Case Study: Scope-Cost-Time Integrated Model with Work Breakdown Structure

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of integrating scope cost and time for construction project planning. This study is important because it will demonstrate the use of a work breakdown structure as a classifying code to facilitate creating an integrated system. This will add to the science of project management in that the literature covering this topic does not specify how to correlate specific itemís scope-cost-time information across the three models. This project matters because the solution is adaptable to work breakdown formats readily available to any construction professional.
This case study relied on project management software tools common on construction projects. The case example is an academic building constructed from concrete. The analyses of the study results are qualitative.

The results demonstrate that integrated model systems are possible using older software tools. The work breakdown classification method produced by this study is applicable in non-computer applications as well as integrated systems.

The studies purpose has been achieved. The question of how integrating scope-cost-time across software tools is accomplished has proved to be a work breakdown structure. This was not the answer expected. In preliminary informal discussions with both researchers and practitioners it was anticipated that such a system was not probable. This study was limited by the scope of the test model and by time limitations.

The practical implication is construction project planners are being advised to begin this method. Any projects implementing an integrated system should consider deriving a similar system prior to the scope-cost-time planning process. Further research is needed to determine if this method applies to more advanced BIM systems and what project types.