Level: Intermediate
TCM Section(s):
10.1. Project Performance Assessment
10.2. Forecasting
Venue: 2023 AACE International Conference & Expo
Abstract: Work availability is a frequent topic of discussion when it becomes necessary to resolve challenges resulting from unforeseen events. Nevertheless, there is no agreed definition of it, and without definition, there is no way to consistently quantify it. In practice, concepts of work availability are remarkably fluid. They vary according to the time scale considered, the effect of work sequence, and the assessment of multiple other factors.
In its most expansive definition, work availability can be considered “all work for which IFC drawings have been issued minus completed work.” At the other extreme, this definition could be limited to “work for which all necessary prerequisites including but not limited to labor, material, permits, etc., are complete and ready at site for installation.” It is not unusual for owners and contractors to have heated disagreements regarding work availability due to unrecognized differences in their concept of it.
A set of definitions is proposed that reflects the stages of preparation of work as its prerequisites are completed before its scheduled dates, and as it progresses through the medium- and short-term planning process.
A simple system dynamics model is used to dynamically quantify and to illustrate graphically the quantity of work in each stage, how that changes over time, and how expectations for work availability influence manpower planning and mobilization.
TCM Section(s):
10.1. Project Performance Assessment
10.2. Forecasting
Venue: 2023 AACE International Conference & Expo
Abstract: Work availability is a frequent topic of discussion when it becomes necessary to resolve challenges resulting from unforeseen events. Nevertheless, there is no agreed definition of it, and without definition, there is no way to consistently quantify it. In practice, concepts of work availability are remarkably fluid. They vary according to the time scale considered, the effect of work sequence, and the assessment of multiple other factors.
In its most expansive definition, work availability can be considered “all work for which IFC drawings have been issued minus completed work.” At the other extreme, this definition could be limited to “work for which all necessary prerequisites including but not limited to labor, material, permits, etc., are complete and ready at site for installation.” It is not unusual for owners and contractors to have heated disagreements regarding work availability due to unrecognized differences in their concept of it.
A set of definitions is proposed that reflects the stages of preparation of work as its prerequisites are completed before its scheduled dates, and as it progresses through the medium- and short-term planning process.
A simple system dynamics model is used to dynamically quantify and to illustrate graphically the quantity of work in each stage, how that changes over time, and how expectations for work availability influence manpower planning and mobilization.