Research on Intelligent Cost Estimation of Engineering Foundation Projects Based on CSIs Theory

Against the backdrop of rapid development in China’s construction and infrastructure sectors,discrepancies between project budgets and actual costs have become pronounced,manifesting in project overruns and suspensions,posing significant challenges.To address inaccuracies in investment targets and operational complexities,this study focuses on a beam-bridge construction project in a district of Shijiazhuang city as a case study.Drawing upon historical analogs,the project employs a Work Breakdown Structure(WBS)to decompose the engineering works.Building on theories of Cost Significant(CS)and Whole Life Costing(WLC),the study constructs Cost Significant Items(CSIs)and develops a CNN-BiLSTM-Attention neural network for nonlinear prediction.By identifying significant cost drivers in engineering projects,this paper presents a streamlined cost estimation method that significantly reduces computational burdens,simplifies data collection processes,and optimizes data analysis and forecasting,thereby enhancing prediction accuracy.Finally,validation with real-world cost fluctuation data demonstrates minor errors,meeting predictive requirements across project execution phases.

Whole-Process Project Cost Management Based on Building Information Modeling (BIM)

The whole-process project cost management based on building information modeling(BIM)is a new management method,aiming to realize the comprehensive optimization and improvement of project cost management through the application of BIM technology.This paper summarizes and analyzes the whole-process project cost management based on BIM,aiming to explore its application and development prospects in the construction industry.Firstly,this paper introduces the role and advantages of BIM technology in engineering cost management,including information integration,data sharing,and collaborative work.Secondly,the paper analyzes the key technologies and methods of the whole-process project cost management based on BIM,including model construction,data management,and cost control.In addition,the paper also discusses the challenges and limitations of the whole-process BIM project cost management,such as the inconsistency of technical standards,personnel training,and consciousness change.Finally,the paper summarizes the advantages and development prospects of the whole-process project cost management based on BIM and puts forward the direction and suggestions for future research.Through the research of this paper,it can provide a reference for construction cost management and promote innovation and development in the construction industry.

How Does Robotics Process Automation (RPA) Affect Project Management Practices

The main purpose of this literature review is to understand the effectiveness and impacts of Robotics Process Automation (RPA) on the practices of Project Management (PM). For attaining the purposes of the research study, an extensive literature review was conducted, which helped in gaining a theoretical understanding. These findings were then justified with the help of current and relevant secondary sources in the analysis section. The findings suggested that RPA is quite advantageous for implementing in varied aspects of a business, especially in the field of project management. However, it can pose several challenges, which need to be taken into due consideration by the organizations during execution such as the capabilities of the employees and the abilities of the existing systems to incorporate automation, among others. It was ultimately concluded that RPA is highly advantageous for project management teams but its effective implementation is the key to success.

Fourth Industrial Revolution: A Readiness Assessment of Project Managers in Tanzania

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is transforming the way we live, learn, work, and relate to one another. However, there is still an awareness inadequacy of the 4IR among project managers and the society in Tanzania, thus low readiness to conceptualize, implement and manage 4IR-related projects in the country. This study aimed to assess the 4IR readiness of project managers in Tanzania. The assessment is made in the frame of 4 readiness dimensions: strategy and governance structure, technology awareness, human capital digital skills development, and social-economic impact. The research used a quantitative method with the diffusion of innovations theory perspective, and data were collected mainly through an online survey questionnaire. The survey aimed at answering the research question concerning the project managers’ readiness for the 4IR. The 50 valid samples were completed by project managers from various industries such as agriculture, finance, consulting, construction, education and training, government, healthcare, Information Technology, and manufacturing. Data were analysed using SPSS. The results revealed that despite the generally low awareness of 4IR, several project managers in Tanzania have some varying awareness of 4IR technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics, blockchain, robotics, cryptocurrency, chatbots, drones, and other digital transformation platforms. The results also indicated that project managers in Tanzania had little extent in readiness to initiate, develop and implement 4IR products and services due to inadequate 4IR-related awareness, strategy and governance structure, human capital digital skills development, and social economic impact. Consequently, some recommendations are made in the frame of the four assessed readiness dimensions for improvement. The value of this research is mainly to provide the state of 4IR readiness of project managers and associated recommendations to policymakers, practitioners, academia, donors, business industry and youth in digital innovation. The study also contributes to the body of knowledge on 4IR, project management and digital transformation.

