Conceptual Model for Measuring Productivity of Design and Engineering

Abstract

This paper describes a conceptual model for measuring the productivity of design professionals during the contract document phase. Unlike traditional cost accounting methods that rely on careful delineation of time into numerous cost codes, the proposed system relies on the measurement of design output. Rules of credit and conversion factors are initially developed for unique classes of projects. The paper explains how these parameters are developed. Thereafter, these parameters are used and no further development is necessary. The remaining input to the system involves the tracking of construction documents as drafts are developed, reviewed, revised, and approved. The system is simple and easy to use. An example of an actual middle school project is used to illustrate the calculations. It is shown that the measured productivity actually models the design performance as various events disrupted the design effort. Workhour forecasts and time of completion estimates are also illustrated.