| dc.description.abstract | Architectural, Engineering, and Construction practitioners are motivated to adopt new methods, such as Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) models. Kunz and Fischer define virtual design and construction (VDC) as follows: "The use of integrated multi-disciplinary performance model and design-construction projects to support explicit and public business objectives." Therefore, there is significant potential to increase the value of the project by using digital models integrated with the proper organizational structure and. The VDC model is used to simulate the complexity of construction projects, identify potential misunderstandings within the project team, and analyze risks before they occur. VDC and Lean construction are also closely linked. A lean construction approach is a production management system that concentrates on delivering value as quickly as possible.
This thesis aims to understand how the VDC framework has affected the role of the construction project manager over the last five years and how the role can be further developed thru digitalization. To gain knowledge of how the use of the VDC framework has impacted the project manager's role and what challenges they face. The research question for the thesis is:
How has the VDC framework impacted the role of construction project managers in the Norwegian construction industry over the past five years?
The following three research questions have been formulated to assist in addressing the problem in order to achieve the purpose of your thesis:
- What changes in the digitalization of project manager work have occurred over the last 5 years?
- What challenges do construction project managers face when using the VDC framework?
- How will the client organization benefit when the VDC framework is applied in PM work in the construction project?
The choice of qualitative research methods corresponds to the choice of an intensive research design. Since one are dealing with a new topic and it has not been extensively studied before, a quantitative method is challenging. The research is based on a triangulation of methodologies, including a literature review, interviews, and document analysis, in order to enhance validity and reliability. An important part of this research is the interviews, as they provide a deeper understanding of the topic which is crucial to its success. Qualitative methods differ more from quantitative methods in the sense that they are based more on subjective interpretation.
VDC consists of three main elements: Integrated Concurrent Engineering (ICE), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Product, Organization, and Process (POP) - models and metrics. In order to achieve success with VDC, it is important to use all of the main elements to their maximum effect. In addition, VDC is a dynamic framework that should be used when appropriate. A solid theoretical foundation and expertise are required to successfully apply the concept. By doing so, projects will be better able to tailor the framework to their specific circumstances. To successfully implement the concept in the future, VDC certified key people are crucial.
The concept of ICE meetings is one where relevant actors co-locate in an iRoom over a limited period of time and work together on projects together regularly. Literature has shown that co-located design meetings can have a positive effect on the success of a project. The meetings are attended by all relevant decision-makers, which facilitates the exchange of information among the various parties involved. In general, the interviewees were of the opinion that it would be beneficial to meet together and design and plan thoughtfully. This type of design is particularly useful for large, complex projects. A number of the interviewees emphasized that such interaction meetings would facilitate a more effective decision-
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making process allowing problems to be resolved more quickly. During the ICE meetings, they can prepare BIM models and plans together as well as to conduct small meetings and special meetings where the relevant subjects gather when clarification is needed.
In VDC, one of the most important steps is to measure the design process together with the PPM. PPM refers to the application of operations management to the delivery of capital projects. Using PPM, a project is viewed as a production system, where inputs such as raw materials, information, labor, and machines are transformed into outputs, including goods and services. PPM allows participants to see how improvements can be made to the design process to improve efficiency. These measurements are useful for monitoring progress and motivating the design team to maintain a high level of performance. In collaboration meetings, such as iRoom, PPM can be measured in a variety of ways to help designers stay on top of their game.
VDC is a framework that gives project managers and the client organization a real-time idea of the resources, tools, and other costs that will be required to accomplish any task. Leadership can foresee problems before breaking ground on their projects, and they have a better idea of which resources are needed. VDC models can include specialized areas in their simulations so that team members can gain a deeper understanding of ideas and receive the updated information.The implementation of VDC in the concrete industry will result in an increase in collaboration between all stakeholders, resulting in numerous benefits for the industry. In addition, increased coordination will prevent injury accidents, project stalls, and schedule delays. The level of transparency that can be achieved with a project can be highly beneficial throughout the project's various phases, especially during the design and construction phases.
There is still a lot of confusion about what is meant by the term VDC . It is still difficult to agree on a single understanding of this phrase. The VDC methodology and tools are derived from other research environments, such as the aerospace industry, and from other concepts in the construction industry, such as Lean Construction. CIFE does not aim at creating a method that is universal and has a set of tools for its use. Instead, it encourages a step-by-step implementation with individual adaptations.
With VDC, teams can create convincing 3D and fully utilized BIM models of construction projects, along with the necessary costing and scheduling information. VDC also enables construction companies to demonstrate their expertise and accurately plan the project. With VDC, teams can create convincing 3D and fully utilized BIM models of construction projects, along with the necessary costing and scheduling information. VDC is able to provide construction companies with a better understanding of the quantity and cost associated with completing a project. Also, it facilitates greater communication and collaboration, which will help reduce the likelihood of duplicate work and prevent costly rework in the future. VDC's positive effects can be clearly seen on the job site as soon as the project gets underway. A VDC approach uses a comprehensive planning approach to keep the project on schedule, and the design team can use the virtual model to detect and address safety concerns and communicate those risks to the workers.
According to the overall impression that the author got from the interview, VDC is a new framework and is seen as something positive and important for the future success of the construction industry. According to a large number of respondents, the role of VDC managers will grow in importance in the future. | en_US |
