Conference Papers Copyright (c) 2013 Dublin Institute of Technology All rights reserved. http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon Recent documents in Conference Papers en-us Wed, 15 May 2013 09:57:47 PDT 3600 Developing a Collaborative Virtual Learning Environment Between Students in Cross Disciplines to Meet the New College Structure http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/27 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/27 Mon, 08 Apr 2013 07:35:25 PDT This paper examines a collaborative project between the department of Construction Management and Technology and the departme nt of Quantity Surveying at Dublin Institute of Technology. The term “collaborative learning” refers to an instruction method in which students at various performance levels work together in small groups toward a common goal. The students are responsible for one another’s learning as well as their own (Dillenbourg, 1999) The objectives of this collaborative project are: 1.Promote interaction between students from different but related courses. 2.Enhance student’s ability to think creatively, solve problems,and make decisions as a team. 3.Evaluate the benefits of using a virtual learning environment for assessment. 4.Examine the benefits of BIM as a tool in feedback. There a number of benefits to this project with an emphasis being given to the interaction of the students. The collaborative learning approach provides a format for the students to interact including giving and receiving help, exchanging information and resources and information, giving and receiving feedback, challenging and encouraging each other, and jointly reflecting on progress. The other perceived benefit will be in the use of a virtual learning environment and information communication tools. According to Vygotsky (1978), students are capable of performing at higher intellectual levels when asked to work collaborative situations. This was one of the primary encouragements for completing this project. It is thought within both the Construction Management programme and the Quantity Surveying programme that collaboration projects will have a positive effect on the students learning. It should also be noted that on graduation the students will be required to work alongside many other professions within the construction industry and will be expected to communicate using the most up to date technology

]]> Ruairi Hayden et al. Evaluating the Learning Objectives of a Construction-Focused Study Abroad Course in Ireland http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/26 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/26 Thu, 21 Mar 2013 01:45:28 PDT Recent trends show that the number of U.S. college students participating in study-abroad courses offered by their university is increasing. Apart from the exposure to different cultures, many study-abroad courses do not provide a focused subject area related to a discipline of study chosen by the individual student. This paper describes an overall view of an international construction management study‑abroad course conducted in Ireland by both American and Irish faculty members. Results of student surveys, which were used to assess the course learning objectives and provide suggestions for improvement, are also presented. These suggestions can be used by faculty members to develop or improve a similar construction-focused study‑abroad courses.

]]> James Jenkins et al. Engaging Student's LearningThrough a Blended Learning Environment http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/25 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/25 Wed, 20 Feb 2013 01:55:29 PST Within the furniture manufacturing industry a high proportion of occupational accidents are as a result of non-compliance to machining regulations and incorrect work practices. Safety training plays an important role in reducing accidents and promoting a safety culture within this sector. This article details an action research study undertaken during the first year of a new Degree in Timber Product Technology, which set out to evaluate the impact a blended learning environment and reusable learning objects (RLOs) could have on promoting safe work practices and a safety culture amongst students. A constructivist approach was taken and the module design was underpinned by Kolb’s model of experiential learning, placing more responsibility on the learners for their own learning and encouraging them to reflect upon their experiences. The findings of this study suggest that students with prior industry machining experience required a change in their attitude to machining which was achieved within the practical labs, while students with no machining experiences were intimidated by the learning environment in the practical labs but whose learning experience was enhanced through the use of RLOs and other eLearning resources. In order to reduce occupational accidents in the furniture manufacturing industry the promotion of continuing professional development (CPD) training courses is required in order to change workers’ behaviour to machine safety and encourage lifelong learning so as to promote a safety culture within the furniture manufacturing industry.

]]> Andrew Stuart Euroconstruction Report 1 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/24 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/24 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 07:40:23 PST

Introduction

This report was prepared on behalf of the Construction Industry Federation as Ireland’s initial contribution to the Leonardo da Vinci Project: Euroconstruction.

The report is divided into 3 sections.

Section 1 concentrates on the recent and likely future changes in the structure of the Irish construction market and the impact of these changes on project management and project financing. The recent growth of the industry is documented and predictions for the future of the industry in Ireland are summarised. The conclusions reached show that an increased involvement in the financing of public projects is required from the private sector if current levels of construction activity are to be maintained.

Section 2 identifies the needs of construction companies and project management specialists in the areas of project management and project financing. The findings show that an increased level of training, particularly in the area of project financing is required.

