Correctly functioning evaluation systems directly influence the efficient and effective planning and implementation of projects and the achievement of organisational objectives. This book critically analyses the results of research dedicated to mixed intelligent systems for project evaluation, taking into account the current state of knowledge in the field of project management. It argues for the need to move away from classical concepts and deploy interdisciplinary research methods in the development of comprehensive project evaluation systems. Considering contemporary issues relating to project evaluation, the author deals with both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods and the problems surrounding systems that integrate them, before discussing the process of modelling mixed intelligent systems. Mixed Intelligent Systems makes a thought-provoking case for harnessing interdisciplinary methods and new ideas in project management research when developing evaluation systems.

This third book from editors Rick Best and Jim Meikle brings together and presents insights into a number of key concepts in the study of construction firms, projects and the group of activities that loosely define the construction industry. The value for readers comes from the collection of a variety of topics in a single volume, which provide a basic understanding of the complexities of construction as more than a set of practical concerns such as labour management and materials handling. Instead, the focus is on analysis of the industry and its component parts from the viewpoints of construction economists and others seeking to understand the drivers and challenges that shape an area of economic activity that is a major contributor in all economies. The aim of this book is to provide an overview and discussion of several aspects of what makes construction tick. It is unlike other industry sectors in many ways, being project-based with often intense competition for work. Where the first book, Measuring Construction, focused on particular areas associated with quantifying various aspects of construction activity and the second, Accounting for Construction, looked more at how we record and report on construction activity, Describing Construction gives readers the views of experts in the field of how the construction industry is described, what its make-up is, it even asks the question: is construction a single industry? This book will change the way most readers understand the 'construction industry', whatever that may be, not from the point of view of visible on-site activities, but through a scientific approach to analysis and understanding of how projects, firms and various sectors of the industry work and how things are changing and may continue to change in future. It is essential reading for students and researchers in construction management, quantity surveying, architecture and engineering.

This book illustrates how goal-oriented, automated measurement can be used to create Lean organizations and to facilitate the development of Lean software, while also demonstrating the practical implementation of Lean software development by combining tried and trusted tools. In order to be successful, a Lean orientation of software development has to go hand in hand with a company's overall business strategy. To achieve this, two interrelated aspects require special attention: measurement and experience management. In this book, Janes and Succi provide the necessary knowledge to establish "Lean software company thinking," while also exploiting the latest approaches to software measurement. A comprehensive, company-wide measurement approach is exactly what companies need in order to align their activities to the demands of their stakeholders, to their business strategy, etc. With the automatic, non-invasive measurement approach proposed in this book, even small and medium-sized enterprises that do not have the resources to introduce heavyweight processes will be able to make their software development processes considerably more Lean. The book is divided into three parts. Part I, "Motivation for Lean Software Development," explains just what "Lean Production" means, why it can be advantageous to apply Lean concepts to software engineering, and which existing approaches are best suited to achieving this. Part II, "The Pillars of Lean Software Development," presents the tools needed to achieve Lean software development: Non-invasive Measurement, the Goal Question Metric approach, and the Experience Factory. Finally, Part III, "Lean Software Development in Action," shows how different tools can be combined to enable Lean Thinking in software development. The book primarily addresses the needs of all those working in the field of software engineering who want to understand how to establish an efficient and effective software development process. This group includes developers, managers, and students pursuing an M.Sc. degree in software engineering.

This book enhances learning about complex project management principles and practices through the introduction and discussion of a portfolio of tools presented as an evolving toolbox. Throughout the book, industry practitioners examine the toolsets that are part of the toolbox to develop a broader understanding of complex project management challenges and the available tools to address them. This approach establishes a dynamic, structured platform for a comprehensive analysis and assessment of the modern, rapidly changing, multifaceted business environment to teach the next generation of project managers to successfully cope with the ever increasing complexity of the 21st century.

Brings together an international range of expertise. Designed to facilitate the development of management frameworks adaptable for a wide range of organizations, as well as an overview of the development and integration of technology in advanced and emerging economies. Essential comprehensive source of new and emerging approaches for researchers and advanced students in engineering and technology management, as well as professionals seeking an authoritative global reference source.

