Papers by Oluwole (Alfred) Olatunji
ICCREM 2014, 2014
Things are changing: designers are now drawn between geometric modeling environment (GME) and the... more Things are changing: designers are now drawn between geometric modeling environment (GME) and the parametric design environment (PDE). Neither of these is a replacement or a substitute to the other. Moreover, non-design disciplines are also responding to this change: construction managers and estimators are now required to have the ability to interact with CAD drawings and design models. This has become necessary so that they can distil the robustness of digital design platforms as they ingrain the compatibility and accuracy of their deliverables (e.g. object-based estimating, virtual reality and process simulation). In essence, new theories on digital processes and methods are being primed on the management of data in digital platforms rather than the iteration of conventions as in manual processes. The aim of this study therefore is to add to the evolving knowledge on this subject by evocating an ontology for analyzing cognitive processes in geometric modeling and parametric project environments. The significance of this is critical: it adds value on the framework for multidisciplinary interaction within a BIM project team; towards a synchronous cognition processes within design and non-design disciplines. It also adds depth to extant methodological debates in multidisciplinary research studies. Further areas of research are elicited in the conclusion of the study.
Isarc Proceedings, 2011
ABSTRACT: Problems-based learning (PBL) uniquely attempts to scaffold praxis from conventional pe... more ABSTRACT: Problems-based learning (PBL) uniquely attempts to scaffold praxis from conventional pedagogical approaches to practice-based learning. With a particular focus on construction education, this paper reviews a range of perspectives on the applications of ...
Project Management Journal
Automation in Construction, 2015
Having timely access to information on the performance of a construction project enables the desi... more Having timely access to information on the performance of a construction project enables the design team and contractor to improve their decision-making so as to ensure project deliverables are met. This paper examines the effectiveness of cloud-based BIM for real-time delivery of information to support progress monitoring and management of the construction of a reinforced concrete (RC) structure using action based research. To undertake this task, existing paper-based processes were re-engineered to accommodate the use of cloud-based BIM during construction. The design and implementation of a real-time object oriented bi-directional system, allowed information (e.g., the status of the 'As-Built' schedule) to be captured on-site and synchronized with a federated BIM. As a result of adopting cloud-based technology during construction, a new object oriented workflow and processes for progress management are proposed.
Automation in Construction, 2014
An asset owner's decision to implement Building Information Modeling (BIM) can enable strategic b... more An asset owner's decision to implement Building Information Modeling (BIM) can enable strategic business outcomes. For an asset owner the implementation of BIM should not be seen as a discrete information technology project, but a business change program that can potentially impact their 'value proposition'. Benefits realization recognizes that technology alone cannot deliver business outcomes and that the process of its implementation is proactively managed to ensure that the organization obtains the results it expects. This paper presents a novel framework that asset owners can use to ensure that they can obtain 'value' from investing in BIM. It is proffered that the benefits realization process should be viewed as a learning process that enables the asset owner to constantly question and measure the benefits of BIM.
Available data on the recent global financial crisis (GFC) show that it lasted between the second... more Available data on the recent global financial crisis (GFC) show that it lasted between the second quarter (Q2) of 2007 and the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2009. Australia is one of the first economies to fully recover from this crisis. This study explorles the role played by the Australian construction industry in stimulating economic growth during the recession. In order to investigate the macro-variability trend during the financial crisis, data were collected and analysed relating to the quarterly GDP of Australia and selected countries between Q1 2000 and Q4 2009. Specifically, changes in the construction industry's GDP were compared with aggregate GDP changes in Australian economy and similar indices in the 'Group of 7' (G7) countries and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Moreover, specific attention was focused on Germany, France, Japan, United States of America (USA) and United Kingdom (UK). Graphical and Pearson's correlation...
Knowledge of the status of site spaces is critical to generating effective and reliable site layo... more Knowledge of the status of site spaces is critical to generating effective and reliable site layout plans. Previous approaches to site layout planning advocate generating layouts based on the planned project schedule which do not reflect the actual status of the project in terms of activities, resources and associated spaces. As such, this questions the reliability of the generated site layouts. This study presents the development of an automated component level system that is capable of generating optimized site layouts using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for tracking the context of site resources and spaces in real-time. The prototype implementation applies to cost controlling and management in terms of automating the generation of context-adaptive site layout models. Conclusions are drawn on the industrial application and functionality of the developed system.
