Identifying Concurrent Engineering (CE) Elements for Mass Housing Industry

IDENTIFYING CONCURRENT ENGINEERING (CE) ELEMENTS

FOR MASS HOUSING INDUSTRY

Zairul, M.M.N., and Rahinah, I.

Faculty of Design and Architecture,

Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

Phone: +603-8946 4063, Fax: +603-8946 4004,

Email: mohdzairulJB@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT: Concurrent Engineering (CE) is nothing new in

manufacturing industry and it has been proven to expedite the
delivery of product, minimize cost and reduce life cycle cost in
supply chain. Nevertheless, only recently there are attempts to
integrate this system into the construction industry. However,
abundant case studies have only involved scientific research on
commercial project and sparsely on mass housing industry. The CE
approach is hope to reduce the risk in mass housing development in
Malaysia due to the nature of conventional method of construction
which having risk of being abandoned, time consuming, expensive
and fragmented in nature. As a result, a significant portion of this
country’s population currently does not have access to adequate
housing entitled to them. Towards the end, the research will explore
the element of CE as its principle focus. Next, the research will also
identify the common problems in the mass housing development
life cycle through case studies. The result will highlight CE elements
for mass housing development. It will extend the knowledge of CE
in the construction industry and specifically in the mass housing
projects.

KEYWORDS: Concurrent Engineering; Mass housing projects;

Abandoned projects; Construction industry.

1.0 INTRODUCTION
In order to find common features between Concurrent Engineering
with mass housing development, this section will entails the literature
review on Concurrent Engineering under four sub components: -
• The concept of Concurrent Engineering
• The role of clients in Concurrent Engineering Context
• Contractual arrangement in facilitating CE approach
• Technological enablers to facilitate CE approach

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Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology

The author will try to dissect important points, which could support
Concurrent Engineering (CE) for mass housing development in the
summary chapter of this topic.

2.0 THE CONCEPT OF CONCURRENT ENGINEERING

The word Concurrent Engineering (CE) was first introduced in the late
1980’s to describe the systematic approach of concurrently designing
both the product and its downstream production and support processes
(Kamara & Anumba, 2000) CE concept might not new towards
manufacturing industry. Being part of the manufacturer policy, the
sample case study was made towards Toyota Production system aimed
to regulate supplies to the Toyota motor factory just in the right, small
amount, just in the right time (JIT) (Saad & Jones, 2003). The objective of
this system was mainly to decrease inventories and to establish effective
suppliers’ interaction with the production line. Concurrent Engineering
is a holistic approach to the design, development and production of
a product. A multi-disciplinary team approach is required, whereby
participants are brought together during the design to determine
how downstream issues may affect by design decision. CE is also a
mechanism that can reduce uncertainty and equivocally and improve
an organization’s competitive capabilities (Love & Gunasekaran, 1997).
However, in the construction industry it is relatively new and involves
what we may perceive as ‘integration’ procedure.

Kamara et.al. (2000) outlines that CE have interrelationship with goals,

objectives, strategies and tactics. He describes that the ultimate goal of
CE is to fully satisfying the customer and to have a competitive business.
In the case of mass housing development, both developers and house
buyers plays a significant role in here. The housing developer will
forever need a competitive business and to deliver a quality housing
products toward the buyers. The developer will build a reputation as
soon as they can give a competitive housing price with shorter delivery
times.

But the question arise here is how to achieve this? Kamara et.al. (2000)
added that, these could only be achieved through rigor analysis, early
considerations of life-cycle issues affecting a product, integrated and
concurrent product development and the use of multi-disciplinary team
at the early stage. At this stage, the housing developers or the client may
need to appoint the whole construction team inclusive the consultants,
contractor and the supplier to discuss on the design, cost evaluation
and the materials for the construction during the preliminary stage.

