Abstracts – Browse Results
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Aljarbou, M H (2022) A new sustainable public-private partnership (PPP) procurement system for infrastructure projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Bristol.
Angelino, M (2019) Developing better design standards for the construction industry, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Bristol.
Austrin, T B (1978) Industrial relations in the construction industry: Some sociological considerations on wage contracts and trade unionism (1919-1973), Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Bristol.
Chang, Y P (2020) Construction worker safety and accident prevention in Taiwan, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Bristol.
Chen, Y (2008) Implementing uncertainty management in Chinese construction industry, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Bristol.
Correia de Paiva, A G (1995) A framework for the evaluation of quality of dwellings, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Bristol.
Hulls, P M (2022) The epidemiology of health and wellbeing in the workplace: managing and measuring occupational stress and behavioural factors in a male-dominated industry, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Bristol.
Le Masurier, J (2001) Developing the observational method as a systematic approach to uncertainty management, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Bristol.
- Type: Thesis
- Keywords: continuous improvement; uncertainty; systems thinking; construction project; benchmarking; geotechnical engineering; key performance indicators; partnering; performance improvement; value management; process modelling; case study; observational method
- ISBN/ISSN:
- URL: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.369873
- Abstract:
The Observational Method is applied in geotechnical engineering to manage the uncertainties associated with the complex behaviour of the ground and its interactions with structures. Here it is demonstrated that the Observational Method is a special case of a generic approach to uncertainty management, employing the principles of systems thinking. Observational engineering is proposed as a unifying uncertainty management methodology, based on a combination of the principles of Observational Method with a systems approach. The methodology subsumes partnering, value management and benchmarking and uses process modelling to manage both technical and human uncertainties at various levels in a project, leading to continuous improvement. The process models help to identify all processes within a construction project and establish explicit criteria for their success. To be most effective the process models must be produced by concurrence of a team rather than imposed from above. This serves to generate and confirm common objectives and agreement over responsibilities and to establish a co-operative culture. The models so produced become integral to the processes and serve to mediate and facilitate process enactment. The process models encapsulate key performance indicators (KPIs) for each process. In a traditional geotechnical application of the Observational Method these KPIs might be readily measured quantities such as prop loads or foundation settlements. Such KPIs can be included together with more business oriented KPIs and grouped under the headings of time, cost, functionality and people. It is the people factors that make this modelling particularly novel since these are often not considered or are left to chance, yet it is precisely these factors that are crucial for success of a project. Developed through detailed case studies and trials within industry, observational engineering is a robust tool to support those concerned with performance improvement and managing project uncertainties. Being firmly grounded in industry practice it has benefits over imported alternative management techniques.
Pasha, A H S (1984) The provision of affordable housing in Central Sudan, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Bristol (United Kingdom).
Pesterfield, C (2022) Reconceptualising responses to the UK's 2015 Modern Slavery Act: a construction industry case study, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Bristol.
Zhang, Y (2000) Shanghai in transition: The construction industry in Shanghai local economic transition and urban redevelopment in the 1990s, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Bristol.
Zhang, Y (1999) The construction industry in Shanghai, local economic transition and urban redevelopment in the 1990s, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Bristol.