Engineering

Design structure matrix

Systems engineering

Scheduling (production processes)

Operating system

Data mining

Computer science

Mathematical optimization

Mathematics

Industrial engineering

Operations management

Schedule

Deliverable

Engineering Construction & Architectural Management

Purpose Scheduling in information-driven design phase of construction projects is challenging due to multiple entity types (teams, components, deliverables, activities or parameters) and their dependencies/linkages. Established techniques such as dependency structure matrix (DSM), beeline diagramming method (BDM), multiple domain matrix (MDM), etc. have been independently utilized in past to model information dependencies/linkages and associated iteration. However, there has not been a holistic solution yet for scheduling multiple entity types and their relationships. Hence, an integrated solution needs to be developed that schedules information-driven projects accurately. Design/methodology/approach A case study data collection approach is utilized. With data from two projects, i.e. hostel design and highway design, a BDM–MDM integrated solution was developed and applied to the same. Feedback from experts was obtained for refinements. Findings The proposed solution is efficient for scheduling multiple entity types and their information dependencies/linkages. Practical implications The proposed integrated solution enables the project participants to schedule information-driven projects systematically. Application to two distinct design cases emphasizes that the concept is generic and can be applied to any information-driven project with multiple entity types. Originality/value The BDM–MDM integrated solution concept is investigated for scheduling multiple entity types in any information-driven projects. This study also explored the terminologies such as multiple entity types and information-driven scheduling.

BDM–MDM integrated solution concept for scheduling information-driven projects