62 ISSN: 1985-3157 Vol. 5 No. 1 January - June 2011

But the question arise here is how to achieve this? Kamara et al. (2000) added that, these
could only be achieved through rigor analysis, early considerations of life-cycle issues
affecting a product, integrated
Identifying and concurrent
Concurrent product
Engineering development
(CE) Elements andHousing
for Mass the use of multi-
Industry
disciplinary team at the early stage. At this stage, the housing developers or the client may
need to appoint the whole construction team inclusive the consultants, contractor and the
This process
supplier to discusswill definitely
on the need
design, cost to beand
evaluation facilitating
the materialswith
for thevarious tools
construction during
the
andpreliminary stage.which
techniques, This process will Quality
include: definitely Function
need to be facilitating
Deployment with (QFD),
various tools
and techniques, which include: Quality Function Deployment (QFD), agent and knowledge
agent and knowledge based tools, computer aided design (CAD) and
based tools, computer aided design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) tools
Computer
and Aided
other relevant toolsManufacturing
(Kamara & Anumba, (CAM)
2007).tools and other relevant tools
(Kamara & Anumba, 2007).

Figure 1. Sequence diagram- traditional approaches in conventional housing development.

Figure 1. Sequence diagram- traditional approaches in conventional
housing development.

Koskela (1992) noted that, CE focused on the design phase, which

determines and largely influences the overall cost of product (Koskela,
2007). Downlatshahi (1994) supports that as much as 80 per cent of
the production cost can be committed during design stage. Generally
in a mass housing development, the design process often took longer
time than the other process. Normally, it started with the client brief,
and then the architect produces an architectural design and proposal,
which is however pending series of modifications due to the design,
brief requirement, needs, cost and other human factors. Next, if the
Architect gets through with the design, the design will be given to
the structural engineer who will figure up the structural design of the
housing scheme. On completing the design, the quantity surveying
will plays part to produce costing and bill of quantities. This goes on
until the project is then passed on to the contractor who been awarded
for the project and subject to series of negotiation or rationalization of
the construction cost, the contractor will take the responsibility for the
construction of the housing.

Historically, the design management practices have certain principles.

According to Koskela (2000), the development of design management
practices can be divided into three eras: design as craft, sequential
engineering and CE. Koskela (2000) added that up to World War 2, the

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Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology

design production applies on a simpler products thus the production

processes were simpler and no needs for systematised management
and coordination. Later, after the World War two eras, the design
development were characterised by the dissemination of method mainly
used for production of weapons. Also, the development of human
technology such as telephone, television and etc were established and
project management were grown out of these efforts. At that time also,
industries like car production and related product management were
tend to follow the systematic approach. She added that, in systematic
approach, experts were grouped into different sections and department
and the tasks flowed within.

Koskela later added that, CE is a practice in search of a theory. From

the literatures, he concluded that the tools and methods of CE derive,
implicitly or explicitly, from new conceptualisations of design, which
thus provide the seed towards further study on the theory of design as
well as new design management methods. He claimed the historical
background of design has many similarities to that of production.
Originally, the first systematic attempts to manage design were based
on transformation concept, which copied from production. Anomalies
in design due to its intrinsic in nature somehow show a slight different
from those in production. Later CE emerged in the 1980s represent a
similar theoretical shift to that in the case of lean production.

Koskela (2000) argued that the TFV (Transform, Flow, Value) concept
provides a theoretical foundation for design too. He elaborates
transformation as to determine what task is needed in undertaking the
engineering task. In the flow view the main concept is to eliminate waste
from design stage therefore promoting activities such as reduction of
rework, team approach and releasing information for subsequent tasks
in smaller batches. In the value generation view, the basic principle is
to reach the best possible value for the design solution from the point of
customer. This will lead to rigorous requirement analysis, systematised
management of requirements and rapid iterations for improvement.
These conceptualisations lead directly to the practices of CE, which can
be further developed as a theory. In the housing development point of
view, these three principles of TFV have been guiding the concept in
design. A summary of all three view design which established from
Koskela, (2007) transformation, flow and value generations concept of
design [9] is provided in table below: -

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 Identifying Concurrent Engineering (CE) Elements for Mass Housing Industry