Section 3 reports on the existing educational and training courses in Ireland, both public and private, on project management and project financing. The report concurs with the results of the survey in section 2, that the area of project financing is not well catered for at present.

]]> Louis Gunnigan et al. Training Module in Regional and Municipal Governance of Public Private Partnerships http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/23 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/23 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 07:35:32 PST This module concentrates on the issues important to those who will be setting up PPPs and who are involved in government at a regional or municipal level.

The module is centred on five tasks, namely:

  • How to identify PPP opportunities and to find the best private sector partners for a PPP;
  • How to organize a PPP programme within a government by enhancing cooperation amongst the relevant departments and ministries, local, regional and national authorities;
  • How to be an effective manager and leader in a dynamic PPP unit;
  • How to engage public support for PPPs;
  • How to use international instruments to increase investor confidence.

Each task is treated as a section in its own right. Each section begins by identifying the relevant learning outcomes to be achieved in terms of the specific skills to be developed and the knowledge that is to be gained. The training commences by presenting an outline of the relevant knowledge, drawn from an extensive literature review of PPP projects in the UK, Canada, Australia and mainland Europe. In addition, lessons learned from in-depth research of early PPP projects in the Republic of Ireland are drawn upon.

Solutions to the issues that are central to each section, which have been developed and refined in these markets, are identified. Each section ends with a proposal of a training activity that will develop the skills for the section.

]]> Louis Gunnigan Addressing the Challenges that are Emerging in the Continued Increase in PPP use in the Republic of Ireland http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/22 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/22 Mon, 14 Jan 2013 07:30:37 PST The Irish Government’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programme of pilot projects is now reaching its conclusion and PPP has become established as a key element in the strategy for provision of public sector facilities. Compiled through a literature review as part of a PhD level research project, this paper examines organisational culture differences between the public and private sectors and assesses the potential affect of these differences on the future development of the Irish PPP programme. By relating organisational culture differences to the emerging challenges relating to risk, value and innovation, it is evident that the lack of a partnering environment is the primary reason why the challenges have not been met to date. The findings show that the public and private sectors must work closer together in the future if they are to meet these challenges and maximise the benefits of PPP.

]]> Louis Gunnigan et al. A Critical Appraisal of the Roles of Public Sector Employees in the Provision of Educational Buildings under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the Republic of Ireland http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/21 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/21 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 05:04:31 PST Public-Private Partnership (PPP) has now become established as a key element in the Irish Government’s strategy in the provision of school buildings. Specific guidelines have been implemented to define the public sector role in a PPP in Ireland and these guidelines represent a significant change in role from those in the traditional schools procurement process. Through a literature review, this paper maps the PPP process and establishes the new tasks that public sector employees must carry out in the adoption of PPP. The new knowledge, skills and competence (KSC) required to carry out these tasks are noted. Whilst existing literature has noted that a more commercial attitude is required by the public sector, this paper illustrates the precise tasks in the PPP process that will be influenced by such a change. It also identifies the KSC required by each of the people who are responsible for carrying out the new tasks. The outcome of the paper will assist in the planning of PPP process training for public sector workers.

]]> Louis Gunnigan et al. Rationalising The Construction Materials Purchasing Process http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/20 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/20 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 04:52:11 PST This paper is concerned with the process used in locating and removing inefficiency in the construction materials purchasing process. In the first part, a case study is presented showing the build-up of costs involved in purchasing materials. Potential for substantial savings is revealed. The second part of the paper gives a status report on a rationalisation pilot project currently being undertaken by the Construction Information Technology Alliance (CITA). This project aims to show how greater effectiveness and efficiency can be applied to the administration of the construction materials purchasing process by the application of information technology already used widely in other industries. The status report outlines the approach applied to-date to the project, the difficulties encountered, the solutions adopted, the current status of the project and the steps yet to be taken to bring the project to a successful conclusion

]]> Louis Gunnigan et al. An Examination of the Effect of Organisational Culture of the Implementation of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) In Ireland http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/19 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/19 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 04:10:16 PST This paper is concerned with identifying the organisational issues causing difficulty in the use of PPP and assessing the impact of PPP implementation on the organisational culture in the Irish public and private sectors. The authors address this issue by mapping the PPP process for one project type and comparing this process with that carried out in traditional procurement. Process differences through use of PPP are identified and organisational issues that have potential to impact on PPP success are assessed.
Whilst the study undertaken is not extensive, it provides insight for initiators of PPP projects into the organisational issues that must be addressed to ensure project success. The awareness, at the outset of future PPP projects, of potential for difficulty arising from organisational culture issues, will have implications for effective project delivery.

