A Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Engineering in the field of Construction Engineering and Management, School of Engineering and Technology

Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1991

The management of construction industry is an area which is neither an art nor a science. It involves solving both qualitative and quantitative problems. This study attempts to combine the features of commercially available software packages to develop an integrated system for evaluating and monitoring construction site productivity based on the model suggested by Olomolaiye and Ogunlana (1989). The system uses a knowledge-based expert system development package (shell) called EXSYSR as the main development tool and integrates LOTUS-123R spread sheet for performing some calculation and WORDSTARR word processor for developing some explanation text files. The system is divided into three parts: 1) Assign relative weights to factors affecting construction site productivity using paired comparison technique with the aid of LOTUS-123 spread sheet as an external program. 2) Determine the actual performance of the factors on site using EXSYS knowledge bases. 3) Generate a report showing the input, result and recommendations using both EXSYS and WORDSTAR. In its present form, the system is useful for site engineers and managers to make a subjective evaluation of productivity and potentials for improvement on sites.