A qualitative exploration of construction site managers problem solving processes | |
| Author | Maqsood, Tayyab |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.ST-99-44 |
| Subject(s) | Construction industry--Management Problem solving |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering. |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | The success of a construction project greatly depends upon the effectiveness of the problem solving process exercised by the site managers. This process has been explored and factors impeding its effectiveness has been reported. Ninety-nine civil engineers were presented with common on-site problems through various informal intuitive and formal nonintuitive tools and techniques in the foim of web based simulation. The nature of the tool employed is found to have an effect on problem recognition. Factors like management and technical cognitive styles, the phenomenon of 'selective perception', non-existence of mental models of problem and cognitive biases are found associated with informal tools usage. The study reveals a lack of metacognitive awareness among some of the engineers regarding the problem solving process and their role as a site manager. Non-intuitive formal tools help frame the problems in a more rational, logical way and are not affected by these psychological factors. The use of non-intuitive tools employed have not find difficult and their non-use may be attributed to the unawareness of the existence of such tools. Variations in the problem solving processes exercised by the engineers question the present definition of experience and its value as a measurement of expertise. The integration of psychology literature in this study has assisted in explaining various factors impeding the problem solving process. The study has benefited from the focus group interview approach to develop some insights into the current practice of site managers. These insights have been reported. |
| Year | 1999 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology |
| Department | Department of Civil and Infrastucture Engineering (DCIE) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Structural Engineering (STE) /Former Name = Structural Engineering and Construction (ST) |
| Chairperson(s) | Chotchai Charoenngam;Chotchai Charoenngam; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Minato, Takayuki;Clayton, Terry; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Government of Japan; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1999 |