Table Table
1: Transformation, flow
1: Transformation, flowand
and value generation
value generation concepts
concepts of design.
of design.
Source: Derived
Source: from
Derived fromKoskela (2007)concepts
Koskela (2007) concepts of design.
of design.
Value
Transformation
Flow concept generation
concept
concept
Conceptualis As a As a flow of As a process
ation of transformation information, where value
design requirements and composed of for the
other input transformation customer is
information for and information created
the housing design on design are through
analysed in fulfilment of
more detail his
requirements
Main Hierarchical Elimination of Elimination
principles decomposition; waste, time of value loss
control of reduction, rapid (gap between
decomposed reduction of achieved
activities e.g. uncertainty e.g. value and best
wastages work extra printing possible
works value) e.g.,
materials
evaluation,
alternative
materials, IBS
Method and Work Breakdown Design Quality
Practices structure, Critical Structure Function
(examples) Path Method, Matrix, team Deployment,
Organisational approach, tool value
Responsibility integration, engineering,
Chart multi- Taguchi
disciplinary methods
Practical Provide job Eliminate all Value for
contribution description unnecessary money for
cost and timely stakeholders
and house
buyers

Therefore, the concept

Therefore, theofconcept
Transformation, Value and Flow
of Transformation, Valuederived fromderived
and Flow the Koskela
from(2007)
conceptsthe
of design have contributed significantly to the overall concept of
Koskela (2007) concepts of design have contributed significantly CE in the mass
housing development. This might used as a guidelines and a fundamental in helping to
to the overall concept of CE in the mass housing development. This
identify CE approach for mass housing projects and solving some of the issues related to
might used as a guidelines and a fundamental in helping to identify
delayed and abandoned housing projects.
CE approach for mass housing projects and solving some of the issues
3.0 related to delayed and
CHARACTERISTIC OFabandoned
CONCURRENT housing projects.
ENGINEERING

The successful
3.0 ofCHARACTERISTIC
CE philosophy was derive OFfrom similar benefits achieved in other industry
CONCURRENT
sectors and some are based on subjective evidence from construction organisations and
project teams thatENGINEERING
have implemented the element of CE. Some of the benefits of Concurrent
Engineering in the
The successfulconstruction has been proven
of CE philosophy was and shared
derive from by similar
(Anumba, Kamara, &
benefits
Cutting-Decelle, 2007) as follows: -
achieved in other industry sectors and some are based on subjective
evidence from construction organisations and project teams that have
• Will improved quality
implemented of facilities
the element relative
of CE. Someto cost
of the benefits of Concurrent
• Reduced duration of capital projects
Engineering in the construction has been proven and shared by
• Enhanced
(Anumba, efficiency
Kamara, and
& productivity due to 2007)
Cutting-Decelle, reduction in rework-
as follows:
• Better co-ordination and management of the construction process
• Better informed
• decision making quality
Will improved and co-ordination with
of facilities decision
relative taken at the right
to cost
time and by the right person(s)
• Improved competitiveness of the construction industry relative to other industry
sectors ISSN: 1985-3157 Vol. 5 No. 1 January - June 2011 65
• Better project definition due to more time provision at the early project stages
Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology

• Reduced duration of capital projects

• Enhanced efficiency and productivity due to
reduction in rework
• Better co-ordination and management of the
construction process
• Better informed decision making and co-ordination
with decision taken at the right time and by the right
person(s)
• Improved competitiveness of the construction
industry relative to other industry sectors
• Better project definition due to more time provision
at the early project stages
• Improved integration of life-cycle considerations
• Enhanced collaboration and teamwork between
members of the project team
• More robust information exchange between team
members and across the stages in the project delivery
of greater value
• Waste reduction
• Reduced scope for conflicts and litigation
• Greater profits for construction companies due to
the ability to control more aspects of the project,
reducing overall construction time and improved
interaction with designers and other team members
• Improved safety and uptime for existing operations.

However, Anumba et.al. (2007) argues to adopt CE in a construction

management, the organisations need to address a number of principles
to maximise all benefits outlined earlier. Some of the concerns in
CE operation include the following (Anumba & Duke, 2007): 1)
the availability of a robust project development process, which
is documented, adaptable, periodically evaluated and facilitates
concurrency; 2) the existence of an organisational framework and
policies that support both individuals and teams, and enables the
project development process to be controlled; 3) the need for a clear
business strategy that outlines organization’s objectives with regard to
interaction with clients and other project’s members; 4) The agility of
an organization and its capacity to respond quickly to changes in its
operating environment 5) The appropriateness of strategies for team
formation and operation and to ensure all team members aware of
their own responsibilities 6) Appropriate selection and delegation of
authority to team leaders; 7) The need for appropriate guidelines for
maintaining team discipline 8) The provision for training to enable team
members to fulfil their roles and the institution of reward to recognise

