Decision management system to design effective crews in construction using quantitative and qualitative data (RDF17/ABE/FLOREZ)

During the different phases of a project, construction contractors are able to collect a large amount of detailed information about the production rates of its workers. Information for each worker includes quantitative data such as hours, tasks, activities, wages, and qualitative data such as ratings and even personality factors.

The aim of this Ph.D. research is to develop a new decision management system that will analyse workers information and project specific characteristics, and will determine how to better use this quantitative and qualitative data to form effective crews and better plan future projects.

This will be achieved by using a real-time data collection system to automatically compile and collect historical information gathered by construction companies and use this information to evaluate crew formations. Crew formations will be evaluated by using a simulation model that incorporates the project information and establishes the total project cost and total project time. The expected cost and time of the project will be used to evaluate the performance of the crews, and will allow construction contractors to predict resource usage, balance labour resources, eliminate crew conflicts, and find practical ways to increase productivity with more appropriate crew formations and assignment of activities. The results from the simulation will be compared against field data from a real case study to calibrate the results. Results will be visible in the data collection system and will provide timely feedback to personnel on site as well as off-site support for project managers. This new decision management system will support the process of crew management, key in multiple phases of a construction project.

The research will include the use of real time data collection systems, simulation models, analytical statistics, algorithms, and mathematical modelling.

Eligibility and How to Apply
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required (evidence required by 1 August 2017).

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please ensure you quote the advert reference above on your application form.
Deadline for applications: 20 January 2017
Start Date: 2 October 2017

Northumbria University is an equal opportunities provider and in welcoming applications for studentships from all sectors of the community we strongly encourage applications from women and under-represented groups.