Optimization Algorithms of PERT/CPM Network Diagrams in Linear Diophantine Fuzzy Environment

The idea of linear Diophantine fuzzy set(LDFS)theory with its control parameters is a strong model for machine learning and optimization under uncertainty.The activity times in the critical path method(CPM)representation procedures approach are initially static,but in the Project Evaluation and Review Technique(PERT)approach,they are probabilistic.This study proposes a novel way of project review and assessment methodology for a project network in a linear Diophantine fuzzy(LDF)environment.The LDF expected task time,LDF variance,LDF critical path,and LDF total expected time for determining the project network are all computed using LDF numbers as the time of each activity in the project network.The primary premise of the LDF-PERT approach is to address ambiguities in project network activity timesmore simply than other approaches such as conventional PERT,Fuzzy PERT,and so on.The LDF-PERT is an efficient approach to analyzing symmetries in fuzzy control systems to seek an optimal decision.We also present a new approach for locating LDF-CPM in a project network with uncertain and erroneous activity timings.When the available resources and activity times are imprecise and unpredictable,this strategy can help decision-makers make better judgments in a project.A comparison analysis of the proposed technique with the existing techniques has also been discussed.The suggested techniques are demonstrated with two suitable numerical examples.

Software Cost Estimation Using Social Group Optimization

This paper introduces the integration of the Social Group Optimization(SGO)algorithm to enhance the accuracy of software cost estimation using the Constructive Cost Model(COCOMO).COCOMO’s fixed coefficients often limit its adaptability,as they don’t account for variations across organizations.By fine-tuning these parameters with SGO,we aim to improve estimation accuracy.We train and validate our SGO-enhanced model using historical project data,evaluating its performance with metrics like the mean magnitude of relative error(MMRE)and Manhattan distance(MD).Experimental results show that SGO optimization significantly improves the predictive accuracy of software cost models,offering valuable insights for project managers and practitioners in the field.However,the approach’s effectiveness may vary depending on the quality and quantity of available historical data,and its scalability across diverse project types and sizes remains a key consideration for future research.

Key Points and Difficulties in the Management of a New Guangzhou 12th People’s Hospital Branch

During the 13th Five-Year Plan period,to improve medical and health services,the Guangzhou Municipal government invested billions in medical construction.During that time,Guangzhou was renewing its approval procedures for construction projects,and the COVID-19 outbreak changed the requirements of hospital construction.In addition to focusing more on spatial planning and layout,the integration of specialized departments,large-scale medical equipment,and numerous intelligent systems increased the complexity of hospital construction projects.The success of these projects often hinges on the quality of the management team.If a hospital construction project manager lacks experience and an understanding of the project’s key aspects,they may struggle with organization,management,and problem-solving,leading to rework,resource waste,and delays.This paper uses the construction of a new Guangzhou 12th People’s Hospital branch as an example to describe the key points and difficulties in each stage of project construction and proposes solutions for the management of similar projects in the future.

Risk Analysis of the Development of Sustainable Dongtan

Dongtan is set to be developed as a sustainable urban-rural integration,aiming to attract a wide range of commercial and leisure investments.The Shanghai Industrial Investment Corporation(SIIC),the largest international investment group owned by the Shanghai municipal government,is leading the Dongtan project in partnership with Arup.The project’s risks are categorized into eight major groups:(1)Force majeure,(2)people-related risks,(3)financial and economic risks,(4)political and country risks,(5)environmental risks,(6)completion-related risks,(7)design-related risks,and(8)technology risks.Among these,political risk is particularly notable for its high probability and significant impact.Effective project risk management is essential to foresee and address uncertainties that could jeopardize the project’s objectives and timelines.Appropriate strategies must be implemented to manage and mitigate these risks.

Model of generic project risk element transmission theory based on data mining

In order to construct the data mining frame for the generic project risk research, the basic definitions of the generic project risk element were given, and then a new model of the generic project risk element was presented with the definitions. From the model, data mining method was used to acquire the risk transmission matrix from the historical databases analysis. The quantitative calculation problem among the generic project risk elements was solved. This method deals with well the risk element transmission problems with limited states. And in order to get the limited states, fuzzy theory was used to discrete the historical data in historical databases. In an example, the controlling risk degree is chosen as P(Rs≥2) ≤0.1, it means that the probability of risk state which is not less than 2 in project is not more than 0.1, the risk element R3 is chosen to control the project, respectively. The result shows that three risk element transmission matrix can be acquired in 4 risk elements, and the frequency histogram and cumulative frequency histogram of each risk element are also given.

