Schedules and Schedulers: A Study in the U.S. Construction Industry

Thais da C.L. Alves, Min Liu, Natalie M. Scala, Ashtad Javanmardi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

This research examines how the construction industry addresses the roles of schedulers and schedules, with the goal of improving current practices. We use a mixed-mode approach of qualitative and quantitative data regarding the use of schedules and the role of schedulers in construction. Through influence diagrams and statistical analyses, we discover seven themes in the data and identify corresponding industry challenges related to each theme. Themes include the dynamic nature of schedules, changes in schedule level of detail throughout the life cycle, differences between planning and scheduling, and the evolving roles of schedulers. Based on in-depth discussions with a focus group and examining a large cross section of professionals in a nationwide survey, we propose recommendations to increase collaboration when developing schedules and to improve the roles of schedulers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)166-185
Number of pages20
JournalEMJ - Engineering Management Journal
Volume32
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Construction
  • Operations Management
  • Planning
  • Project Management
  • Schedulers, U.S. Construction Industry
  • Scheduling

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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