Product-process development simulation to support specialty contractor involvement in early design

Specialty contractors and suppliers have knowledge to contribute to the early design of architecture-engineering-construction (AEC) products. Lean construction theory advocates such involvement. The practice of involving suppliers in product development and in manufacturing has proven to be highly successful. This dissertation builds on empirical research in the semiconductor industry to study the following research questions: what value does specialty-contractor knowledge bring to early design, and how and when should specialty contractors be involved in early design?; An understanding of the design development process is fundamental to effectively involve specialty contractors early on. This work categorizes the contributions of specialty-contractor knowledge to early design and it provides examples that stem from current practice. It also argues why specialty-contractor knowledge is often ignored in design and it discusses the conditions that AEC organizations need to create for increasing interaction between designers and specialty contractors.; This dissertation describes a product-process model for the design process of high-tech facilities. An implementation of a model excerpt in a computer simulation environment provides the basis for studying the dynamics of design processes in unpredictable environments. Unpredictability means that design criteria are prone to change throughout the development process. Specifically, the study casts light on the impacts of postponing commitments for managing design in unpredictable environments.; Finally, this dissertation integrates the implementation of the design model with a model for the procurement, fabrication, and construction phases of a facility system. This systemic simulation model provides a computer-based framework for sharpening theoretical understanding of alternative systems to deliver projects in unpredictable environments. These systems differ based on when specialty contractors get involved in design and on when construction starts relative to the completion of design.; Simulation results show that earlier contractor involvement and shorter lead times reduce the mean project duration but magnify variability and may significantly increase construction wasted resources, if improperly implemented. A judicious postponement of design commitments can reduce this waste and increase the reliability of the development process. In addition, results lend support to empirical research findings by demonstrating the value of leveraging specialty-contractor knowledge in early design for expediting project development.