Benchmarking a new design management system using process simulation approach

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to put forward a research‐based argument on the benefits of simulation approach in managing design at an early stage of a project. Having selected an optimal design configuration, the operational uncertainties can be removed and investment decisions are fully justified over the lifecycle of projects.Design/methodology/approachA simulation‐based methodology embodying balanced scorecard (BSC) for measuring the operational and business performance has been synthesised in the research. Multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) has been employed to evaluate the trade‐offs between feasible design alternatives and to select the optimum design configuration.FindingsThe findings show that the integrated framework developed in this research by integrating simulation technology, BSC and MCDA adds significant contributions in improving the current body of knowledge in the design management practices.Research limitations/implicationsThe framework should further be tested by applying to large engineering projects in order for realising the benefits in the decision‐appraisal process. Access to data in large projects before implementation would be the greatest challenge from a commercial‐in‐confidence perspective.Practical implicationsThe framework will help the practitioner's understanding and management of the design configuration in highly complex modern projects. This will allow the decision makers to manage interdependency of complex processes and select optimal designs upfront. The resulting framework will significantly contribute to reducing scope creeps and cost variations and thereby reducing contractual disputes in projects.Originality/valueThe original design of the integrated framework of this kind for managing design complexity in projects adds significant value in the design management practices. The use of simulation embodying BSC and MCDA adds significant novelty in theoretical advancement of contemporary knowledge in the design management profession.

Structure‐Based System Dynamics Analysis of Engineering Design Processes

“…The idea of the procedure is loosely based on the "integrated framework for evaluating alternatives and decision analysis process over life of the project" of Doloi (2010). Doloi (2010) had the idea to analyze the design of projects at an early stage by building hierarchical process models and simulating them by linking the processes and allocating available resources across all disciplines over the lifecycle of projects. He proposed to identify alternative processes and test them for optimal design and overall project configuration.…”

“…It is not sufficient to pay detailed attention to the design of various elements of a process individually, but all elements must be considered in relation to others in order to make the overall process effective. (Doloi, 2010) Process simulation may serve as a tool to support engineering design process planning. During the planning phase of engineering design processes various different process sequences may be possible.…”

Design administration in DB projects

“…• poor organization management (Doloi 2009) • lack of technical knowledge in designers (Chan et al 2001;Lam et al 2008) • lack of pre-planning by designers (Doloi 2009) • lack of adequate documentation (Johansen and Carson 2003;Williams Jr. and Johnson 2015) • unbalanced resource allocation (Chan et al 2001) • inconsistent decision-making (Chan et al 2001; Doloi ( As Formoso et al (1998) describes, the design process acknowledges two progressions. The first is the individual decision making process, often performed by a designer, concerned with the creation of alternative solutions.…”

“…Different theories on the management of design are found throughout the construction industry (Bibby et al 2003;Doloi 2009;Formoso and Koskela1998;O'Donnell 2002). Many studies have been completed regarding design mamangement.…”

“…"Many organizations have found design to be one of the key performance indicators to project success… the design phase of a project alone offers the greatest scope for reduction in overall project costs and adds maximum values in the project" (Doloi 2009). Therefore, when a the design process is deficient, the overall project success is at stake (Fadamiro and Bobadoye 2006).…”