The use of structured data analysis as a construction management research tool: 1. The technique

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Abstract
It is argued in this paper that the flow of data between members of a construction project team is both critical and time-consuming. If progress is to continue in important areas of construction management and engineering that involve dataflow or transfer — such as information technology, computer-aided design and manufacture, robotics and expert systems — the recording and identification of the best of current practice will become increasingly important to the design of more efficient dataflows. This paper outlines a modified form of ‘structured data analysis’ (SDA), a technique originally developed by the electronic data processing industry. Modifications necessary for SDA to be used as a tool in management systems research are outlined. The contextual relationship of the technique to the wider systems movement is considered. The benefits and limitations of the technique are discussed, and the conclusion is reached that SDA has the promise of being an ideal tool to assist in the task of mapping, recording and comparing dataflows in different organizations.

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