Fast track Design Bid Build Project system 2022

Contents
Fast track Design Bid Build Project system................................................................2
1. Introduction.......................................................................................................... 2
2. System and its environment................................................................................3
2.1 Viable Systems Model....................................................................................... 5
3. Applying Hard System Tools to the Project Environment.....................................6
3.1 Flow Chart of how a project is awarded by the client........................................6
3.2 Swimlane process.............................................................................................. 7
3.3 Value Stream Map............................................................................................. 8
4. Applying Soft System Tools................................................................................ 10
4.1 Soft System Methodology................................................................................ 10
4.2 Messy Problem................................................................................................ 10
4.2 Rich Picture..................................................................................................... 11
4.3 Root Definition................................................................................................ 12
4.4 CATWOE.......................................................................................................... 12
4.5 CONCEPTUAL MODEL...................................................................................... 12
5. Recommendation using SSM..............................................................................13
Fast track Design Bid Build Project system
1. Introduction
The construction industry all over the word is regarded as highly fragmented and
inefficient. The industry is facing challenges such as low adoption of technology,
lack of innovation and lower productivity than other industries. At the same time
construction plays a big role in the economy of the UAE market and is a major job
provider.

The profitability of the construction companies is on a downward spiral and many
companies find it difficult to survive facing the economic headwinds. The industry is
highly competitive, and cost driven.
For our group we decided to analyze a system dealing with the construction
industry. We explored in depth operations of a construction company and the how it
functions.
The complete process involves tendering, successful award, completing the project
and then handing over to client. Construction project, specially the mega project
face unprecedented challenges. The projects are designed extremely complex and
have layer or systems and functions integrated within them. Adding more pain is
the time bound nature of the projects which is on a very tight schedule, in a
constantly changing environment.
For our analysis, we selected a leading construction company in the region. We
interviewed the project team on site to understand the challenges that are faced.
The sheer variety and magnitude of the day to day challenges on a complex large-
scale construction project cannot be underestimated.
Generally, the project delivery method in the industry is design bid build, and due to
lack of time most of the development are delivered using fast track construction
which involves overlapping deisgn and construction activities.
2. System and its environment
The project system in a construction company is a open system and its subsystem
of a much larger system of the master development which in turn is a subsystem of
the whole construction industry. The Project system interacts with its environment
and exchanges MEIMS i.e. Material, energy, information, money and xxx. Below
diagram demonstrates the system of systems we are dealing with.

For our analysis we the boundary of our system is the second circle in below image
which includes all the key stake holders in a project environment. The main three
actor or components of the systems are main contractor, consultants and client. All
three main actors have further divisions and teams within them eg. Main
contractors have teams of sub-contractors and suppliers, consultants have teams of
sub-consultants under them.
The system has many components and hence is a very complex system, which is
intricately woven together. To understand the system, we will need to have a look
Owner
BuilderDesigner

at the system as a whole as looking at only one component will not provide a clear
picture of the system.
Particular attention is paid to the innermost circle which is main contractors’
perspective as this was the organization is under our study.
2.1 Viable Systems Model
The construction projects undertaken by the main contractor have generally been
successful and the business model of the company has proven track record. We
studied the organization based on the Stafford Beers framework of viable systems
model.
Company is undergoing transformation process and changing from typical
hierarchical and top down structure to a more flat and open organization.
Innovation is one of the key values of the company and technology adoption is a
priority in various areas.
Due to technology adoption is making it possible for the data to reach all the people
who perform work in real time. Most of the decision are still made by senior
management but participation of the employees in contributing to decision making,