Integrated Control Model for Time and Cost Risk in Project Management

Time, cost and quality are the three main targets to be controled in project management. However, the control and management of time and cost risk are usually carried out respectively, which will bring such problems as the delay of schedule by reason of the impracticability of cash flow, the money difficulties caused by delay of schedule and so on. In order to control and manage the time and cost risk effectively and simultaneously, a time & cost risk control model based on schedule programme was established with the use of the quantitativemodels of BCWS, BCWP and ACWP in this paper. Subsequently, the analysis of variance for the whole project and the single activity was introduced on the basis of BCWS, BCWP and ACWP so that the project can be controlled and managed effectively. Furthermore, an example given behind in detail expressly illustrated that the model set up above was practicableto project management. However, the method of optimizing the cash flow based on time and cost risk to obtain BCWS should be considered properlyand carefully with respect to the different circumstances of the project, and an efficient and adequate interval report system should be set up on the site of the project.

Tension leg platform project execution

The first floating platform concept design work for South China Sea is undergoing in DMAR's office now. This tension leg platform has potential to become the first advanced floating production platform project. Project execution is always a challenge for floating system. This paper focuses on the critical elements of project execution for tension leg platform,and studies potential implications to future oil and gas exploration in South China Sea. There are many factors affecting successful execution of floating system project,including technical issues, engineering management,interface management,etc. There are also failure examples of project execution in the industry. The author has participated 28 large detailed projects and has gained extensive experience on floating projects,with ample hands-on project experiences. A detailed tension leg platform project study example and discussions in depth are presented for future project execution in China deepwater development.

θ-improved limited tolerance relation model of incomplete information system for evaluation of water conservancy project management modernization

The modernization of water conservancy project management is a complicated engineering system involving a management system, a management method, management personnel, the exertion of social, economic, and ecological effects, and so on. However, indices for evaluating the modernization of water conservancy project management are usually unobtainable in practical applications. Conducting appropriate extension of the classical rough set theory and then applying it to an incomplete information system are the key to the application of the rough set theory Based on analysis of some extended rough set models in incomplete information systems, a rough set model based on the θ-improved limited tolerance relation is put forward. At the same time, upper approximation and lower approximation are defined under this improved relation. According to the evaluation index system and management practices, the threshold for θ is defined. An example study indicates the practicability and maneuverability of the model.

Fuzzy Assessment Method and Its Application to Selecting Project Managers

Open competition is a new form of the assessment of candidates and selection of project managers. This has many merits compared to the traditional administrative method of appointment. This article introduces a method of fuzzy assessment of project manager candidates. Fuzzy assessment unifies objective qualitative and quantitative appraisal and can be used for improving decision-making in the selection process.

Optimizing Bidders Selection of Multi-Round Procurement Problem in Software Project Management Using Parallel Max-Min Ant System Algorithm

This paper presents a Game-theoretic optimization via Parallel Min-Max Ant System(PMMAS)algorithm is used in practice to determine the Nash equilibrium value to resolve the confusion in choosing appropriate bidders of multi-round procurement problem in software project management.To this end,we introduce an approach that proposes:(i)A Game-theoretic model of multiround procurement problem(ii)A Nash equilibrium strategy corresponds to multi-round strategy bid(iii)An application of PSO for the determination of global Nash equilibrium.The balance point in Nash Equilibrium can help to maintain a sustainable structure not only in terms of project management but also in terms of future cooperation.As an alternative of procuring entities subjectively,a methodology to support decision making has been studied using Nash equilibrium to create a balance point on benefit in procurement where buyers and suppliers need multiple rounds of bidding.Our goal focus on the balance point in Nash Equilibrium to optimizing bidder selection in multi-round procurement which is the most beneficial for both investors and selected tenderers.Our PMMAS algorithm is implemented based on MPI(message passing interface)to find the approximate optimal solution for the question of how to choose bidders and ensure a path for a win-win relationship of all participants in the procurement process.We also evaluate the speedup ratio and parallel efficiency between our algorithm and other proposed algorithms.As the experiment results,the high feasibility and effectiveness of the PMMAS algorithm are verified.

