Macro and micro models for large scale engineering processes

This paper reports on macro (on an organisational level) and micro (on a process level) models developed within two major research projects aiming at improving the competitiveness of the large scale engineering (LSE) construction sector. The macro model was based on investigations of the emerging trends in the LSE sector based on findings from the European funded ESPRIT project eLSEwise. These trends concluded that different parties working in LSE projects should be modelled on a macro level as a "virtual enterprise". An important pre-requisite to achieve the "virtual enterprise" solution was the need to develop product and process model templates. An innovative approach to model and simulate the construction design process, being a key process, is described in this paper as a micro level model. This approach combines three techniques data flow modelling, design structure matrix and simulation. The approach used for modelling design may be used as a model template for other processes within LSE construction.