Information and process modelling for IT implementation at the briefing stage

Yusuf, F

Abstract

During the early stages of a construction project, clients often have difficulties in
identifying and communicating their actual requirements to designers or other project
participants. This is mainly due to their difficulty in comprehending the vast amount of
information involved. In order to effectively address this information during the briefing
process, this study has modelled such information into structured data models using
EXPRESS-G technique. These data models represent a framework for the presentation
of the client's brief, with the aim of establishing a computerised tool to assist both
clients and designers to carry out this process effectively.
The process of developing the brief is then modelled using IDEFO technique. A two step
process modelling has been undertaken. Firstly, in the form of an abstract
representation of the briefing operations deduced from literature review, and secondly,
within the context of the forthcoming prototype development. The latter considers two
viewpoints; system architecture of the prototype and the information to be elicited from
the user.
The developed models establish the foundation for the development of a prototype
which utilises an object oriented environment. The use of structured analysis techniques
for the modelling process entails the relevant constructs of the developed models to be
transformed into their equivalents in the object oriented environment. The implemented
object oriented data models, then form the framework for the textual presentation of the
client's brief. The resulting prototype is called AUTOBRIEF (AUTOmated BRIEF development). AUTOBRIEF is a prototype for the generation of the client's brief,
which provides access to project information prior to the brief generation.
The implementation of the prototype has been tested to reflect how effective it is in
support of the briefing process, using IT as a tool. At the end of the study, conclusions
are drawn and recommendations are made for future research.

Citation

Yusuf, F. Information and process modelling for IT implementation at the briefing stage. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Aug 17, 2011
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 17, 2011
• Award Date: Jan 1, 1997