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 2013
ABSTRACT This paper provides a discussion about the research presented by Hanna, A.S., Yeutter, M... more ABSTRACT This paper provides a discussion about the research presented by Hanna, A.S., Yeutter, M., and Aoun, D. (2014). State of Practice of Building Information Modelling in the Electrical Construction Industry, ASCE Journal of Construction Engineering and Management 140(12)
Description Construction project performance is vulnerable to process fragmentation and weak fram... more Description Construction project performance is vulnerable to process fragmentation and weak frameworks for sustaining objectivity and value integration between stakeholders, including clients, involved in the project development processes. For centuries, conventional construction processes have endured the challenges associated with this phenomenon. Several industry reports have suggested this situation is responsive to effective communication, collaboration, thorough integration and a passion for objectivity in data ...
Description The construction industry is widely acknowledged as unique and conservative. Building... more Description The construction industry is widely acknowledged as unique and conservative. Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems have the potential to revolutionize current practices and to automate the measurement of quantities from construction drawings. However, there are fears that such developments could threaten the viability of the quantity surveying profession. This study explores the relationship between BIM systems and the roles of quantity surveyors in the construction industry. We argue that BIM challenges ...
Material selection is a delicate process, typically hinged on a number of factors which can be ei... more Material selection is a delicate process, typically hinged on a number of factors which can be either cost or environmental related. This process becomes more complicated when designers are faced with several material options of building elements and each option can be supplied by different suppliers whose selection criteria may affect the budgetary and environmental requirements of the project. This paper presents the development of a decision support system based on the integration of building information models, a modified harmony search algorithm and supplier performance rating. The system is capable of producing the cost and environmental implications of different material combinations or building designs. A case study is presented to illustrate the functionality of the developed system.
The use of computational algorithms is popular in method studies, especially in aspects of knowle... more The use of computational algorithms is popular in method studies, especially in aspects of knowledge that relate to construction site layout modelling. However, extant approaches in these seldom support automated tracking of construction resources and available spaces. As a result, it is often time-consuming and subjective to auto-generate site layouts. This paper describes the development and implementation of a component level system that is capable of generating site layouts automatically. The system involves the integration of building information models, genetic algorithm (GA) and a radio frequency identification (RFID) system that has the capability to report object locations in real-time. System and software architectures are presented to illustrate the enabling technologies, sub-systems and software that are required to facilitate the developed system. A case study is also presented to demonstrate the functionality of the developed system. The practical implication of this research is such that the reported findings builds on gaps in previous scholarly work to develop a system that models site layouts and the associated costs automatically. Findings from the study also facilitate early signalling of pending delays as well as their immediate recovery protocols.
Change is a consistent phenomenon in the construction industry, both locally and globally. Player... more Change is a consistent phenomenon in the construction industry, both locally and globally. Players who are keen to succeed in unusual moments -such as the present -will not underestimate the importance of knowledge, information and innovation. Without information, it is difficult to portray knowledge; and without knowledge, innovation is impossible (see ). This issue of Management, Procurement and Law sets these in a beautiful context. The five articles contained in the issue are testaments of the nature of the future direction of professional practice in our industry. All the papers are rich in empirical evidence, knowledge depth and rigour. Interestingly, two of the five articles in the issue are authored by industry contributors, while the other three are from traditional research streams. Complementing both spheres of knowledge has been the strength of this journal, which has served over the years as a veritable vehicle for both the academic and industry practice communities to share knowledge hand-in-hand.
