Application of Dependency Structure Matrix for Activity Sequencing in Concurrent Engineering Projects
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 132, Issue 5
Abstract
The dependency structure matrix (DSM) has been identified as an apt tool to represent information flows between activities. Using this representation, information dependency attributes can be organized and analyzed in a structured manner to identify activity groups and sequences for concurrent execution. Current DSM methodology requires significant efforts from the experts to estimate information dependency attributes. The methodology can be more widely used if the estimating efforts are reduced. This paper proposes two concepts to reduce the estimating efforts required for the DSM methodology. The first concept reduces the number of information dependency ratings required and the second concept reduces the effort to estimate the rating. The proposed concepts are structured into a procedure. This procedure is applied to the design phase of an induced draft cooling tower (IDCT) project and discussed. The paper also discusses the shortcomings and future directions of the present approach and concludes that the present approach is applicable in IDCT projects and can be extended to other types of projects.
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Acknowledgments
The writers would like to express their gratitude and sincere thanks to the following engineers of L&T ECC (EDRC division) who spent their valuable time and effort in discussions and case analysis: Mr. B. Srinivasa Rao, Mr. S. Ramasubramanian, Mr. Y. Laxmiganapathi, Mr. Khasim Khan, Mr. O. P. Thyagarajan, and Mr. Arin Dey.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 132 • Issue 5 • May 2006
Pages: 482 - 490
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: Apr 6, 2004
Accepted: Aug 3, 2005
Published online: May 1, 2006
Published in print: May 2006
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