Network Analysis of Flash-Track Practices

Abstract

This paper uses a network analysis approach to better understand the relationships and interdependencies between essential flash-track practices to identify the most central and core practices for successful execution of flash-track projects. Building on prior studies, this paper describes a practice-to-practice semantic network analysis, which reveals a rank order of the differing measures of essential flash-track practices. The findings indicate that establishing fully integrated teams, personnel selection, contractually aligning project participants and colocation of the project team are the most central and core flash-track enablers. Using a semantic network analysis suggests that the following three practices, which were ranked as Tier II practices based on delphi and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach in the earlier research, are found to be core and enabling practices and thus merit to be promoted to the Tier I flash-track practices: (1) colocation of the project team; (2) staffing with cooperative and collaborative personnel; and (3) seeking out suppliers and specialty contractors as a source for time-saving innovations. In addition, this research indicates that the following three Tier I practices (according to delphi and AHP) even though important are not considered core or enabling practices (according to network analysis): (1) emphasizing coordination planning during the design process; (2) providing enough resources to critical path items; and (3) simplifying approval procedures. This research offers practical benefits by revealing why a particular flash-track practice is deemed essential. Although there has been some use of network analysis, particularly social network analysis in construction industry research, the authors believe that this flash-track practice-to-practice semantic network analysis is unique.