enache-Pommer, E (2010) A synergistic approach to green building delivery, lean principles and building information modeling in the design of healthcare facilities, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

Franz, B W (2014) Modeling the role of team integration and group cohesion in construction project performance, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Gabrielli, M F (2009) Structural analysis of auction models, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

Gannon, E J (1998) A life-cycle cost model for use in the optimization of concrete bridge deck repair and rehabilitation, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

Gultekin, P (2015) An integrated process model and decision support system for energy efficient retrofits, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

Handojo, T (2001) The framework of a statistical acceptance plan based on the permanent deformation potential of asphalt concrete, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Hanna, A S (1989) An interactive knowledge-based formwork selection system for buildings, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Jafar Ramaji, I (2016) An integrated building information modeling (BIM) framework for multi-story modular buildings, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Jiang, L (2016) A constructability review ontology to support automated rule checking leveraging building information models, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

Jung, Y J (2007) Subsurface utility engineering for highway projects: A study of utility impact rating and benefit-cost analysis, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Kalamaras, G S (1996) A case method approach for interactive risk analysis of tunnel "design-for-constructability" concept, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

Kamel Hedayat Abad, M E (2017) Integration and interoperability of building envelope information and energy modeling, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Kerns, W R (1971) Criteria for determining economic priorities in awarding sewage facility construction grants, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

Klotz, L (2008) Process transparency for sustainable building delivery, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Konchar, M D (1997) A comparison of United States project delivery systems, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

Korkmaz, S (2007) Piloting evaluation metrics for high performance green building project delivery, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

Kreider, R G (2013) An ontology of the uses of building information modeling, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Kumar, S (2013) Experience-based design review of healthcare facilities using interactive virtual prototypes, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

Kuntz, K A (1994) A construction crew evaluation model to improve craft productivity, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

Lather, J I (2019) A hybrid modeling approach using discrete event simulation and layout optimization for healthcare layout planning problems, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

Leicht, R M (2009) A framework for planning effective collaboration using interactive workspaces, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Liu, F (2015) Integrated change and knowledge management for energy efficient retrofit projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Luo, Y (2008) Decision support for prefabrication strategy selection on building systems, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Lynch, T D (1996) A transaction cost framework for evaluating construction project organizations, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Mace, B K (2001) A production control model for commercial construction, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Magent, C S (2005) A process and competency-based approach to high performance building design, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

McIntyre, C (1996) A decision support system for the residential land development site selection process, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

Messner, J I (1994) An information framework for evaluating international construction projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Mohammadpour, A (2014) Retrofitting healthcare facilities to enhance patient safety and energy efficiency, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

Mostavi, E (2018) Development of multiple criteria decision making instrument in designing of high performance commercial buildings, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Napolitan, C L (1995) Improvement to the forecast precision of the factor model for masonry productivity, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Nguyen, T-H (1999) Automated deduction of topological information in a computer-based building design system, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

Nikolić, D (2011) Evaluating a simulation game in construction engineering education: The virtual construction simulator 3, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Park, T i (2009) A comprehensive asset management system for sewer infrastructures, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Phelps, A F (2008) Lean information flow in complex healthcare projects and the role of the “integrator” as information flow manager, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Pulaski, M H (2005) The alignment of sustainability and constructability: A continuous value enhancement process, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Riley, D R (1994) Modeling the space behavior of construction activities, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Safari, M (2019) A regenerative approach to development and construction of building energy retrofit projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Sanders, S R (1989) An analysis of factors affecting labor productivity in masonry construction, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Solnosky, R L (2013) Integrated structural process model: An inclusive non-material specific approach to determining the required tasks and information exchanges for structural building information modeling, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Sprau Coulter, T L (2014) Improving energy audit process and report outcomes through planning initiatives, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The Pennsylvania State University.

Syal, M G (1992) Construction process knowledge model to assist method selection in project planning, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.

Uhlik, F T, III (1984) Optimizing earthwork estimating for highway construction, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Pennsylvania State University.