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Dawood, N N and Bates, W (2000) A decision support system specification for out-turn cost and cost escalation in the heavy engineering industry. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 7(04), 330–46.

Dhanasekar, M (2000) Identification of optimal size resources for a repetitive housing construction. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 7(04), 347–61.

Fellows, R and Liu, A M M (2000) Human dimensions in modelling prices of building projects. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 7(04), 362–72.

  • Type: Journal Article
  • Keywords: costs and prices; human behaviour; modelling; research methods
  • ISBN/ISSN: 0969-9988
  • URL: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/links/doi/10.1046/j.1365-232x.2000.00168.x/abs
  • Abstract:
    This paper supplements and extends consideration of quantitative models with application to building (costs and) prices by examining human elements inherent in modelling. In considering the concepts of modelling, attention is focused on the recently developed sociology of science, which questions the traditional perspective of total separation of a reality from the observer—the ‘objective’ basis of scientific positivism. It is argued that human activities are fundamental in, and inseparable from, reality and so, they are integral in modelling. The aim of modelling should be to enhance understanding and knowledge rather than to secure inert objectivity. Application to modelling of prices of building projects investigates how prices are formulated, which prices are commonly modelled and the impact of the decision-makers involved. It is concluded that new models are required, perhaps developed through methodological pluralism, which identify people-oriented variables and assumptions explicitly. Further, the models should be stochastic and with sound bases in theories of economics and human behaviour to ensure that users are aware of the major variabilities in the processes modelled and so, by realistically informing, promote better decision making.

Howes, R (2000) Improving the performance of Earned Value Analysis as a construction project management tool. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 7(04), 399–411.

Ling, F Y-Y, Ofori, G and Low, S P (2000) Importance of design consultants’ soft skills in design-build projects. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 7(04), 389–98.

Marsh, L and Flanagan, R (2000) Measuring the costs and benefits of information technology in construction. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 7(04), 423–35.

Underwood, J, Alshawi, M A, Aouad, G F, Child, T and Faraj, I Z (2000) Enhancing building product libraries to enable the dynamic definition of design element specifications. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 7(04), 373–88.

Ye, S and Tiong, R K L (2000) Government support and risk-return trade-off in China's BOT power projects. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 7(04), 412–22.