Unique critical approach helps students compare and evaluate different frameworks and ideas to ascertain strengths, weaknesses for their suitability to different projects, businesses or organisations, as well as written assignments; Well-regarded summaries of 'Quality Gurus' evaluates the contributions of influential theorists and practitioners in Quality Management; New edition has been completely updated across the board, including emphasis on Quality Management in today's digital world and fresh case studies throughout; Online resources include chapter-by-chapter PowerPoint slides and a test bank of questions

Combined experience of well-regarded academic and professional author who has a long and illustrious career in the region Broad market across growing Australian construction sector, over 11000 students in any one year plus professionals starting careers Includes case studies, discussion questions, online support materials

Combined experience of well-regarded academic and professional author who has a long and illustrious career in the region Broad market across growing Australian construction sector, over 11000 students in any one year plus professionals starting careers Includes case studies, discussion questions, online support materials

Staying Small Successfully A Guide for Architects, Engineers, and Design Professionals Frank A. Stasiowski Today’s design professional with entrepreneurial ambitions often has in mind a small firm. Written by a veteran architect and consultant, here is a clear, detailed road map to setting up a small business or guiding an existing one to success. Using miniprofiles of several small successful design firms, the author pinpoints exactly what’s made them flourish. In a step-by-step format, he describes the six elements of the strategic planning process, tips on doubling average profit levels, building a loyal clientele, making your company a magnet for top talent, as well as measuring the financial health of your firm. This all-in-one seminar includes numerous checklists and flowcharts, a list of design firm management consultants, a typical marketing plan, and a survey of typical marketing costs. 1991 (0-471-50652-4) 297 pp. Value Pricing for the Design Firm Frank A. Stasiowski Essential to the design firm negotiating tough economic times, here is a handbook to garnering the most effective price for your services. Making the traditional cost-per-hour approach obsolete, the book teaches you how to price services based on their value to your client. Full of tactics that can be applied immediately, the book outlines the different methods of value pricing, ways to create value, a format for charging minimum fees, and a formula for price contracts. Other practical pricing tips include mini-scoping your services, charging for reimbursables, pricing change orders, as well as advice on negotiating a better contract. Complete with sample forms and lists, the book is a practical, easy-to-implement recession survival kit for the design firm. 1993 (0-471-57933-5) 240 pp. Cash Management for the Design Firm Frank A. Stasiowski While excellence in design and engineering may generate clients, monitoring and planning the movement of cash is central to a company’s survival. This practical guide outlines a det! ailed cash management plan that makes continued financial health possible even during lean economic times. Using a clear, easy-to-implement approach, the book describes: cash management techniques, project budgeting, profitable project pricing structures, controlling project and overhead costs, getting paid, and planning and monitoring performance. The book also includes valuable advice on negotiating a contract, the most profitable contract types, the purchasing process, acquiring capital equipment, and internal financial controls. Numerous checklists and exercises as well as sample reports and financial documents are included. 1993 (0-471-59711-2) 324 pp.

This book illustrates the agile transformation journey of a consulting organization. It consists of nine main chapters, each focusing on specific aspects of transformation. These include establishing value in business, holistic recruitment and retention, innovating performance appraisals, rethinking organizational structure, redesigning leadership roles, streamlining measurement and reward systems, and improving career paths. Some specific processes, such as corporate decision making, SMILE (budget for business improvement at employee discretion), project selection, holiday leave, and career coaching are also described. All of the transformations described build up on Management 3.0, a collection of management principles and practices that fit perfectly in an agile world.The book is of practical relevance for managers and agile coaches who want to learn how to approach agile transformation.

This volume is designed to renew, stimulate and facilitate discussion about project-based organizations (PBOs) and how they increasingly pervade business dimensions, from R&D and new product development, to the production of complex capital goods and implementation of organizational change across very different industries such as management consulting, engineering or entertainment. Contributors analyze PBOs as firms, units or networks of firms set up to complete a specific assignment, as well as address the evolution from traditional operations-driven project management, to the strategic role of projects in delivering innovation and organizational change, and the implications for research and teaching. The volume brings together scholars with a diverse theoretical background and using a wealth of methodological approaches in studying PBOs. It focuses on theoretical frameworks for understanding PBOs through different lenses, looks at learning at the individual, team and organizational levels in temporary organizational structures, investigates current issues related to projects and networks, and identifies new areas for future research.

