W2_Austin Iserhienrhien_Paper Objective and Bibliography Problem definition: This multi-unit project is characterized by repeating activities, which in most instances arise from the subdivision of generalized activity into specific activities associated with particular units. For example, an Estate Development Project broken into identical one Bed room, two bed room or three-Bed room Flats, where each flat is a significant unit of the overall project. Activities that repeat from unit to unit create a very important need for construction schedule that facilitates the uninterrupted flow of resources (i.e., work crews) from one unit to the next. Hence, the scheduling problem posed by multi-unit projects with repeating activities include; 1. To determine which Planning or Scheduling Techniques are best suitable for effective project delivery. 2. To determine the minimization of the project duration subject to resource continuity constraints as well as technical precedence constraints.

W2_Austin Iserhienrhien_Paper Objective and Bibliography

Problem definition:

This multi-unit project is characterized by repeating activities, which in most instances arise from the subdivision of generalized activity into specific activities associated with particular units. For example, an Estate Development Project broken into identical one Bed room, two bed room or three-Bed room Flats, where each flat is a significant unit of the overall project.  Activities that repeat from unit to unit create a very important need for construction schedule that facilitates the uninterrupted flow of resources (i.e., work crews) from one unit to the next. Hence, the scheduling problem posed by multi-unit projects with repeating activities include;

1.      To determine which Planning or Scheduling Techniques are best suitable for effective project delivery.

2.      To determine the minimization of the project duration subject to resource continuity constraints as well as technical precedence constraints.

The uninterrupted utilization of resources from an activity in one unit to the same (repeating) activity in the next unit is explicitly recognized by several planning and scheduling methodologies as enumerated below:

1.       The Line of Balance (LoB) Technique: The work programming was developed with the Line of Balance Technique (VARGAS and HEINECK, 1997; MENDES JR and HEINECK, 1997). This programming technique proposal is the maintenance of the continuity of the tasks which propitiates effective management, learning effect, wastes reduction and increased quality. Each team crew is responsible only for one kind of service, doing that activity repeatedly in all identical units. The Line of Balance programming is generally graphically developed, being easily visualized and understood by all involved workers. To reach the established period for the project, the Line of Balance Technique proposes that the activities will be developed in a certain work rhythm. This work rhythm indicates how much time should be used to conclude each repetitive unit.

2.       A Gantt Chart: is a common tool for project planning and keeping track of the status of individual tasks within a project. This type of chart was invented in 1910 by a mechanical engineer named Henry Gantt, and there are now a great many software tools that use gantt charts in project planning. Excel is a popular tool for creating Gantt charts, but for more advanced project management activities, you may need a tool such as Microsoft Project or a project management add-in for Excel. However if you want to create a project schedule and you know how to copy/paste/insert/delete in Excel, Gantt Chart Template is a MUCH more cost effective solution, and in my opinion, much easier to use.

3.       Process Flow Charts: Process Flow Charts are easy-to-understand diagrams showing how steps in a process fit together. This makes them useful tools for communicating how processes work, and for clearly documenting how a particular job is done. Furthermore, the act of mapping a process out in flow chart format helps you clarify your understanding of the process, and helps you think about where the process can be improved.  A Process flow chart can therefore be used to:

-          Define and analyze processes.

-          Build a step-by-step picture of the process for analysis, discussion, or communication.

-          Define, standardize or find areas for improvement in a process

-          Also, by conveying the information or processes in a step-by-step flow, you can then concentrate more intently on each individual step, without feeling overwhelmed by the bigger picture.

4.               Network Diagrams: Network diagramming provides the most detailed information by far of any of the techniques applicable in the Building and Construction Industry. Network diagram offers a complete listing of activities as well as interrelationships between those activities. It provides a method for identifying which activities are most critical. It facilitates easy trend analysis and provides an an early warning of likely impacts to the project completion dates. Network diagramming gives the project team the ability to analyze resources, to perform studies of alternative scenarios for completing the work, and to analyze time/cost tradeoffs. Finally, it creates a good starting point for determining who was responsible for a schedule delay. Type of   Network diagrams commonly used are;

a.               Arrow Diagramming Method (ADM) uses lines for activities and circles as events to depict the project logic.

b.              Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM) uses boxes as activities and lines to depict activity relationships and is the network capabil;ities basis of almost every commercial scheduling tool today.

5.       PERT chart (Program Evaluation Review Technique):  A PERT chart is a project management tool used to schedule, organize, and coordinate tasks within a project. PERT stands for Program Evaluation Review Technique, a methodology developed by the U.S. Navy in the 1950s to manage the Polaris submarine missile program. A similar methodology, the Critical Path Method (CPM) was developed for project management in the private sector at about the same time. A PERT chart presents a graphic illustration of a project as a network diagram consisting of numbered nodes (either circles or rectangles) representing events, or milestones in the project linked by labelled vectors (directional lines) representing tasks in the project. The direction of the arrows on the lines indicates the sequence of tasks.

