Foresight: A graphically based approach to modeling construction processes

Modeling is an essential part of construction project planning and control. Most modeling exercises use the Critical Path Method (CPM) since it is simple to use and versatile, despite its lack of versatility. Almost all other modeling techniques are aimed at specialized types of construction work, such as linear scheduling which is used for modeling work that progresses along a line. Discrete-event simulation, while extremely versatile, lacks the simplicity in use of CPM and so has not been widely adopted within the industry. This paper goes back to first principles, identifying the needs of construction project planning and how existing tools meet (or fail to meet) these requirements. Based on this, it proposes a new modeling paradigm, Foresight, better suited to contemporary construction project planning. The principles of the method and its relative merits are demonstrated relative to conventional simulation in a series of construction case studies.