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 Identifying Concurrent Engineering (CE) Elements for Mass Housing Industry

the effort; 9) The development of designs that are flexible, robust and
conformed to the client’s requirement 10) The availability of appropriate
technologies to facilitate information exchange and knowledge sharing;
11) Use of common hardware and software platforms to ensure seamless
exchange of information; 12) Use of standard and proven information
and communication technologies. Housing development in Malaysia
has the potential for CE considerations. The issue of late delivery,
shortage materials supply, issues among consultants, problems during
construction may be eliminated if the developer attempt to make it as
a business strategy.
However, the implementation of this new system may need a rigor
analysis and study in order to ensure it successful. The readiness of
the team members especially the client will be another issue to be
resolved. Anumba et.al. (2007), argues that there are also barriers in
implementing the principles in the construction which include; 1)
The fragmentation and traditional adversarial relationship between
the team members; 2) The lack of trust between members; 3) The
lack of a recognised stakeholder for overall process improvements
4) Traditional practise of ‘lowest bidder’ in tendering stage (usually
in government body); 5) Conservative thinking and nature in the
construction industry 6) Low levels of awareness and understanding
of the principles and benefits of CE. Despite all the motivations of
successful projects using CE approach, we must deals with the issue
of readiness, awareness and knowledge understandings of the concept
especially among private developers who always choose to be on the
safe side rather than attempt into new things. Anumba et.al. (2007) later
added that these obstacles can be addressed in many ways but pointed
out several promising approaches which include; 1) Improvements in
education and training for actors in construction industry 2) Provision
of incentives for collaborative working; 3) A demonstration from clients
to showcase the benefits of the approach 4) Changes in government
regulation particularly with regard to competitive bidding 5) The
adoption of established information and communication technologies
6) The establishment of strategic alliances and partnership. Therefore,
the issue of trust and the growth of knowledge are among important
aspects that need to be taken care for further direction of CE in mass
housing development. Concurrent Engineering implementation will
not take to reality if the clients or the shareholders hesitant to adopt
the concept in the mass housing projects. These barriers will impede
the successful of the uptake of CE in construction industry. Therefore,
the focus of the research will be none others the client or the developer
because of their crucial contributions towards the construction industry
in general and mass housing specifically.

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4.0 THE ROLE OF CLIENT IN CONCURRENT

ENGINEERING CONTEXT
Clients are the most important entity in any construction development;
they usually act as the owner of the project, or the master payer of
the project. (Kamara & Anumba, 2007) mentioned clients are crucial to
the construction process, since they funding the entire projects, their
involvement is crucial for project success and also the key factors to
determine the change in the industry. Therefore, since CE is focused on
the ultimate satisfaction of clients, it is necessary that attention be given
to understand client’s requirements in the downstream process such as
design process.

In the housing industry, the client normally is called developers or

housing developers. The role of housing developers normally started
as early as land acquisition process until inception of the housing
project till end of defects liability period. The involvement of clients in
the construction project is crucial in the sense that they are the decision-
makers and approved on certain decisions. The active involvement of
clients in the procurement of their facilities suggests that clients are
now part of the project process.

However, in the case of housing projects in Malaysia, the client will

be two parties; the developer and the house buyers. The developers
usually funded the housing project through mortgage loan provided
by the financial institutions and the house buyers will pay the housing
loan to the respective banks according to the stage completion certificate
issued by the Architect. However, for this research, the term ‘client’’ will
be referred to the housing developers or the private developers. This is
because the needs of a client in a form of developers is because this
term is always associate to the person or an organisation responsible
for commissioning and paying for the design and construction of a
facility although not necessarily always but usually the owner of the
facilities being constructed.

According to definition by (Kok, 1997) the definition of developers’

industry is a business constructing more than four units of housing
accommodations on housing project land with the intention of selling
to members of public for profit. These developers were also those who
involved in a housing provision with valid license from the Ministry of
Housing and Local Government. In addition, they must also register
as a member with Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association
Malaysia (REHDA) (Khalid, 2005).