]]> Louis Gunnigan et al. A Critical Appraisal of the Opportunities currently available for a more Energy Conscious Approach to Residential Building in Ireland http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/18 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/18 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 02:48:24 PST This paper focuses on the particular advantages which off-site housing construction has over the more traditional methods of building especially where the efficient use and conservation of energy is concerned. It will explain why modern innovative methods of house construction not only have a clear advantage environmentally (big reductions in CO2 emissions) but also deliver substantial benefits to the end user or householder especially in the form of lower energy bills.

The ecological argument for off-site systems is a very powerful one but on its own is still unlikely to be the prime driver for widespread implementation. That growth is more likely to come through government regulations and a package of finely tuned incentives. Consumer pressure will come from practical self interest when the true benefits to the householder in terms of comfort, efficiency and reduced energy costs are clearly seen and understood. This involves an awareness creation process and I will be making a practical proposal in this regard.

]]> John McDonagh et al. Can Utilising Social Networking Deter the Learner's Engagement? http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/17 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/17 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 03:30:22 PST The Irish Standards Based Apprenticeship Programme involves a ten week block release course into a Higher Education Institute. Lecturing on such a course provides challenges for both lecturer and student. Working within a very restrictive time period meant looking for innovative ways to facilitate student revision. Online quizzes were decided upon as a means to interest the students in the revision process in their own time. Google Docs was utilized to produce online module quizzes. The production of the quizzes in this format was user friendly and almost intuitive. A platform was needed to host the quiz. Being cognizant of the power of social media as part of the student’s lives, it was decided to utilise Facebook to encourage student participation. A Facebook page was set up and various content such as videos and pictures were uploaded. This produced a favourable response from the students. The quizzes were then introduced through the Facebook platform. The results were surprising as the majority of students did not engage with the quizzes. Reasons cited included student’s perception of an invasion by the lecturer into a private, non educational social forum. Emailing the link directly to the students proved more successful with 80% of the students engaging with this revision source and 70% rating it favourably. Further work needs to be done as the preliminary quizzes were of a multiple choice format. Such recitation of facts and the association with a surface approach learning is not the desired outcome. Time is an issue with utilising such innovations as the software requires practice for the user to explore all the possibilities inherent in such tools. This will not be a deterrent as this small research project has proved successful and will be further expanded upon.

]]> Eric Bates Engaging in an Action Research Cycle on the Irish Standards Based Apprenticeship to Provide Time for Learners’ Engagement. http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/16 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/16 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 02:55:14 PST Lecturing on the Irish Standards Based Apprenticeship Programme which is a prescribed vocational course with a set time limit brought various concerns regarding the course. These concerns included the restrictive time limit, the delivery modes and the level of student learning. Having to present course theory notes in a very limited time period left little exam preparation time with the possibility of the students engaging in a surface approach to learning. Being cognizant of these issues an action research cycle was commenced in an effort to improve the situation and provide time for the learners’ engagement with the material. This involved writing a complete set of new lecture notes, presenting the students with booklets and changing the mode of delivery. This enabled a reduction of the delivery time for the theory modules. There were unexpected developments such as apparent student disengagement and absenteeism from lectures. A process of reflection was engaged upon and in a second action research cycle adjustments were made to the booklets and the corresponding PowerPoint presentations in an effort to encourage more student participation. Initial results indicate a positive impact on grades. Further work needs to be done in terms of engaging the students learning beyond a surface approach and moving towards a deep approach to learning. This is the hope for the future as there is now more time to develop such teaching practices.

]]> Eric Bates Changing the Traditional Lecture Format to Foster a Deep Approach to Learning Among a Group of Students. http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/15 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/15 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 02:50:15 PST Providing feedback on revision papers provided to a group of Phase 6 apprentice painters and decorators brought concerns regarding the approach to learning of this group of advanced apprentices. Correcting these papers indicated a large degree of confusion and incorrect answers on the paper. It appeared that the gilding module was not being understood at a conceptual level. Recitation of facts was not a problem but the linking together of different aspects of gilding was not happening. Specifically, the concern was that the students were engaging in a surface approach to learning which could be detrimental and that I may have unwittingly contributed to this approach. The provision of revision papers, in an effort to assist learning and revision, may have contributed to the perceived tendency for surface learning by focusing on stand alone facts and being short answer questions. As a result of a process of investigation and research the format of my lectures changed in an effort to foster a more conceptual or deep approach to learning. These changes included moving the lecture out of the classroom and moving towards an interchange of information rather than a delivery of facts and information. The changes implemented on this module indicate a better understanding of the module content while also helping to improve my own teaching methods.