Development of Feasible Alternatives:

There are many Planning and Sccheduling techniques identified and available for use. Some of the methods and techniques are; The Line of Balance,  (LoB) Technique,  Gantt Chart method,  Process Flow Charts, Network Diagrams and PERT chart (Program Evaluation Review Technique), subject to detail research and analysis.

Development of the outcomes:

Programmed line of Balance and accomplished activities Chart:

• Defines the principles of Line of Balance
• Demonstrates the application of LoB
• Explains the importance of LoB
• Explains the process of applying LoB

Line of Balance is a simple diagram showing loction and time at which a certain crew will be working on a given operation. It focuses on balancing the time taken for individual activities by either re-distribution of resources or by reducing process wastes. It is a planning methodology to optimize resources used. It is a good visual tool that lets us see if a construction program can be achieved with the minimum waiting time between tasks. It is primarily used on projects that have repeated elements like Block of Flats, Hotel Bedrooms, etc. LoB enhances continuous resource use, less starts and stops, Crews spend less time and money on later units once they develop a learning momentum. Improve productivity by 20%. Saves money and time, faster planning process and superior visual control.
Activity Based:
50 Identical Flats, 20 repetitive activities per Flat = 200 activities overall.
Precast concrete Formwork-Pouring per Flat = 50 Links.
Finishes per Flat = 50 Links
Internal Links in finishes to prevent resource overlapping = 20 Links
Total: 200 CPM activities, 120 Links.
Hence, R = (n-1)/(tf-t0)
R = 1/(D/C), Then C = D x R
Where Similar rates = parallel lines
Different rates = Lines not parallel
Conflict points = at the last or first unit

Activity	A	B	C	D	E
Production Rate	3	5	5	3	1
No of Crews	9	30	10	9	2

 N = 61 Units

Hence, Required; Draw LoB at month 6

For A: R = 3, t0 = 3, tf = 3+(61-1)/3 = 23

For B: R = 5, t0 = 6, tf = 6+(61-1)/5 = 18

For C: RC = RB>RA, buffer from top

R = 5, tf = 23+2 = 25,  t0 = 25-(61-1)/5 = 13

For D: R = 3, t0 = 13+3 = 16,  tf = 16+(61-1)/3 = 36

For D: R = 1, t0 = 16+2 = 18,  tf = 18+(61-1)/1 = 78

Selection of the preferred alternatives:
Based on above alternative definitions and subsequent analysis the Line of Balance Technique best fits this project development due to its repetitive tasks schedules, where a certain defined delivery schedule of similar item must be maintained. 

Analysis and comparison of the alternatives:

Due to LoB capability to build a step-by-step picture of the process for analysis, discussion, or communication and define, standardize or find areas for improvement in a process, by conveying the information or processes in a step-by-step flow, you can then concentrate more intently on each individual step, without feeling overwhelmed by the bigger picture.

Performance monitoring and Post Evaluation of Results:

The Line of Balance programming will be used graphically to develop and maintain the continuity of the tasks which propitiates effective management, learning effect, wastes reduction and increased quality, being easily visualized and understood by all involved workers. To reach the established period for the project, the Line of Balance Technique proposes that the activities will be developed in a certain work rhythm. This work rhythm indicates how much time should be used to conclude each repetitive unit.

Bibliography:

1.       BARRIE, D. S.; PAULSON, B. C. (1992, 577 p. (in English). Simulating Building Equipment Execution with a Reduced Model in Professional construction management: including C.M. design - construct and general contracting. McGraw-Hill series in construction engineering and project management.  Retrieved from:  http://books.google.nl/books/about/Project_management_for_engineering_and_c.html?id=yZNRAAAAMAAJ&redir_esc=y

2. Van John Wittwer (2003-2012 Vertex42 LLC. All rights reserved).

Retrieved from: http://www.vertex42.com/ExcelTermplates/excel-gantt-chart.html

 

3. Mind Tools Ltd, (1996-2012. All rights reserved.)

Retrieved from: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_97.htm

4. Gary  C. Humphreys. Humphrey and Associates Management Consultants sixth Edition. (2002, 2011. All rights reserved) Chapter 6: Scheduling Methodologies and Scheduling Types:

Retrieved from: http://www.humphreys-associates.com/

5. Margaret Rouse, M.R. (May 2007):

Retrieved from: http://searchsoftwarequality.techtarget.com/definition/PERT-chart

6. Dr. Elyamany, Ahmed; Line of Balance Principles (October 2011):

Retrieved from: http://www.google.nl/#hl=nl&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=dr+ahmed+elyamany&oq=Ahmed+Elyamany&gs_l=hp.1.1.0i10i30j0i5i30.2680.2680.0.7828.1.1.0.0.0.0.437.437.4-1.1.0...0.0...1c.1.DM0elMRxwWQ&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=a883e0affbc9ddfd&bpcl=37189454&biw=1067&bih=873