A Comparative Analysis of RAD and Agile Technique for Management of Computing Graduation Projects

Computing students face the problem with time and quality of the work while managing their graduation/senior projects.Rapid Application Development(RAD)model is based on continual user involvement for the process of requirement gathering via prototyping.After each iteration,the developers can validate the requirements that are completed in the iteration.Managing a project with RAD is easier but not flexible.On the other hand,Agile project management techniques focus on flexibility,agility,teamwork and quality based on user stories.Continual user involvement is avoided,which requires extensive maintenance time for fixing iteration and release of the story points.This also makes it necessary to provide onsite training to the users of the application.This research provides the pros and cons of RAD and Agile project management techniques,to help students in deciding the best approach for managing their graduation projects.For the evaluation of these techniques,similar case studies were given to the senior project students(having similar CGPAs)for building similar functionality-based applications.The two projects“Life Organizer”developed and managed using RAD and“Smart Patient Assistant(SPA)”developed and managed through Agile methodology were evaluated against the quality assurance criteria for senior projects.The study found that the project developed with RAD methodology performed 13.33%better in providing extensive and elaborated documentation than the students following the Agile technique.On the other hand,SPA-Agile based project,due to teamwork had 2.5%better implementation than Life Organizer-RAD based project.

The practice of project construction and management of Three Gorges ship lock

The double-line five-step ship-lock of Three Gorges Project (TGP) is an extra-large navigation structure with the maximum design total head and single-step delivery head in the world and complicated technical problems.The shiplock is a challenging and world-class project integrating the advanced techniques and equipment,the up-to-date technologies and materials,as well as the advanced project management.Through 17-year construction and 9-year operation of the ship-lock,various difficulties in design,construction,equipment manufacturing and installation as well as system debugging have been overcome effectively.The project management ideas,management system,management methods,technological innovation and team building are summarized according to the management practice of the second stage main work of Three Gorges ship-lock.

Optimization of project payment schedules with Nash equilibrium model and genetic algorithm

To minimize the deviations of the net present values of project payment for both the owner and the client and optimize project payment schedules, a Nash equilibrium model based on game theory was set up and a genetic algorithm was developed to work out the Nash equilibrium solution with a two-stage backward inductive approach that requires the client responds to the owner’s payment schedule with an activity schedule so as to maximize the client’s net present value of cash flows. A case study demonstrated that a payment schedule at the Nash equilibrium position enables both the owner and the client to gain their desirable interests, thus is a win-win solution for both parties. Despite the computation time of the proposed algrithm in need of improving, combining Nash equilibrium and genetic algorithm into a complete-information dynamic-game model is a promising method for project management optimization.

From risk management to uncertainty management: a significant change in project management

Starting with the meanings of the terms “risk” and “uncertainty,””he paper compares uncertainty management with risk management in project management. We bring some doubt to the use of “risk” and “uncertainty” interchangeably in project management and deem their scope, methods, responses, monitoring and controlling should be different too. Illustrations are given covering terminology, description, and treatment from different perspectives of uncertainty management and risk management. Furthermore, the paper retains that project risk management (PRM) processes might be modified to facilitate an uncertainty management perspective, and we support that project uncertainty management (PUM) can enlarge its contribution to improving project management performance, which will result in a significant change in emphasis compared with most risk management.

Research on Government Compensation for Toll Road Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Projects

With the continuous implementation of the PPP projects,due to the imperfection of relevant policies,the blindness of government subsidy is constantly emerging.Thus,it is important to put forward a practical approach for valuing the subsidies and risk.In this paper,the revenue subsidies model and traffic subsidies model are established.Then combined with practical cases,Monte Carlo simulation is used to get the value and probability of government subsidies under different compensation ways.On this basis,the influence of initial traffic volume and traffic growth rate on government subsidies and net present value of investors is analyzed.The research findings can provide theoretical guidance for the government to choose a reasonable way of subsidies,balance the risk of compensation,and formulate subsidies policies.

SDWAN (Software Defined-WAN) Network Engineering and Project Management

Many organizations are struggling to provide high bandwidth and reliable internet connectivity at their branch offices and business locations and getting the most out of their operational expense.The need for internet connectivity at any branch offices and business locations is not a luxury anymore but is a necessity.Let us try to understand how to plan and document the SDWAN(Software Defined-Wide Area Network)implementation in an organization.We will try to understand why it is essential to implement the new technology instead of investing in the existing MPLS(Multi-Protocol label switching)by taking an example of a retail organization.Methods:This project/research was performed using the abilities of Software Defined Network Technology and options available in MPLS(Multi-Protocol Label Switching).The Technical Project management principles were adopted as per PMI(Project Management Institute)waterfall methodology.Results/Conclusion:SDWAN technology provides an effective replacement of MPLS network connection for providing WAN connectivity for our office locations.It is essential to follow a documented process for appropriate vendor selection based on the available features and other listed attributes in the article.To be successful in the implementation it is essential to perform a POC(Proof of Concept)in a controlled environment and validate results.SDWAN provides better network performance and improves reliability as the links operate in active-active function.