The construction industry has mainly relied on financially focused performance measurements, and studies on performance measurement systems (PMSs) have been carried out at the project level. However, recently, the demand for performance evaluation and management at the company level has increased. A few previous efforts have aimed to develop a conceptual framework for company performance, but there have been few follow-up studies. From this perspective, we have developed an implementation model and practical methodology to measure and compare the performance of construction companies. First, our thorough qualitative and quantitative analysis was used to develop a set of indicators for performance measurement, and an analysis of the relative weightings of the indicators was carried out. Second, we calculated the performance score of construction companies using a study of 34 Korean construction companies. Finally, we carried out a performance evaluation and system analysis using the calculated performance ...

Integration of cost and schedule control systems has been an issue of great concern for researchers and practitioners in the construction industry. Nevertheless, the real-world implementation of this promising concept has not been popular enough to maximize the benefits that this integration has to offer. One of the major barriers is the overhead effort to collect and maintain detailed data. The purpose of this paper is to propose a flexible work breakdown structure (WBS) that optimizes the overhead effort by means of reducing the amount of data to be controlled. In order to have a flexible structure, the WBS numbering system needs to utilize standard classification codes and should not have a common strict hierarchy for all components. A case study is analyzed in this paper in order to examine the proposed concept. Practical implications are outlined as well.

Computer integrated construction (CIC) has recently evolved to maximize the integrated utilization of information systems throughout the project's entire life cycle and across different business functions. CIC is a broad and strategic concept, not a specific system. Complicating CIC solutions are the dynamics of business requirements and technology development. It is difficult, therefore, to design systems that are based on the available technology, resources, needs, and benefits. This situation calls for an effective CIC planning methodology, particularly on a company level. This paper proposes a planning methodology that incorporates comprehensive issues for real-world CIC implementation. Measures and factors influencing information systems assessment are investigated. To represent the complex measurements in a simplified manner, a CIC portfolio is also developed. Managerial issues are stressed throughout the planning process to help make CIC more viable and efficient. A case study using this methodology is presented.

Though the progress of construction projects is most often used as a critical index for effective project management, the method, structure, data, and accuracy of detailed progress measurement may vary depending on specific characteristics of a project. This situation can lead to misinterpretation of the project status, especially under a multiproject management environment. It is also a daunting task for the inexperienced engineers to formulate and monitor the project-specific work packages. At the same time, maintaining very detailed and highly accurate progress information requires excessive managerial efforts. In order to address this issue, this study proposes the concept of standard progress measurement package. Issues for standardization of the work breakdown structure that can embody distinct characteristics of different construction projects are investigated. The proposed methodology facilitates automated formulating of work packages by using a historical database and also automates the gathering of progress information through the use of standardized methods and tools. A case-study project is evaluated in order to examine the practicability of the proposed system.

The concern of risk management has continuously increased in international construction projects. International projects have a high level of risk and complexity, which results in greater possibilities of cost overruns and schedule conflicts when compared with local projects. Therefore, the goal of risk management is to improve project performance by systematically identifying and assessing project risks, developing strategies to reduce or avoid risks and to maximize opportunities. However, there have been very limited studies in systemized risk management methods due to the unstructured nature of the risk items and knowledge, especially for nuclear power plant projects. In order to address this issue, this paper proposes a standardized risk management methodology for nuclear power plant (NPP) construction with a capability of comparing distinctive risk characteristics among fossil, gas, and nuclear power plants. The proposed methodology includes standard risk classifications and structured risk evaluation techniques in terms of likelihood, impact, and weightings for different types of power plants. It also defines risk packages and risk paths for effective manipulation in a structured manner. The proposed methodology, variables, and initial values were identified by an extensive literature review and expert interviews. Finally, a customizable prototype of risk management system in power-plant construction projects was proposed in order to examine the viability. Implications of this paper reveal that the nuclear power plant has much higher risks in all areas when compared with fossil and gas power plants. It was stressed, throughout this study, that the risk factors of nuclear power plant construction need to be continuously monitored and evaluated in order to explore sustainable nuclear power plants.