Singh introduces valuable techniques for weighing and evaluating alternatives in decision making with a focus on risk analysis for identifying, quantifying, and mitigating risks associated with construction projects.
This is a text book as well as a reference book for decision making in construction. The book is written to serve undergraduates of construction-related programmes and postgraduate students undertaking construction management bridging courses. It contains mainly quantitative techniques used to assist, decision making. Plenty of real life examples are used to illustrate the theories, arguments and calculations.
This thoroughly revised and well-received book, now in its Fourth Edition, continues to give an in-depth and incisive analysis of the various mathematical techniques required for managers in their decision-making process. The book provides a clear understanding of the practical utility of mathematical modelling and techniques, such as linear programming, integer programming, goal programming, dynamic programming, inventory models, decision theory, game theory, network analysis, queuing, simulation and Markov analysis, for solving real-life problems. The book lays emphasis on the practical applications of the techniques rather than their rigorous mathematical treatment. It also discusses probability and probability distributions--essential to tackling the everyday uncertainties of life. The book is primarily intended as a textbook for undergraduate and postgraduate students of management, postgraduate students of commerce, students of Master of Financial Control (MFC) course, and undergraduate students of industrial and production engineering. In addition, practising managers will also find the book immensely helpful in their day-to-day decision-making process. New to This Edition: A section describing the construction of activity on node (AON) networks for CPM and PERT networks has been included considering that most software designed for network analysis plot networks in this format. An appendix on 'Mathematics for Managers' which includes the topics of Matrix Algebra and Differential Calculus. New solved and unsolved problems.
CONSTRUCTION RISK MANAGEMENT DECISION MAKING Explores the relevance of systems thinking and behavioral science in construction risk management Effective risk management is a vital component of all successful construction projects. Although quantitative tools for evaluating data and minimizing risk are readily available, construction managers commonly adopt a more innate, experience-based approach. In Construction Risk Management Decision Making, project manager and senior consultant Alex C. Arthur provides step-by-step advice on assessing and prioritizing risk using qualitative decision-making systems in the construction industry. Incorporating key theories and concepts from systems thinking and behavioral science, this highly practical guide focuses on the behavior patterns of real people in the industry, rather than complex quantitative techniques and data. Concise, easy-to-understand chapters highlight the current practices of construction risk management while helping readers view risk and decision making from a broader perspective. Throughout the book, the author presents invaluable insights into the ways construction professionals think and behave in the real world. Addresses the actual risk management practices of construction professionals Applies human behavioral theories to the study of construction risk management decision making Illustrates the highly intuitive approaches prevalent in various construction projects Features real-life case studies and practical examples throughout Construction Risk Management Decision Making is an excellent textbook for advanced students in project management, engineering, construction, and surveying courses, and a must-have guide for practitioners of construction management, surveying, and architecture.
This book is the first of its kind focusing on Application of Operations Research Techniques (Mathematics) in Project Management. It will be of immense help for Project Management Professionals in any industry verticals including Info technology program managers, engineering and construction managers and various operations' managers. This book includes real industry examples and methods on how to use Operations Research (OR) techniques to help project management decision making. It will be a guide in the implementation of OR in project management. It includes 'Algorithms for various OR techniques'. It also includes Code in C++ for important OR models. The book deals with project management numerical illustrations on the use of various copyrighted software applications like Microsoft Math, SAP, SPSS, Matlab (Mathworks Inc.), Microsoft Project, Primavera, OpenPlan, C++. Most importantly, it provides an insight into building of interfaces between Enterprise Applications/business data warehouse to analytical applications like Matlab. Another important topic in this book is Metrics for Project Management and Progress Analysis (Earned Value Analysis) Methods. This is invaluable to monitor projects also serving as inputs for your project management balanced score cards and strategic program management and cost control. Besides various Statistical Methods and Operations Research Techniques, the book has a compilation of various Project Management Topics viz. Software Engineering Institute's Estimation Methods, various Claims Formulae with examples, Project Managerial Economics and Project Accounting & Controlling Methods. About the Author Retty Velayoudam holds a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and a Master's Degree in Management. He was a PMI(c) (USA) Certified (2000-2003) Project Management Professional. He is a SAP (Germany) Certified Project System Solution Consultant. He is a Sr. SAP PS Consultant working in USA with 13 years of SAP PS (Project System) Consulting Experience. He has rich experience in Project Management Concepts, practices and in a wide range of Software Tools used for managing large multi-million complex projects in the Oil and Gas, Hi-Tech, IT industry, Engineering, Services, Manufacturing, US Public Sector, etc. He has experience in Enterprise level Project Management Information Systems.