Cost overruns are a persistent problem in oil and gas
megaprojects. Whilst the extant literature ... more Cost overruns are a persistent problem in oil and gas
megaprojects. Whilst the extant literature is filled with studies on incidents and causes of cost overruns, underlying theories to explain their emergence in oil and gas megaprojects are few. Yet, a way to contain the syndrome of cost overruns is to understand the bases of ‘how and why’ they occur. Such knowledge will also help to develop pragmatic techniques for better overall management of oil and gas megaprojects. The aim of this paper is to explain the development of cost overruns in hydrocarbon megaprojects through the perspective of chaos theory. The underlying principles
of chaos theory and its implications for cost overruns are examined and practical is proposed. In addition, directions for future research in this fertile area provided.
Purpose
Construction estimators usually target the structural integrity of data underlying proj... more Purpose
Construction estimators usually target the structural integrity of data underlying project designs while measuring quantities and developing estimates. However, there are different ways to this. There is considerable evidence to suggest substantial distinction between data structuring in geometric and parametric CAD (BIM). Each of these platforms also appeals to estimators in the various practice domains differently. Regardless, the developments in the use of geometric and parametric CAD for design and management purposes have been rapid. The purpose of this study is to elicit the activities in geometric 3D CAD estimating.
Design/methodology/approach
The study focuses on the various perspectives within the different construction business domains. Interviews, focus group discussions and direct observation methods were used to explore data on estimating activities in 3D CAD from two public organizations, two large contracting firms, two quantity surveying consulting practices, two specialist-project companies and four software development and vending firms. These involved 17 middle-top management estimators who have had extensive experience in the industry. As the activities were elicited, participants were able to ascribe relative importance to each of the activities, and these were logically compared across the different practice domains.
Findings
Thirty-one activities were identified as the components of estimators’ procedures leading to reliable outcomes in estimating 3D CAD designs. Logical correlations were discussed through extant literature towards forming a centroid model which could be used for numerous industry applications, including software development, knowledge transfer between organizations, employees’ hands-on training, curriculum design for academic institutions, and as policy framework for professional institutions on estimating practice. Further areas of research were also highlighted.
Originality/value
This work is an original piece. It is neither published nor under consideration elsewhere
Somehow, disputes are inevitable in the construction industry. Rather than being carried away by ... more Somehow, disputes are inevitable in the construction industry. Rather than being carried away by the psychological nuances that are associated with relational strains in disputes, construction literature contains a wealth of knowledge on how to make the best of adversarial relationships. Disputes may be undesirable, but having appropriate knowledge on how to manage disputes often leads to better outcomes for both the disputants and the project. To achieve this, contract parties have had to limit uncertain circumstances around project environments and dispute causatives. They must also be prepared to solve them before they occur or immediately after their occurrence. The aim of this study is to use chaos theory to explain the nature of interdependencies in building information modeling (BIM). From this, dispute scenarios are developed such that their resolution frameworks are made clearer. The scenarios were validated with a review of court decisions on cases that are similar to those illustrated in the scenarios. In the end, conclusions are drawn on areas for further research.
Things are changing: designers are now drawn between geometric modelling environment (GME) and th... more Things are changing: designers are now drawn between geometric modelling environment (GME) and the parametric design environment (PDE). Neither of these is a replacement or
a substitute to the other. Moreover, non-design disciplines are also responding to this change: construction managers and estimators are now required to have the ability to interact with CAD drawings and design models. This has become necessary so that they can distil the robustness of digital design platforms as they ingrain the compatibility and accuracy of their deliverables (e.g. object-based estimating, virtual reality and process simulation). In essence, new theories on digital processes and methods are being primed on the management of data in digital platforms rather than the iteration of conventions as in manual processes. The aim of this study therefore is to add to the evolving knowledge on this subject by evocating an ontology for analyzing cognitive processes in geometric modeling and parametric project environments. The significance of this is critical: it adds value on the framework for multidisciplinary interaction within a BIM project team; towards a synchronous cognition processes within design and non-design disciplines. It also adds depth to extant methodological debates in multidisciplinary research studies. Further areas of
research are elicited in the conclusion of the study.
