An exploration of the role of system dynamics in the analysis of disruption and delay for litigation

System Dynamics (SD) is a modelling approach that has been used to support litigation cases that are investigating overruns on large engineering projects caused by Disruption and Delay (D&D). However, the role that SD can play in the analysis of D&D in large projects is not fully understood. The first aim of the research is to explore the appropriateness of SD as a modelling approach in the analysis of D&D for litigation. Criteria on the suitability of SD to model a situation are taken from the SD literature and explored to understand their level of contribution to the research. Experiences from the researcher's involvement in two litigation cases are then used to test how empirical data performs against the criteria. The explorations lead to a revised set of criteria being proposed. These criteria should be used to assess whether or not SD should be used to analyse D&D for any specific litigation case. Testing the data against the criteria also results in lessons for the modelling of D&D. This includes a proposed method of assessing the level of D&D in a project through an analysis of managerial actions. The second aim of the research is to explore the issues that are involved in using SD to analyse D&D for litigation. The approach taken uses the empirical data to test the degree to which SD can meet the purposes of modelling D&D for litigation. This process leads to a number of conclusions. It highlights limitations of using SD in this environment; emphasises the importance that the audience plays in the modelling process; explores the difficulties encountered in gaining audience confidence in the model; provides an appreciation of the validation process required when modelling in this environment. The research provides an initial understanding of the role that SD can play in the analysis of D&D for litigation. It is hoped that this can be built on with future experiences of modelling D&D for litigation.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral-pg

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Strathclyde

Year dc:date.issued

2001

Author dc:creator

• Howick, Susan

DOI

10.48730/3n1w-pq59

Identifier

uk.bl.ethos.343587
T10191

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:strathclyde:pc289j12d