]]> Eric Bates The Transformative Power of Learning: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Learning Experience of Apprentices. http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/14 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/14 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 02:30:27 PST This research set out to examine the learning experience of apprentice painters and decorators on the Irish Standards Based Apprenticeship. It focussed on three painting and decorating apprentices from the Dublin Institute of Technology who were coming towards the end of their four year apprenticeship. As such, the participants had experienced the full range of possible learning on the programme. The Irish Standards Based Apprenticeship system incorporates work based learning with college based learning. As such, the learning experience is wide and varied. The main aim of the study was to explore the learning experiences of apprentices on the standards based apprenticeship in their own words. This would provide for unique insights into that learning experience. The research design was interprtivism informed by a constructionist epistemology. As it was exploring the real life experience of the participants it was phenomenological in nature. The research method was one on one semi structured interviews and the data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analyses. One of the findings from this research indicated the transformative power of learning. Each participant effectively experienced a change in their self perception and sense of self as they engaged in the learning process.

]]> Eric Bates Integration of HBIM and 3D GIS for Digital Heritage Modelling http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/13 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/13 Tue, 30 Oct 2012 09:10:27 PDT This paper outlines a new approach for digitally recording cultural heritage sites from laser scan data or photogrammetric data. This approach involves 3D modelling stage and the integration of the 3D model into a 3D GIS for further management and analysis. The modelling stage is carried out using a new concept; Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM). HBIM uses Building Information Modelling (BIM) software with parametric and procedural modelling techniques to automate the modelling stage. The HBIM process involves a reverse engineering solution whereby parametric objects representing architectural elements are mapped onto laser scan or photogrammetric survey data. A library of parametric architectural objects has been designed from historic manuscripts and architectural pattern books. These parametric objects were built using an embedded scripting language within the BIM software called Geometric Descriptive Language (GDL). Using this embedded scripting language, elements of procedural modelling have also been replicated to automatically combine library objects based on architectural rules and proportions. If required the position of elements can be manually refined while overlaying the automatically generated model with the original survey data. After the 3D model has been generated the next stage involves integrating the 3D model into a 3D GIS for further analysis. The international framework for 3D city modelling, CityGML has been adopted for this purpose. CityGML provides an interoperable framework for modelling 3D geometries, semantics, topology and appearance properties. CityGML enables further historical information to be added to the model and allows for efficient management and analysis of all data relating to a heritage site. The aim of this research is to bridge the gap between parametric CAD modelling and 3D GIS while using benefits from both systems to help document and analyse cultural heritage sites.

]]> Conor Dore et al. Integration of Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) and 3D GIS for Recording and Managing Cultural Heritage Sites http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/12 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/12 Tue, 30 Oct 2012 05:05:15 PDT This paper outlines a two stage approach for digitally recording cultural heritage sites. This approach involves a 3D modelling stage and the integration of the 3D model into a 3D GIS for further management and analysis. The modelling stage is carried out using a new concept; Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) which has been developed at the Dublin Institute of Technology. Historic Building Information Modelling is a system for modelling historic structures from laser scan and photogrammetric data using Building Information Modelling (BIM) software. The HBIM process involves a reverse engineering solution whereby parametric objects representing architectural elements are mapped onto laser scan or photogrammetric survey data. A library of parametric architectural objects has been designed from historic manuscripts and architectural pattern books. These parametric objects were built using an embedded scripting language within the BIM software called Geometric Descriptive Language (GDL). These objects are combined and mapped onto the survey data to build the entire model. After the 3D model has been created the next stage involves integrating the 3D model into a 3D GIS for further analysis. The international framework for 3D city modelling CityGML has been adopted for this purpose. CityGML provides an interoperable framework for modelling 3D geometries, semantics, topology and appearance properties. The aim of this research is to bridge the gap between parametric CAD modelling and 3D GIS while using benefits from both systems to help document and analyse cultural heritage sites.

