Alternate beeline diagramming method network analysis for interdependent design entities

Abstract

PurposeThe design phase is generally characterized with two-way multiple information exchanges/overlaps between the interdependent entities. In this paper, entity is a generic term to represent teams, components, activities or parameters. Existing approaches can either capture a single overlap or lack practical application in representing multiple overlaps. The beeline diagraming method (BDM) network is efficient in representing multiple overlaps for construction projects. However, it considers any entity as indivisible and cannot distinguish partial criticality of entities. In reality, the design phase in any construction project is driven by need basis and often has numerous interruptions. Hence, there is a need to develop an alternate network analysis for BDM for interruptible execution. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachA pilot study is conducted to formulate the hypothetical examples. Subsequently, these hypothetical BDM examples are analyzed to trace a pattern for criticality. This pattern study along with the existing precedence diagramming method network analysis enabled to derive new equations for forward pass, backward pass and float. Finally, the proposed concepts are applied to two design cases and reviewed with the design experts.FindingsThe proposed network analysis for BDM is efficient for interruptible entity execution.Practical implicationsThe proposed BDM network is an information-intensive network that enables the design participants to view the project holistically. Application to two distinct cases emphasizes that the concept is generic and can be applied to any project that is characterized with beelines.Originality/valueAn alternate network analysis for BDM is investigated for interruptible entity execution. This study also clarifies the related concepts – interdependency, iteration, overlaps and multiple information exchanges/linkages.