Civil Engineering Reference
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Figure 7.8 DyCE infrastructure
workflow service. Accuracy and updating of separated processes and data are
provided with built-in synchronization procedures.
To achieve easy integration into existing Enterprise resource planning (ERP)
systems, or to extend them, the web portal design principle was used emphasizing
the separation of the content from the layout (XML/XSLT technologies comple-
mented by JavaServer Pages) (Figure 7.8).
7.4 On-site evaluation
A case study approach using social network analysis was used to study how
Dynamic Communication Environment (DyCE) affects construction process
communications. Social network analysis is a research technique used to describe
relationships, examine information flows, and analyze patterns that develop
between individuals and organizations (Wasserman and Faust, 1994). Commu-
nication researchers use this tool to analyze computer communication networks.
Because a computer network is essentially a social network, social network analysis
provides a useful tool for measuring the communication patterns of a project team
(Garton et al., 1997). Several software applications have been designed to collect
and process data into organized summaries and sociograms that describe the
unique attributes of the network (INSNA, 2006).
7.4.1 Collecting data
The construction sites of two extensive multipartner projects were selected for
study. Both projects used a project-based intranet system (mainly used for
document management); therefore, the basic knowledge of using such systems
already existed. On a similar but extended and personal-oriented basis, the DyCE
prototype system was been proposed to the targeted users (Figures 7.9 and 7.10)
The targeted construction site users used a tablet computer, GPRS or WLAN
internet connection to access DyCE web portal).
Intensive observations and focused interviews (ethnography research method)
with the project manager, owner and lead designer determined actors closely
associated with each project. Each identified actor completed a survey asking who
he communicated with and how often considering all forms of communication
media (Table 7.1). To understand how a DyCE system is linked to other members of
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