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 Identifying Concurrent Engineering (CE) Elements for Mass Housing Industry

According to client requirement processing model (CRP), Kamara

(2007) denotes that, CRP should both facilitate ‘concurrent’ working
during design and construction process and reflect its philosophy
as an integrated CE process. In relation to that, in order to facilitate
concurrent working, Kamara (2007) outlines the outputs of the process
should be enable i) different disciplines work concurrently as much
as possible ii) identification of early up-front considerations analysis
iii) integration of all professional disciplines involved in the process
considerations analysis iii) integration of all professional disciplines involved in the process
iv) the ability to trace design decisions to original brief throughout the
iv) the ability to trace design decisions to original brief throughout the life-cycle facility.
life-cycle facility.

Figure 2. A CE project model. Source: (Kamara & Anumba, 2000).

Figure 2. A CE project model. Source: (Kamara & Anumba, 2000).

Figure above shows a conceptual model of a Concurrent Engineering

Figure above shows a conceptual model of a Concurrent Engineering in construction projects,
in construction
which involves three levels ofprojects,
schematicwhich involves
integration. threeonelevels
At level or the of schematic
early stage of design
which include conceptual stage, schematic process, detailed design, design include
integration. At level one or the early stage of design which documentation
conceptual
and the integration stage,
of early schematic
construction process,
planning. Level detailed
2 representsdesign,
computerdesign
aided design
documentation and the integration of early construction planning.
tools and other supporting techniques such as finite element analysis and others. Level 3
consist ofLevel 2 represents
the necessary computer
knowledge aided design
and databases tools the
that support anddesign
othertools
supporting
in level 2.
techniques such as finite element analysis and others. Level 3 consist of
the necessary
Kamara (2000) knowledge
again emphasis andclient
on the databases that support
requirements shouldthebe design
preciselytools
clear and
understoodin and
level 2.
reflecting all the perspectives, mission and priorities of the body, stakeholders
and maybe the ‘taste’ of the house buyers. Secondly, the format should be solution-neutral
and makes Kamara
it easy (2000)
to traceagain emphasisdesign
and correlate on the client requirements
decisions to the original should be of the
intentions
client. Therefore,
precisely assessing
clear andclient requirements
understood and through
reflecting proper briefing
all the is essential in
perspectives,
justifyingmission
concurrent
andengineering philosophy
priorities of the body,especially to adopt
stakeholders andthe concept
maybe theof‘taste’
CE in mass
housing development.
of the house buyers. Secondly, the format should be solution-neutral
and makes it easy to trace and correlate design decisions to the original
5.0 CHALLENGES
intentions of the IN CONTRACTUAL
client. Therefore, MATTERS WITHIN
assessing client CONCURRENT
requirements
ENGINEERING
through proper briefing is essential in justifying concurrent engineering
philosophy especially to adopt the concept of CE in mass housing
Contractual matters have for many years become the essential part to enter into construction
development.
industry. Alongside this, the question is whether current contractual does support Concurrent
Engineering approach especially for mass housing projects. In Malaysia, the housing projects
normally procured under ISSN:several forms Vol.
1985-3157 of contract
5 No. 1 available
January -and
Junethe
2011most familiar69is that
published by PAM, IEM, JKR and CIDB forms. The PAM form is recommended by the
Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology

5.0 CHALLENGES IN CONTRACTUAL MATTERS

WITHIN CONCURRENT ENGINEERING
Contractual matters have for many years become the essential part to
enter into construction industry. Alongside this, the question is whether
current contractual does support Concurrent Engineering approach
especially for mass housing projects. In Malaysia, the housing projects
normally procured under several forms of contract available and the
most familiar is that published by PAM, IEM, JKR and CIDB forms.
The PAM form is recommended by the Institute of Architects, the IEM
form is that recognised by the Institution of Engineers. The PAM and
IEM have their origins from the architects and engineers who act as
a superintending officer or contract administration in a project. The
other is the CIDB form, which is used by the Construction Industry
Development Board. For the government projects, it is more likely to
adopt JKR forms.

