Browsing by Author "Alarcon, LF"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Achieving lean design process: Improvement methodology
    (ASCE-AMER SOC CIVIL ENGINEERS, 2002) Freire, J; Alarcon, LF
    An improvement methodology is proposed for the design process in construction projects. Based on concepts and principles of lean production, the methodology considers the design process as a set of three different models-conversion, flow, and value. Four stages are necessary to produce improvements and changes-(1) diagnosis/evaluation; (2) changes implementation; (3) control; and (4) standardization. The methodology suggests the application of seven tools in accordance to specific needs (detected and desired) on five potential areas of improvement-client, administration, project, resources, and information. Results of an application included an increase of 31% in the share of value adding activities, 44% reduction of unit errors in the products, up to 58% decrease of waiting times in the process, and an expansion of the utilization in the cycle times. In this manner, not only did the efficiency and effectiveness of internal engineering products improve, but also the whole project, by improving one of the main suppliers of construction.
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    Improving value generation in the design process of industrial projects using CAVT
    (ASCE-AMER SOC CIVIL ENGINEERS, 2006) Rischmoller, L; Alarcon, LF; Koskela, L
    This paper presents research results that describe how value generation can be improved in the design process of industrial projects when using computer advanced visualization tools (CAVT). The CAVT concept definition, prior studies about impacts of CAVT, and why they are not sufficient are presented in the paper, supporting the assertion that the extensive attention to technology instead of to the context of technology application and the lack of a conceptual framework has prevented some prior research about CAVT impacts to truly focus in ideas about how to improve engineering and construction processes. Combining production theory and lean construction principles with information technology (IT), a framework for understanding the impacts of CAVT developed as part of the research is proposed. Illustration of the use of the framework in a case Study and research validation activities leads to analytic generalization of the research results.
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    Modeling project performance for decision making
    (ASCE-AMER SOC CIVIL ENG, 1996) Alarcon, LF; Ashley, DB
    This paper presents a performance modeling methodology for application to individual projects. The model combines experience captured from experts with assessments from the project team. The methodology consists of a conceptual, qualitative-model structure and a mathematical-model structure. The conceptual-model structure, called the general performance model (GPM), is a simplified model of the variables and interaction that influence project performance. The mathematical model uses concepts of cross-impact analysis and probabilistic inference to capture the uncertainties and interactions among project variables. The GPM allows management to test different combinations of project-execution options and predict expected cost, schedule, and other performance impacts. The methodology provides a systematic and structured process for a project-team discussion on relevant planning issues in a project. Researchers should benefit from the exploratory and analytical capabilities of the methodology, as well as the flexible knowledge structure to update models and data. Computer implementation is also attractive as a means to disseminating research results.
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    Selecting long-term strategies for construction firms
    (ASCE-AMER SOC CIVIL ENGINEERS, 1997) Venegas, P; Alarcon, LF
    A methodology to analyze construction firms' long-term strategies is described. This methodology provides a systematic approach to study and analyze external and internal scenarios for a construction firm doing strategic planning. A conceptual model that is a simplified model of the variables and interactions present in the analysis of strategic decisions in the construction industry is built. An analytical model designed to predict the impact of strategic decisions supports the analysis process by integrating expert knowledge and assessments of the strategic planning team into a mathematical model. This model uses concepts of cross-impact analysis and probabilistic inference to capture risks and uncertainties present in the strategic scenarios. Strategies for longterm company development such as marketing programs to emergent markets, systems to implement total quality, etc., can be evaluated using criteria selected by company management. The model allows management to test different combinations of company long-term strategies and predict expected sales, market share, or other measures of company performance. The case of a Chilean construction company is used to illustrate the methodology.