Editorial

Citation

Goulding, J. (2007), "Editorial", Construction Innovation, Vol. 7 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ci.2007.33307daa.001

Editorial

The first paper by Tatari et al. explores the state of construction enterprise information systems currently pervading the construction industry. This research builds on the concepts of computer integrated construction, computer integrated manufacturing, and construction enterprise resource planning. The research methodology adopted used a survey approach to determine key relationships and emerging trends. Research findings noted that enterprise information system integration is an important area which still needs to be addressed. The authors postulate that vendors should be encouraged to provide more efficient solutions in order to leverage greater integration within the industry. In addition, they postulate that in order to procure a better chance of success regarding the implementation of construction enterprise information systems solutions, greater involvement of senior management was needed (along with clear implementation strategies). Further work was suggested in the area of discreet management practices vis-à-vis enterprise information system adoption and integration.

The second paper by Al Nageim and Poutney identify a non-linear optimisation technique for the design of a concrete trough to support a new lightweight rail track system – LR55. The research methodology explored the design process using non-linear optimisation techniques to predict the minimum area of a pre-tensioned pre-stressed trough section (to satisfy British Standard 8110). Research findings identified that the optimisation process could satisfy the serviceability and states identified in BS8110, whilst also providing additional benefits, e.g. design performance enhancements and cost savings. However, the authors recommend that this optimisation needs to be fully tested in a real-world environment prior to mass rollout. Further work was also suggested in the areas of heat transfer and temperature distribution.

The third paper by Williams explores the importance of data visualisation using treemaps to analyse competitive bid project overruns. This research focuses on the relationship between bidding ratios and project costs, building on previous work undertaken in regression analysis and neural networks. The research methodology adopted used treemap software with bidding ratio data to create visual data trends. Key findings note that the use of treemaps can provide unique and novel ways of analysing complex data sets using visual representation. This can be achieved without any prior knowledge of statistical procedures. The author also suggests that the use of this approach can also be used to identify discreet discernible patterns within bidding data. Further work was encouraged in the field of data mining, e.g. discriminant analysis and cluster analysis.

The final paper by Shelbourn et al. emphasises the importance of effective collaboration on construction projects. This work builds upon previous research undertaken on “hard” technology-based solutions, together with “soft” people-centric issues. The research methodology adopted used an extensive literature review together with field studies and action research to develop a Planning and Implementation of Effective Collaboration in Construction prototype framework. Research findings to date identified several key causal issues affecting collaboration – the nuances of which are suggested to embrace both “hard” and “soft” issues. Three core strategies were highlighted as being key enablers, these being: technology, business, and people. Further work in this area is promoted to include the organisational maturity of organisations and the subsequent dynamics of this on collaborative working ventures.

Jack Goulding