The function of standard forms of contract is to act as a basic legal

framework and to provide prudent evidence on legal relationship
between the parties involved in the contract in identifying the rights,
obligation and duties. However, according to Walker (2007) whatever
the name of the contract forms typically it contain terms relating to:

• Details of the parties and description of the Works

• The employer’s representative and power of
instruction
• Obligations (of contractor and Employer) and risk
for non-fulfilment
• Time, payment and arrangement for claims for
extension of time and payments
• Liabilities and Insurances
• Quality of Materials and Workmanship
• Health and Safety
• Disputes and Termination

In the traditional contract the appointment of the consultants is normally

under the purview and directive of the employer or the client and the
construction contractor, sub-cons, nominated sub-cons and suppliers
were usually brought into the contract a bit much later and not parties
to the contract. Traditionally also, the contractor has no duty to counter
propose or even to check errors in the drawing. Walker noted that this
is normally happening when the contractor has no design skills within
their organisations to review, audit or question the design. In result, the
contractor who might have the idea on how to reduce the building cost

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 Identifying Concurrent Engineering (CE) Elements for Mass Housing Industry

might have no authorities to do so due the restrictions in the current

contract.

However, according to (Kamara, Anumba, & Carrillo, 2003) the

two key principles of Concurrent Engineering are ‘integration and
concurrency’. He later denotes that the integration shall include
relation to the process of content information and knowledge, between
and within project stages and also includes early requirement and
thorough analysis by the set of multidisciplinary team, which involves
from day one. Concurrency explained by how the tasks are delegated
between people and tools probably by the introduction of technology.

Therefore, the adoption of CE is an attempt to break the sequential

approach and a clean contractual break between design and building.
Walker describes this as a surprise to find any aspects of the contract to
create opportunities to adopt a CE approach or at least to identify any
part in the traditional contracting that allow the CE to be implemented. In
the case of Malaysia, this is almost not happening in the normal contract.
However, in the UK the most likely to adopt the concept of concurrent
is the use of nomination in the use of Contractors Designed Portion
supplement. Prior to the Contractors Designed Portion supplement,
the involvement of specialist suppliers and sub-contractors exist in
early stage and it can be said to schedule the design task that allows
the interaction among parties in the design development process.
However, Walker argued that although this allows some integration
and concurrency, it could not be truly considered as a CE approach.

In response to the early integration of contractors during early stage,

Walker argued that the commercial contractual obligation of the
designer might discourages good design, however, in the case of mass
housing development, the design is almost repetitive and an innovation
of past design by the designer or the architect. This is due to motivation
of mass housing development, which is to provide home ownership for
all in the shortest possible period.

The challenges in implementing CE in traditional contractual

management might posed several barriers but not impossible to be
implemented although the current model for construction projects
in Malaysia has been sequential rather than concurrent and the
organisation of architecture, construction and engineering firms has
been fragmented rather than integrated. However, the authors has
no intention to speculate on the opportunities for CE in the current
traditional concept but precludes the possible integration between
these two elements for a new direction of CE in local form of contract

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Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology

in the future and sustaining this will require careful study and review
of the commercial and contractual arrangements between actors in the
housing industry as a part of the wider procurement system.

6.0 TECHNOLOGICAL ENABLERS TO FACILITATE CE

APPROACH
The application of information technology and software systems in
manufacturing and construction has been proven as tools to expedite
process and production. Therefore, the needs to have integrated
software to conduct business and operations are needed in an
organisation. (Francoise, Pouchard, & Anne, 2007) Pouchard (2000,
2002) and Ray, (2003) as cited by Francoise et.al. (2007) described the
integration as interoperability. The concept of interoperability is crucial
in an organisation in order to maintain good economic performance;
such systems should result in the flawless integration of application
data and exchange of process between applications.

In conventional construction, software collaboration between

consultants might applicable especially with the use of CADD and
other relevant software. However, the challenges might happen when
applying the concept of concurrent towards the contractor and vendors.
Francoise et.al. (2007) cited with the increasing need for enterprise
integration, developers face more complex problems related to inter-
operability. Independent contractors and suppliers who collaborate on
demand within virtual supply chains must now share product-related
data.

According to Francoise et.al. (2007), interoperability is the ability of

software and hardware on multiple machines form multiple vendors
to communicate. It is also considered as the ability of a system or a
product to work with other systems without special effort on the part
of the customer. However Miller (2000) as cited by Francoise to be
interoperable, one should actively be engaged in the ongoing process
of ensuring that the systems, procedures and culture of an organisation
are managed in such a way as to maximise opportunities for exchange
and re-use information, whether internally or externally.
Based on the definition, it should be understood that interoperability
should not be limited to use compatible software and hardware
only but an assurance of effective interoperability will require often
essential changes to the ways in which organizations work and their
priority towards information. The trend of adopting interoperability
is increasingly popular among organisations, company and project.

