Design quality in pre-project planning: applications of the Project Definition Rating Index

Abstract

The development of the project scope definition package is one of the major tasks in the pre-project planning process. It is where risks associated with the project are analysed, early designs are formulated, critical decisions are made and the specific project execution approach is defined. However, early planning in many cases is not performed well in the building industry, and, as a result, the building sector suffers from poor or incomplete scope definition, frequently experiencing considerable changes that result in significant cost and schedule overruns. The Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI) is a weighted score sheet used for determining the level of scope definition of building projects during preproject planning. Developed by the Construction Industry Institute (CII) in 1999, this tool has been widely adopted by various owners and designers in the building industry. Using the PDRI while conducting planning charrettes (i.e. intense focus meetings involving key stakeholders) provides a collaborative environment that can enhance design quality during pre-project planning by integrating the perspectives of the various project participants. The background of the PDRI, its benefits for the project and use of the PDRI in planning charrettes, including key participants, required resources and outcomes, are assessed. Recommendations are provided for project professionals about the use of the charrette approach for planning.La préparation du Dossier de définition du contenu d'un projet est l'une des tâ ches les plus importantes du processus de planning avant projet. C'est à ce stade que sont analysés les risques associés au projet, que sont formulés les premiers concepts, que sont prises les décisions critiques et qu'est de´finie la méthodologie d'exécution propre au projet. Cependant, dans de nombreux cas, le planning précoce n'est pas établi comme il conviendrait dans l'industrie du bâtiment et il en résulte que ce secteur industriel est pe´nalisé par la mauvaise qualité de la définition du contenu des projets, ce qui se traduit fréquemment par des changements considérables entraînant des dépassements significatifs des coû ts et du calendrier. L'indice de classement de définition de projet (PDRI) est une feuille utilisée pour l'enregistrement du classement pondéré servant à déterminer le niveau de définition du contenu des projets de construction lors du planning avant projet. Cet outil, mis au point par le Construction Industry Institute (CII) en 1999, a été largement adopté par divers propriétaires et concepteurs de l'industrie du bâtiment. L'utilisation du PDRI et l'organisation de charrettes de planning (c'est-à -dire, des re´unions spécialisées trè s intenses faisant intervenir les principales parties prenantes) constituent un environnement propice à la collaboration qui peut améliorer la qualité de la conception pendant le planning avant projet en intégrant les perspectives de divers participants au projet. Dans cet article, l'auteur évalue l'origine du PDRI, ses avantages pour le projet et son utilisa...

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