This book has been developed with a focus on the need to demystify the subject and make it easy for students to grasp the principles and details involved, and make it easily understandable to beginners exposed to the subject for the first time. An attempt has been made to explain things in a logical progression, in the simplest possible way so that neophytes may quickly grasp the concepts and methodology. A novel approach in the book is the illustrative use of computers with TORA package, as a problem-solving tool. In actual practice, situations arise with large and complex problems that are difficult to solve. At such times, using computers to solve problems gives fast and more accurate results. The chapters are arranged so as to progressively explain the workings of various models in actual practice through step-by-step procedures that so simplify and solve them, that even students from a non-mathematics academic background will grasp them quickly. Linear programming, the most powerful tool for managerial decision-making is covered elaborately, including thorough discussion of various LP methods and LP solutions, Duality in LP problems, sensitivity analysis, etc. Models in the book also use Linear Programming to reach solutions including those relating to transportation and transshipment, assignment, and Game Theory&illustrated with screen-shots of a computer with a TORA package. Readers whether students, business executives, managers, researchers and academicians will find that the insights and knowledge obtained from the book will stand them in good stead in both academic as well as occupational pursuits.
Providing new knowledge on risk analysis and simulation for megaprojects, this book is essential reading for both academics and practitioners. Its focus is on technical descriptions of a newly developed dynamic systems approach to megaproject risk analysis and simulation.
The essential risk assessment guide for civil engineering, design, and construction Risk management allows construction professionals to identify the risks inherent in all projects, and to provide the tools for evaluating the probabilities and impacts to minimize the risk potential. This book introduces risk as a central pillar of project management and shows how a project manager can be prepared for dealing with uncertainty. Written by experts in the field, Risk Management for Design and Construction uses clear, straightforward terminology to demystify the concepts of project uncertainty and risk. Highlights include: Integrated cost and schedule risk analysis An introduction to a ready-to-use system of analyzing a project's risks and tools to proactively manage risks A methodology that was developed and used by the Washington State Department of Transportation Case studies and examples on the proper application of principles Information about combining value analysis with risk analysis "This book is a must for professionals who are seeking to move towards a proactive risk-centric management style. It is a valuable resource for students who are discovering the intricacies of uncertainties and risks within value estimation. For professionals, the book advocates for identifying and analyzing 'only' risks whose impact are of consequence to a project's performance." JOHN MILTON, PHD, PE Director of Enterprise Risk Management, Washington State Department of Transportation
This text is designed to provide an understanding of quantitative techniques, this manual is suitable for students on IComA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ICSA, IDPM, BA Business Studies and BTEC higher level courses. It contains self-review questions and longer examination answers. A lecturers' support pack is included.
This book outlines the creative process of making environmental management decisions using the approach called Structured Decision Making. It is a short introductory guide to this popular form of decision making and is aimed at environmental managers and scientists. This is a distinctly pragmatic label given to ways for helping individuals and groups think through tough multidimensional choices characterized by uncertain science, diverse stakeholders, and difficult tradeoffs. This is the everyday reality of environmental management, yet many important decisions currently are made on an ad hoc basis that lacks a solid value-based foundation, ignores key information, and results in selection of an inferior alternative. Making progress – in a way that is rigorous, inclusive, defensible and transparent – requires combining analytical methods drawn from the decision sciences and applied ecology with deliberative insights from cognitive psychology, facilitation and negotiation. The authors review key methods and discuss case-study examples based in their experiences in communities, boardrooms, and stakeholder meetings. The goal of this book is to lay out a compelling guide that will change how you think about making environmental decisions. Visit www.wiley.com/go/gregory/ to access the figures and tables from the book.