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 Identifying Concurrent Engineering (CE) Elements for Mass Housing Industry

The adoption of interoperability will subsequently lead to changes in

the way the organisations running its operations. Francoise et.al. (2007)
added a truly interoperable organisation would be able to maximise the
value and reuse the potential of information under its control and thus
also allowing new knowledge to be transferred among other equally
interoperable bodies. The needs for technological enablers would also
support the idea of collaboration and cooperation. Amor and Clift (2007)
describes the move towards IT-based document management and
especially internet-based systems, is proving effective in supporting CE
principles, especially enhanced collaboration and cooperation across
organisational boundaries for team member in a project. However, to
date the various aspects of IT applied to engineering have developed
independently, leading to a stand alone project, process and document
management system.

The other aspect of technological enable that support CE is the

neophyte of 4D CAD. The technology for CE should surpass the normal
conventional methodology which forcing the consultants to work
independently and manually. The ability of 4D CAD has shown its
capability in supporting CE principles. Staub-French et.al. (2007) have
applied the tool for Pilot Plant Facility for Sequus Pharmaceuticals in
California and realised the benefits of the 4D modelling ability to 1)
provide shorter estimating time; 2) fewer quantity takeoff errors; 3)
better documentation and reproducibility of the estimating process; 4)
elimination of field interferences; 5) improved communication of the
schedule intent; 6) construction completed on time and under budget;
7) less rework; 8) increased productivity; 9) 60 per cent fewer requests
for information; 10) fewer change orders; 11) less than 1 per cent cost
growth and 12) decrease in time from start of construction to facility
turnover. This project has shown the example on how 3D design tools to
be link with cost estimating tools like Timberline’s Precision Estimating.
Staub & Fischer (2007) argues that traditional construction planning
tools, such as bar charts and network diagrams, do not represent and
communicate the spatial and temporal or four-dimensional, aspects
of construction schedules effectively (p.204). They suggested the
extension of the traditional planning tools; visual 4D models combine
with 3D CAD models with the project timeline.

The 4D model which was used in the project primarily act as a

communication tool between the general contractor and the owner
and between the general contractors and the subcontractors. The
project was also unique in the sense that the construction team from
the early stage consist of the design firms, general contractor and three
key subcontractors focusing on mechanical, electrical and piping work

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Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology

was assembled prior to design and construction. Each team member

committed to modelling their respective scope of work in 3D CAD
using a design-build, and CE approach.

In the housing development, this system might well work with the
uncomplicated nature of housing construction. The conventional
method of construction might undertake several other alternatives
include IBS (Industrialized Building System) construction, which has
been proven similar to those from manufacturing. Staub & Fischer
(2007) outlines creating 4D model was based on three-step process; 1)
elaborate the schedule; 2) group the 3D objects and 33) create the 4D
model. With the higher cost of land price together with the escalating
and fluctuated raw materials for construction, early discovery and
holistic program from the beginning can resulted to a cheaper housing
price and help to reduce burden for house buyers. With the help of 4D
CAD also, the housing industry might no longer having the potential of
being abandoned because the 4D model was very detailed and showed
the day-to-day operations of all the workers involved.

Another aspect of technology in Concurrent Engineering is the

introduction of communication architecture. Many problems resulted
from miscommunication among professionals in the construction
industry. Disputes happen and due to its specific characteristics, the
industry forms a complex communication environment. (Hoezen,
Reymen, & Dewulf, 2006). In the light of this, Hoezen et.al. (2006)
claimed that the efficiency and effectiveness of the construction
process strongly depend on the quality of communication. Franks
(1998), Somogyi (1999), Lenard & Eckersley (1997), Emmit & Gorse
(2003), Brown (2001) as cited by Hoezen et.al. (2006) denotes that firstly,
improving communication within the building team can reduce failure
of the project, secondly open communication at all levels could lead to
innovations and better technical solution and thirdly communication
improvements in early phases of projects would positively influence
the quality as perceived by the stakeholders involved. And finally,
improved communication during the briefing might lead to better
decision-making.