Knowledge is power, but this is especially true for teams carrying out a project. As in other arenas, the effective use of knowledge is possible only if it is readily accessible, well organized, properly analyzed, and competently disseminated to meet the project needs. Knowledge gained from project failures or successes is vital for the long term sustainability of organizations to compete in the business environment. This book focuses on the proper access and delivery methods for explicit knowledge in projects and also concentrates on tacit knowledge unknown and unavailable to most people in project environments. Every project is unique with start and end dates, detailed project plan, budget, schedule, human resources, and deliverables, and all these areas have a high volume of rich knowledge. Knowledge is created and flows through all nine project knowledge areas: Project Integration Management; Project Scope Management; Project Time Management; Project Cost Management; Project Quality Management; Project Human Resources Management; Project Communications Management; Project Risk Management; and Project Procurement Management. This book discusses the benefits of managing knowledge in projects and provides techniques that will increase the rate of return on projects. Addressing strategy and deployment issues, this volume also provides case studies, making this an invaluable tool for the success of projects and sustainability/growth of organizations.

A Cost Based Approach to Project Management: Planning and Controlling Construction Project Costs introduces early-career architects, construction managers, civil engineers, and facility managers to the essentials of delivering projects on-time and at cost. Drawing on the author's decades of experience managing marquee building and infrastructure projects around the world, this primer offers busy professionals a crash course in budgeting, cost estimating, scheduling, and cost control. Chapters break down the details of cost elements, structuring project costs, and integrating budget with schedule, providing novice project managers with the key skills to plan and execute construction projects with confidence and precision. Features: Illustrates the principles of project management and the essentials of cost planning and control with easy-to-understand examples from the construction industry Includes step-by-step details of project planning, cost estimating, and management processes Offers clear, cost-based methods for defining scope, preparing bids, and planning for contingencies, as well as monitoring progress and determining when to take remedial action Contains a user-friendly guide to project management acronyms and terminology Provides sample construction schedules, budgets, and progress report forms An ideal resource for self-study, on-the-job training, or courses in construction, architecture, or civil engineering project management, A Cost Based Approach to Project Management makes a worthy addition to the aspiring project manager's reference shelf.

Importance of cash flows rather than profits in project management and engineering economics. * Basic engineering economic expressions are explained through many examples. * Modern project evaluation techniques for successful project management are explained. * Many practical cases and examples are presented and explained. * All monetary values are in US$ (US Dollars). This book presents the basic tools of strategic cost analysis and engineering economy principles used by managers, engineers, estimators, project planners and project management personnel. The areas of emphasis are: Cash Flow, Profits, Financial Statements and the Purcell Diagram; Types of Interest and Money Values used in Cash Flow Analysis; Different Formulae used in Engineering Economy Decisions with examples; Cash Flow Analysis before taxes; Depreciation Types and Cash Flows after Taxes; Project Evaluation Techniques including present worth, average annual cost, return on investment, return on average investment, rate of return, benefit/cost ratio and project balances and basic Probability and Risk Analysis. Many illustrative problems are included in the book to provide practice in using the expressions and techniques presented.

* Reveals the unacknowledged truth behind organizational resilience: it's not about 'grit' or cybersecurity * Explores the four essential organizational components of resilience -- crews, capital, culture, and leadership * Maps 14 distinct elements of resilience that can be used as a framework that any organization can replicate * Includes real-world insights from leaders at organizations such as NBCUniversal and The Ohio State University

Every CEO in the world, if questioned, will always complain that there are a lot of ideas to implement, but, unfortunately, insufficient resources to accomplish them. This book provides a solution to this dilemma by supplying techniques to assess the value of projects, prioritize projects, and decide which projects to implement and which to postpone. In addition, it describes various methods of balancing project portfolios and different strategic alignment models. The book provides thirty real-life project portfolio management case studies from pharmaceutical, product development, financial, energy, telecommunications, not-for-profit and professional services industries.