Collaboration within multidisciplinary teams makes or mars project success. Empirical research fi... more Collaboration within multidisciplinary teams makes or mars project success. Empirical research findings have reinforced the need for project team partners to collaborate, particularly BIM projects. Without collaboration, it is impossible to foster project deliverables. This study explores the descriptors of collaboration through five frameworks: governance, administration, autonomy, mutuality and, trust norms and reciprocity. The descriptors of these variables are discussed, with lesson drawn on how to reinforce collaboration in multidisciplinary project environments.
Cost and schedule overruns are endemic features of transport infrastructure projects. Despite th... more Cost and schedule overruns are endemic features of transport infrastructure projects. Despite the considerable amount of research within the field of transport and planning in the past thirty years, limited progress has been made to improving the performance of projects. We contend that this will continue to be an issue as long as research efforts focus on the ‘outside
view’ with emphasis being placed upon strategic misrepresentation and optimism bias. Understanding ‘why’ and ‘how’ projects overrun, particularly from both ‘outside’ and ‘inside’ perspectives, is pivotal to reducing their impact and occurrence. Thus, in conjunction with the transport and planning literature, references to cost-overrun studies undertaken within the field of construction and engineering are examined. Our objective is to provide policy makers, industry, voluntary organizations, and the public at large with an ameliorated understanding about time-overrun and cost- overrun phenomena. Suggestions to mitigate overruns based upon recent process and technological innovations are identified and discussed.
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Papers by Oluwole (Alfred) Olatunji
megaprojects. Whilst the extant literature is filled with studies on incidents and causes of cost overruns, underlying theories to explain their emergence in oil and gas megaprojects are few. Yet, a way to contain the syndrome of cost overruns is to understand the bases of ‘how and why’ they occur. Such knowledge will also help to develop pragmatic techniques for better overall management of oil and gas megaprojects. The aim of this paper is to explain the development of cost overruns in hydrocarbon megaprojects through the perspective of chaos theory. The underlying principles
of chaos theory and its implications for cost overruns are examined and practical is proposed. In addition, directions for future research in this fertile area provided.
Construction estimators usually target the structural integrity of data underlying project designs while measuring quantities and developing estimates. However, there are different ways to this. There is considerable evidence to suggest substantial distinction between data structuring in geometric and parametric CAD (BIM). Each of these platforms also appeals to estimators in the various practice domains differently. Regardless, the developments in the use of geometric and parametric CAD for design and management purposes have been rapid. The purpose of this study is to elicit the activities in geometric 3D CAD estimating.
Design/methodology/approach
The study focuses on the various perspectives within the different construction business domains. Interviews, focus group discussions and direct observation methods were used to explore data on estimating activities in 3D CAD from two public organizations, two large contracting firms, two quantity surveying consulting practices, two specialist-project companies and four software development and vending firms. These involved 17 middle-top management estimators who have had extensive experience in the industry. As the activities were elicited, participants were able to ascribe relative importance to each of the activities, and these were logically compared across the different practice domains.
Findings
Thirty-one activities were identified as the components of estimators’ procedures leading to reliable outcomes in estimating 3D CAD designs. Logical correlations were discussed through extant literature towards forming a centroid model which could be used for numerous industry applications, including software development, knowledge transfer between organizations, employees’ hands-on training, curriculum design for academic institutions, and as policy framework for professional institutions on estimating practice. Further areas of research were also highlighted.
Originality/value
This work is an original piece. It is neither published nor under consideration elsewhere
a substitute to the other. Moreover, non-design disciplines are also responding to this change: construction managers and estimators are now required to have the ability to interact with CAD drawings and design models. This has become necessary so that they can distil the robustness of digital design platforms as they ingrain the compatibility and accuracy of their deliverables (e.g. object-based estimating, virtual reality and process simulation). In essence, new theories on digital processes and methods are being primed on the management of data in digital platforms rather than the iteration of conventions as in manual processes. The aim of this study therefore is to add to the evolving knowledge on this subject by evocating an ontology for analyzing cognitive processes in geometric modeling and parametric project environments. The significance of this is critical: it adds value on the framework for multidisciplinary interaction within a BIM project team; towards a synchronous cognition processes within design and non-design disciplines. It also adds depth to extant methodological debates in multidisciplinary research studies. Further areas of
research are elicited in the conclusion of the study.
