Volume 1 Issue 3
Authors: Ignacio Pavez; Luis F. Alarcón
Abstract: The consolidation of lean construction requires the active engagement of people able to implement this management philosophy. Therefore, a pioneering research study was carried out to define a Lean Construction Professional Profile (LCPP), which identifies three areas of competence that need to be developed simultaneously: enterprise vision, technical competence and social competence. This article presents an initial implementation of the LCPP in Chilean contractor organizations, based on the identification of the competences required by project team members’ roles. Also, new developments of the model are discussed, in order to provide recommendations for implementing the LCPP inside construction companies. Results revealed the coherence of the model in terms of what construction companies expect of their project staff and how—through the identification of specific competences—it is possible to address the three elements of lean management: business purpose (enterprise vision), processes (technical competence) and people (social competence). In the future, it is expected to obtain data which will allow organizations to manage individual performance according to the LCPP and implement the model in other human resource management processes.
Keywords: Lean Construction; Lean Management; Human Resource Development; Competences
Authors: Sakgasem Ramingwong; Lachana Ramingwong; Narissara Eiamkanitchat; Sakgasit Ramingwong
Abstract: Due to many of their unique characteristics, software development projects have inferior rate of success. Developing, customizing and installing nine types of business software for twenty different entrepreneurs in a few months would be deemed as a mission impossible for many project managers. This paper describes a program which involves a development and customization of fourteen logistics software within less than three months. Twenty two entrepreneurs as well as six software houses were included in the program. Although a number of serious challenges surfaced during the development, the program ultimately succeeded. Key findings and success factors from this case study are discussed in this paper.
Keywords: Information system development; Software; Logistics; Project management; Case study
Authors: James R. Burns; Balaji Janamanchi
Abstract: Task estimation, task execution and task tracking continue to engage the attention of project management professionals and project management researchers alike, with an eye on achieving the most sought after twin-goals of completing the project on time and within budget. We analyze EVA tracking, a well-regarded technique for project execution and identify some shortcomings. Likewise, we analyze PERT-based probabilistic approach to estimation and tracking, a widely accepted methodology, in conjunction with critical path concepts with the objective of highlighting likely implications and making a case for comprehensive methodologies for project planning, tracking, and managing.
Keywords: Project Management; EVA; PERT; CPM; CCPM; Change Management; Simulation Modeling