Megaprojects, also referred to in the literature as Large Engineering Projects or Major Projects, are generally defined as large-scale investment initiatives worth 1bEURO/$ or more and, facing similar problems independent of the country where they are implemented and the industry they belong to. The common feature of most megaprojects is that they are difficult to design and manage so that their realization and completion is always extremely expensive, often over budget and delivery deadlines also are not met. In the worst-case scenario, they remain unfinished. This book, through its multidisciplinary approach, offers food for thought and alternative interpretations for the complex world of megaprojects. While much research has been conducted and differing approaches have been developed over the last 20 years, there is still a lot of debate surrounding the topic, and a holistic approach for effectively managing these initiatives is still missing. What is clear to all researchers and experts in the field is that a traditional-linear management approach is simply not sufficient, as at many stages of a megaproject, iterative and feedback effect occurs due to stakeholder involvement and increasing and continuous interaction between them. The book promotes the debate among all categories of stakeholders involved in the megaproject's supply chain, in order to increase the awareness of complex phenomena relating to the critical issues and common problems they face, all over the world, and to seek performance improvement across the whole life cycle of a megaproject, including the selection, design, construction, operation and de- commissioning. The multidisciplinary approach cultivated in the book conveys an innovative way to study megaprojects and their inherent complexities.

This book is an implementation guide for creating a Lean Culture from the ground up while gaining buy-in from key stakeholders and being able to sustain the results. Everyone talks about implementing a Lean Culture, but only provides Lean Tools for the implementation. This book discusses implementing the entire system from three main aspects. It covers the people (structural and cultural), the operation system, and the tools. Also included is a full set of case studies to show real-life implementations as well. FEATURES: Discusses Leader Standard work for all employees Covers the escalation process for tiers and daily accountability Shows how to deal with a change of SOP's and standardization within an organization Presents exercises for Lean Tools Implementation Offers real-life case studies of implementing a Lean Culture while sustaining it Building a Sustainable Lean Culture: An Implementation Guide discusses Lean Leadership from a managerial standpoint and ensures the Lean journey succeeds through accountability, standardized work, and technological advances utilizing Lean Systems. Useful in manufacturing, services, IT, and healthcare, this book includes the implementation of empowering employees to want to build a Lean Culture.

In recent years, the need for help in understanding project behaviour has been exacerbated, as projects have become more complex while time-scales have tightened, adding to project complexity. Project teams however, rarely pay sufficient attention to modelling the behaviour of projects and this can lead to inadequate risk analysis, ineffective project control, and uninformed "lessons learned".

Because the behaviour of complex projects is often puzzling, or counter-intuitive, we need models. This book presents a structured toolkit of techniques, developed gradually from the simple to the more complex, and provides examples to show where, when and why the techniques should be used. It looks at what causes project complexity, describes various aspects of project behaviour and develops modelling tools.

Starting with more traditional techniques modelling individual effects on projects, giving a full treatment (including some novel network concepts) the book enables readers to build breakdown - and network - type models. It also considers some of the more difficult aspects of modelling by moving into the "softer", more subjective, effects and then looking at systemic models of the effects as they come together. Finally, it looks at various methods of developing hybrid tools, to utilise the benefits of combinations of techniques.

Based on a wealth of practical experience and bringing together a range of tried and tested techniques, this book explains where the use of modelling can help estimate, monitor, control and analyse projects and thus lead to successful implementation.

Structured with a practical approach, Engineering Capstone Design guides engineering students to successfully manage capstone design projects. The book addresses the challenge of open-ended design projects, often in a team-based format, discussing team member roles, communication, and cooperation. It incorporates accreditation requirements and provides a modern framework for working with industry, reinforced by the inclusion of case studies. Offers a structured process for capstone design, responsive to ABET accreditation requirements Explains how to manage design projects under critical timelines and budgets Covers essential topics and steps in a capstone design sequence, including defining, conceiving, presenting, prototyping, building, testing, and redesigning Considers industry perspectives, as well as design competitions Includes case studies for a look into industry experience In addition to guiding engineering students conducting capstone design projects, this book will also interest industry professionals who are engaged in product development or design problem-solving.