view’ with emphasis being placed upon strategic misrepresentation and optimism bias. Understanding ‘why’ and ‘how’ projects overrun, particularly from both ‘outside’ and ‘inside’ perspectives, is pivotal to reducing their impact and occurrence. Thus, in conjunction with the transport and planning literature, references to cost-overrun studies undertaken within the field of construction and engineering are examined. Our objective is to provide policy makers, industry, voluntary organizations, and the public at large with an ameliorated understanding about time-overrun and cost- overrun phenomena. Suggestions to mitigate overruns based upon recent process and technological innovations are identified and discussed.
megaprojects. Whilst the extant literature is filled with studies on incidents and causes of cost overruns, underlying theories to explain their emergence in oil and gas megaprojects are few. Yet, a way to contain the syndrome of cost overruns is to understand the bases of ‘how and why’ they occur. Such knowledge will also help to develop pragmatic techniques for better overall management of oil and gas megaprojects. The aim of this paper is to explain the development of cost overruns in hydrocarbon megaprojects through the perspective of chaos theory. The underlying principles
of chaos theory and its implications for cost overruns are examined and practical is proposed. In addition, directions for future research in this fertile area provided.
Construction estimators usually target the structural integrity of data underlying project designs while measuring quantities and developing estimates. However, there are different ways to this. There is considerable evidence to suggest substantial distinction between data structuring in geometric and parametric CAD (BIM). Each of these platforms also appeals to estimators in the various practice domains differently. Regardless, the developments in the use of geometric and parametric CAD for design and management purposes have been rapid. The purpose of this study is to elicit the activities in geometric 3D CAD estimating.
Design/methodology/approach
The study focuses on the various perspectives within the different construction business domains. Interviews, focus group discussions and direct observation methods were used to explore data on estimating activities in 3D CAD from two public organizations, two large contracting firms, two quantity surveying consulting practices, two specialist-project companies and four software development and vending firms. These involved 17 middle-top management estimators who have had extensive experience in the industry. As the activities were elicited, participants were able to ascribe relative importance to each of the activities, and these were logically compared across the different practice domains.
Findings
Thirty-one activities were identified as the components of estimators’ procedures leading to reliable outcomes in estimating 3D CAD designs. Logical correlations were discussed through extant literature towards forming a centroid model which could be used for numerous industry applications, including software development, knowledge transfer between organizations, employees’ hands-on training, curriculum design for academic institutions, and as policy framework for professional institutions on estimating practice. Further areas of research were also highlighted.
Originality/value
This work is an original piece. It is neither published nor under consideration elsewhere
a substitute to the other. Moreover, non-design disciplines are also responding to this change: construction managers and estimators are now required to have the ability to interact with CAD drawings and design models. This has become necessary so that they can distil the robustness of digital design platforms as they ingrain the compatibility and accuracy of their deliverables (e.g. object-based estimating, virtual reality and process simulation). In essence, new theories on digital processes and methods are being primed on the management of data in digital platforms rather than the iteration of conventions as in manual processes. The aim of this study therefore is to add to the evolving knowledge on this subject by evocating an ontology for analyzing cognitive processes in geometric modeling and parametric project environments. The significance of this is critical: it adds value on the framework for multidisciplinary interaction within a BIM project team; towards a synchronous cognition processes within design and non-design disciplines. It also adds depth to extant methodological debates in multidisciplinary research studies. Further areas of
research are elicited in the conclusion of the study.
view’ with emphasis being placed upon strategic misrepresentation and optimism bias. Understanding ‘why’ and ‘how’ projects overrun, particularly from both ‘outside’ and ‘inside’ perspectives, is pivotal to reducing their impact and occurrence. Thus, in conjunction with the transport and planning literature, references to cost-overrun studies undertaken within the field of construction and engineering are examined. Our objective is to provide policy makers, industry, voluntary organizations, and the public at large with an ameliorated understanding about time-overrun and cost- overrun phenomena. Suggestions to mitigate overruns based upon recent process and technological innovations are identified and discussed.