Within a CE setting, there is the need for an integrated information and

collaboration environment that will create a constant space to sustain
communication between project key people throughout all phases
of construction projects. According to (Anumba & Duke, 2007) a
communication architecture that will provide an infrastructure and the
user’s perspective is defined and the modes of interaction are explained
using the architecture as a basis. He later added that this is intended to

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 Identifying Concurrent Engineering (CE) Elements for Mass Housing Industry

promote of what we called as serendipitous contact with the intention

to recreate for remote people the ad hoc meetings and informal cues
that are so important for collaboration when people are co-located.

Anumba and Duke (2007) cited from Anumba and Evbuomwan (1999)
describe the key communications issue in “Concurrent Lifestyle Design
and Construction” (CLDC) include the following:

• Concurrency in an integrated design and construction

process requires greater discipline in the production,
manipulation, storage and communication of project
information.
• Project information necessarily consists of both
graphical and non-graphical information, which
must be communicated between members of the
project team.
• The greater level of concurrency in a process, the
greater the level of co-ordination required.
• Paper-based communication of project information
is now inadequate to cope with the high level of
functionality (in terms of speed, accuracy, usability,
ease of modification, enhanced visualisation,
improved coordination, etc) required in a
collaborative working environment.
• The increasing ‘globalisation’ and complexity of
construction projects means that project teams
often involve partners from widely distributed
geographical areas, sometimes on different
continents. Effective communication protocols
able to collapse time and distance constraints are
therefore necessary.
• The very past of technological development,
particularly in computing and telecommunications
dictate that, for the construction industry to remain
competitive, it must take advantage of new emerging
information and communication technologies
such as the internet, multimedia, virtual reality,
broadband communication networks, etc.

In response to above, there is the need for a clear identification of distinct

groups of people, tools and project phase across which communication
has to take place. Among reason of abandoned projects is also due
to communication errors. Between i) client and consultants, ii)
consultants and contractor, iii) client and contractor and iv) consultants

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Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology

and consultants According to Hoezen et.al. (2006) communication

is influenced by several factors; the first type factor is related to the
organization of the construction process. The credibility of the Project
Manager, the Superintending Officer and the issue of difference between
formal and informal communication routes during design phase; the
second factor is related to the clients and the stakeholders itself, which
is due to hidden agenda and leads to restricted communication. If
this issue can be resolved, the housing industry will be able to bloom
towards another level; the consultants are able to conduct more than one
and two projects at the same time. This will results to more production
of housing development and reduce the problems of management
and monitoring. However, in order to achieve this in mass housing
development, Anumba & Evbuomwan (1999) as cited by Anumba
& Duke (2007) several communications need to be addressed 1)
communication between inter-disciplinary; 2) communication between
each project team member and his/her design tools 3) communication
between project team members 4) communication between each
discipline and common project model 5) communication across the
stages in the project life-cycle 6) communication between the project
team and third parties 7) communication between inter-disciplinary.

Anumba & Duke (2007) suggested the Telepresence Environment as one

of the alternative approach in enhancing collaborative communication on
construction projects. They claimed that it is a medium that allows non-
collocated construction personnel to collaborate at a level approaching
that co-located colleague. A telecommunications infrastructure for CE
in housing industry is crucial to provide effective means to deliver the
necessary improvements in communication. Telepresence is one of the
communication technologies that are appropriate but the study is far
from optimal to be applied in the housing industry.

7.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

In the light of the literatures presented in this chapter and the
developments of technologies to support CE, it is recommended that
the housing industry make wider use of collaborative communications
technologies and should carry out trials and research and the importance
of localizing the knowledge to suit the Malaysia Construction Industry
in order to make informed decisions about the development and
eventual adoption of better communication for CE in mass housing
development. Therefore, the author believe the adoption of Concurrent
Engineering in mass housing projects will helps to improve the
fragmented and adversarial issues in project management, improve

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 Identifying Concurrent Engineering (CE) Elements for Mass Housing Industry

the supply management with early anticipation of life-cycle issues, cost

saving for development cost and time saving in term of development
period for the whole construction and at the end eliminate the possibility
of abandoned housing projects.

8.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors gratefully acknowledged Universiti Putra Malaysia and
the Ministry of Higher Education for sponsoring this study.

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