This book illustrates the Chinese wisdom hidden behind the project governance which is called "Taiji logic". "Taiji logic" is a set of dialectical ideals and approaches that are unique in the Chinese culture. The three pillars of "Taiji logic" are: identifying the conflicts based on the principle that Yin - Yang are not only opposite but also unitary, capturing the best time to reconcile conflicts with the laws of transformations of Yin - Yang, and finally, symphonizing conflicts with "Zhong-Yong" ideas to balance the needs of various stakeholders. This book aims to solve key issues in project governance from a special Chinese perspective: What is the essence of "Taiji logic"? How should one identify the major conflicts across various phases of project governance and the best time to reconcile them? What are the essential forces that help one to reconcile major conflicts? The fusion and collision of various cultures has made our world full of variety and conflicts. "Taiji logic" offers philosophical ideas and practical approaches to reconcile conflicts in project management.

This book outlines how to identify stakeholders, analyse theirs stakes, and plan and implement an engagement strategy to secure relevant input and dependable buy-in to assure the successful delivery of Large Infrastructure Projects. It also addresses common stakeholder management "inadequacies" and is supplemented with four extended practical exercises to help readers apply the principles to their own large, complex projects and ensure project success. The project management industry, particularly the Large Infrastructure Projects domain, has only recently awakened to the reality that failed Stakeholder Management probably leads to a failure of the project altogether. Due to the complexities involved, most traditional approaches to managing stakeholders have developed serious difficulties in dealing with large and complex projects. This book presents a Systems Thinking approach to managing stakeholders that accommodates these complexities and seeks to crystallise the notion that "managing projects means managing stakeholders", while also introducing an ethical perspective (i.e., stakeholders have legitimate rights regardless of their power to influence the project). This shifts the paradigm from "Management of Stakeholders" to "Management for Stakeholders". It is essential reading for all those involved with managing large projects including project managers, sponsors, and executives. It will also be useful for advanced students of project management and systems engineering looking to understand and expand their knowledge of infrastructure projects and Systems Engineering.

This book offers a guide on how to prepare business and operational environments to safely receive and effectively utilise systems (i.e., products of projects) to prevent successfully completed systems from failing to add value to their intended environment. It is supplemented with four extended practical exercises to help readers apply the principles to their own large, complex projects and ensure project success. Operational Readiness remains one of the least developed practices of both Project Management (PM) and Systems Engineering (SE). As a result, satisfactorily completed "systems" (e.g., satellites, aircrafts, mine shafts, power plants, road and rail networks, hospitals, and schools), completed on time, on budget, and to specification, are often failing to add value by providing improvements in their intended operational environment. In numerous cases, System Deployment is also accompanied by adverse and detrimental effects on the business and operational environments, and at times on the broader environment (e.g., persistent pollution, negative economic externalities, exacerbation of social ills such as deprivation and crime). In this book, the author discusses both the process and challenges of deploying the product into its intended operational environment and offers guidance to enable organisations to benefit from a holistic framework for Operational Readiness. This forward-thinking book is essential reading for all those involved with managing large projects including project managers, sponsors, and executives. It will also be useful for advanced students of Project Management and Systems Engineering looking to understand and expand their knowledge of Operational Readiness, infrastructure projects, and systems deployment.

Welcome to Project Management: It's All Bollocks! where two people who vaguely know each other and barely like each other will pick over the sadly inadequate body of knowledge that is project management today, and generally challenge just about everything, eliminating that which you don't need to bother to learn about, or should already know, leaving you only with the parts that will give you the results you want. This book is a shakedown of project management, the profession, the myths it creates and promotes, its great ideas and ambitions and a few ropey bits that we're just not convinced about. The project management profession continues to grow and mature, but is at risk of excluding those who don't fit the mould. There is a mystique out there that only certificated project managers can be project managers. This is nonsense. The project management skill set is accessible to anyone, and how you choose to access it and put it to use should remain the decision of the individual. There shouldn't be a right or wrong choice. This book is targeted at those 'projects as usual project managers' who will drive most of the change inside organisations tomorrow and beyond, and who really need help to do that. The authors offer up a selection of seven cracking ideas, that when applied to a project environment will ultimately result in you being a good manager of projects in this modern world of business complexity.