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Abdulmajid, S A D (1967) Resource forecasting models for private housing projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester.

Adams, C D (1995) Procurement of microtunnelling projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester.

Adul-Hamid, R (1996) Construction duration prediction using neural network methodology, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester.

  • Type: Thesis
  • Keywords: accuracy; duration; construction project; learning; heuristic; multiple regression; neural network; simulation
  • ISBN/ISSN:
  • URL: https://www.proquest.com/docview/898729215
  • Abstract:
    The work presented in the thesis is concerned with the investigation and development of a neural network model for predicting construction duration. Previous works in construction duration prediction were reviewed and the limitations of the existing prediction models were highlighted. As a result, a newly emerging Al technique namely, neural networks is proposed as an alternative modelling environment.The fundamentals of neural networks are introduced and the selection of the most appropriate neural network paradigm is justified. The basics of the neural network paradigm selected i.e. backpropagation, are conveyed using a systems perspective, and a mathematical exposition, at the depth suitable for understanding the system Implementation and simulation, is given. Discussions to address issues of convergence focus on several aspects, including practical properties, of the algorithm. A synthesized methodology for developing neural network models is presented, using principled heuristic approaches.Guided by this methodology, a construction duration prediction model was developed and tested. The effects of network configuration and learning parameters, namely initial weight, learning rate coefficient and momentum, on network performance were investigated. The optimal network configuration for this construction duration problem was found to be 22:19:1 with initial weight = 0.1, = 1.0 and a = 0.9, giving predictive accuracy, stated in term of R2, of 96.6%. The work also interpreted the connection weights of the trained network, to demystify the black box image of the technique. Results of the neural network model were compared to a form of stepwise multiple regression and also with human experts predictions. The comparative study results indicated that the overall performance of the neural network exceeds that of both of this methods.From a neural network point of view, this research has established that there is a significant predictive relationship between a number of projects characteristic factors and its construction duration. It Is concluded that neural networks provide an effective alternative approach to organising available information on construction projects for use in early stage prediction of construction duration, and it is suggested that its application to cost prediction could be equally effective.

Coram, W R (1997) The privatisaton of the property services agency, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester.

Eldosoky, A I (1987) Dealing with uncertainty in construction projects with particular reference to Egypt, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester.

Fenn, F P (1999) An aetiology of construction disputes, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester.

Holden, S L (2021) Land, materials, and construction site: Decommodification through alternative construction, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester.

Inyang, E D (1983) Some aspects of risk analysis for decision making in engineering projects management, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester (United Kingdom).

Luo, J (1998) The transitional construction industry and sino-foreign construction joint ventures in the p.R. Of China, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester (United Kingdom).

Luo, J and Gale, A (1998) The transitional construction industry and sino-foreign construction joint ventures in the p. R. Of China, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester.

Merna, T (2004) Assessing methods to analyse portfolios of projects and their risks procured by project finance, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester.

Mohamed Sultan, A A B (2019) Decision tools for recycling with a focus on fibre reinforced composites, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester.

Ng, S-t T (1996) Case-based reasoning decision support for contractor prequalification, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester (United Kingdom).

Nosair, I A R (1987) The relevance of computerised modelling techniques to construction management problems and training in Egypt, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester (United Kingdom).

Nour, H A (2003) An information approach for enhancing the health and safety file, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester.

Parvar, J (2003) Neural networks decision support system (decision to bid), Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester (United Kingdom).

Peacock, W S (1990) Site investigation procedures and risk analysis, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester.

Samo, S R (1999) Energy conservation in UK housing and the effect of building regulations, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester (United Kingdom).

Sansone, R (2020) Latent matters: Megaprojects and political imaginaries in post-revolution Tunis, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester.

Shakeri, E (2002) An investigation of privately promoted infrastructure (ppi) strategy in developing countries: Public-private partnership (ppp) approach, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester.

Sigonda, G G G (2000) The impact of infrastructural projects on the environment in Tanzania: The case of mindu dam, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester.

Suraji, A (2001) Development and validation of a theory of construction accident causation, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester.

Tipple, C (1993) An analysis of the development of the construction industry since the 18th century, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester.

Wearne, S H (1969) Organization of large engineering design departments, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester.

Yeo, K T (1982) A systems approach to cost management of large scale offshore oil projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , The University of Manchester.