]]> Conor Dore et al. Has Construction Site Safety Changed in Ireland; and is Company Size the Key to Safety Performance Success? http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/11 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/11 Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:26:14 PDT The purpose of health and safety procedures in the construction industry is to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of workers. Due to the relative high accident rates on construction sites internationally, strong health and safety legislation has been devised to minimize accident causation and promote construction worker’s safety. However, little attempt has been made to research the effects of those comprehensive health and safety interventions on the individual safety behaviour on construction sites. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate any changes to the health and safety on construction sites, specifically from the construction workers’ perspective. The research also included an assessment relating to the effects of the recession on construction workers’ health and safety practices in Ireland. The main findings demonstrated that company size predicted site safety behaviour on construction sites. Most noticeably, large organisations demonstrated higher levels of compliance to safety procedures, while medium sized organisations showed signs of regression and cited cost pressures as the main influencing factor. Small organisations reported a low level of compliance due to the cost required to ensure compliance to safety procedures and practices on construction sites.

]]> Sonya Meekel et al. The Dissertation as an Effective Learning Experience for Undergraduate Students and Faculty in a Construction Management Program; a Reflection http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/10 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/10 Mon, 16 Apr 2012 06:12:14 PDT The dissertation has been regarded as an important feature of undergraduate education. This paper reports on findings from a research project that reflected upon the effectiveness of the undergraduate dissertation process of final-year Construction Management undergraduates, enrolled in the academic year 2009-2010 in the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) Construction Management Program. The project was undertaken to reflect upon the dissertation process from inception to completion in order to determine the effectiveness following the first year of implementation. The Kolb Learning Styles Model was applied to capture the student experiences and to provide a basis for observation and reflection. The research adopted a qualitative methodology and gathered the perspectives of students and supervisors (faculty) involved in the undergraduate dissertation process. Interviews and questionnaires were used to collect the data, which were assessed against the learning outcomes and the Construction Management Program structure. The outcomes of the reflection provide a reference for ongoing research with the aim to ensure an effective undergraduate dissertation process and a student centred learning experience in the DIT Construction Management Program.

Keywords: Undergraduate Dissertation Process, Effectiveness, Student Learning, Learning Outcomes

]]> Sonya Meekel et al. Combining a Virtual Learning Tool and Onsite Study Visits of Four Conservation Sites in Europe http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/9 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/9 Thu, 08 Mar 2012 06:07:34 PST

The design and evaluation of virtual learning environments for construction and surveying students is presented in this paper; by combining virtual learning environment and on-site student surveys to model and replicate practice in the architectural heritage sector. The Virtual Learning Environment is enhanced with real live survey projects whereby students collect the data to build virtual historic buildings from onsite surveys using advanced survey equipment. The survey data is modelled in HBIM; Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) is currently being developed as a virtual learning tool for construction and surveying students in the Dublin Institute of Technology. HBIM, is a novel solution whereby interactive parametric objects representing architectural elements are constructed from historic data, these elements, including detail behind the scan surface are accurately mapped onto a laser or image based survey. The architectural elements are scripted using a Geometric Descriptive Language GDL. In the case of this project a Virtual Learning Environment is being developed which combines advanced recording and surveying with Building Information Modelling (BIM) to simulate and analyse existing buildings.

]]> Alain Chenaux et al. A Flexible Web Based Learning Tool for Construction and Surveying Students Using Building Information Modelling and Laser Scanning http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/8 http://arrow.dit.ie/beschconcon/8 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:31:20 PST

Teaching and training construction and surveying students using computer simulations of buildings although recently developed is not new. In the case of this project a novel aspect is introduced through applying advanced recording and building modelling techniques developed in the Faculty of the Built Environment in the Dublin Institute of Technology. In summary this learning software uses parametric objects representing intelligent building components which are brought together virtually by the student to create or form an entire building. The library of parametric objects contain the real world geometry, texture and specification of building parts allowing the student to virtually analyse and experience different forms of architecture and structure, this system is referred to as Building Information Modelling (BIM). The BIM can automatically create cut sections, details and schedules in addition to the orthographic projections and 3D models (wire frame or textured). The parametric building objects are not defined singularly but as systems using interaction with other objects and their own values (shape, texture etc.) within a BIM. A terrestrial laser scanner will be used to assist the capture and modelling of existing buildings and environments for use in the project. The learning software and virtual building models will be accessed by the student on the internet through PC, laptop and hand held devices allowing participation and support for traditional and non-traditional learners. This will also allow for progress at the student’s own pace, encouraging learning by doing practice.

]]> Maurice Murphy et al.