An information system for estimating, targetting and planning in small building firms.

This thesis outlines the basic problems relating to estimating, targetting and planning functions in small building firms and a possible solution. It was found that information for these functions was rarely integrated and was derived from different sources. It was therefore suspect in terms of accuracy. Four case studies were undertaken and the firms were investigated and analysed in terms of their logical and physical organisation and management systems. Their basic problems were the lack of control of costs, slow feedback of information, low labour productivity and a shortage of staff to carry out the administration work. A general model was derived from the four case studies and this was used to specify the problems in terms of detailed activities and data used. The general model was analysed to derive a prototype system which co-ordinated the data in the different functions by using production oriented, operations, each with a standard performance output. Database management techniques were then used to structure the data effectively so that the prototype system could be implemented using a standard database package on a micro computer. A standard database file of operations was built up for alterations, refurbishment and repair work. A number of estimates were generated and compared to identical ones prepared by hand. All related planning and targetting information was then prepared. It was found that taking off of estimates took a little longer but once completed much relevant planning and targetting information could be generated and feedback obtained. This was all directly related to the estimate due to the integration of the functions. The management information generated allowed better control of costs and outputs with little administrative effort.