Presenting an efficient design management model in urban areas of Tehran with an approach to improving productivity in architectural and urban planning offices
Subject Areas : Urban policyNAGHMEH HEMMATIAN 1 , غزال صفدریان 2 * , کاوه بذرافکن 3
1 - دانشجوی دکتری معماری، واحد پردیس، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی، پردیس، ایران
2 - استادیار، گروه معماري، واحد پردیس، دانشگاه ازاد اسلامي، تهران، ايران
3 - استادیار، گروه معماري، واحد تهران مركزي، دانشگاه ازاد اسلامي، تهران، ايران
Keywords: Model, Structural-Interpretive Analysis, Productivity, Mid-Scale Architecture Offices, Tehran City.,
Abstract :
Productivity-based design management modeling in architectural and urban planning offices, as a new approach, identifies and analyzes key factors affecting project performance. This model aims to improve the efficiency and quality of design, helping architectural and urban planning offices optimize their resources and accelerate design processes. Using this model, architectural and urban planning offices can achieve better results in their projects and be more successful in today's competitive market. In this regard, this article has tried to identify and cluster the factors affecting design management in urban areas of Tehran with the approach of improving productivity in architectural and urban planning offices using a structural-interpretive method. The research method is descriptive-analytical. In order to identify the factors, the content analysis method was used. The data collection tool is in the form of interviews and a paired questionnaire. The relationships between factors affecting design management in urban areas of Tehran with the approach of improving productivity in architectural and urban planning offices have been determined and analyzed in an integrated manner using a new analytical methodology called interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and mik-mak analysis. The results of this study show that optimal allocation of human resources with a level of influence of 13, training and development of skills with a level of influence of 12, and optimization of design processes with a level of influence of 10 are the main factors in the formation of an efficient model of design management in urban areas of Tehran with the approach of improving productivity in architectural and urban planning offices, which act as the foundation stone of the model, and in order to improve the position of this management in selected architectural and urban planning offices in Tehran with the approach of improving productivity, they should be emphasized first.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Today, architecture and urban planning offices in Tehran, as a crucial part of the construction industry and project execution, face challenges in the areas of productivity and design management. Issues such as inefficiency in human resource allocation, a lack of effective standards in design processes, the absence of appropriate technological tools, and a lack of coordination in project scheduling are among the significant concerns for these offices. These challenges have led to increased costs, reduced project quality, and customer dissatisfaction. From a theoretical standpoint, limited research has comprehensively examined the factors influencing productivity-based design management in architecture and urban planning offices. Many existing studies have primarily focused on technical or managerial aspects in isolation, without addressing the integration of these two domains within a comprehensive theoretical framework. Research gaps include a lack of emphasis on integrating advanced technologies into design processes and insufficient attention to the role of creativity and innovation in enhancing productivity (Scaletsky & Costa, 2019: 23-28). Attention to this matter is essential today because architecture and urban planning offices, as the driving force behind urban development, play a vital role in elevating the quality of architectural projects. Furthermore, presenting a productivity-based design management model for architecture and urban planning offices in Tehran can improve their performance and efficiency, and by optimizing design processes, it can enhance the quality of projects. This model can lead to the optimal utilization of human and financial resources, cost reduction, and the promotion of teamwork in architecture and urban planning projects.
Methodology
This study aims to identify the factors influencing productivity-based design management in selected architecture and urban planning offices in Tehran and to analyze the interactions among these factors. The research adopts a descriptive–analytical methodology and an applied research approach. Key factors were identified through content analysis, while expert opinions from academics and experienced professionals were collected using the Delphi method. Data were gathered through interviews and pairwise comparison questionnaires, and face validity was applied to validate the research instrument. Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) was employed to systematically examine the interrelationships among factors, determine their hierarchical levels of influence and dependence, and organize them into a coherent structure, thereby enhancing understanding and guidance of productivity-based design management.
Results and Discussion
Based on the ISM graph, the results indicate that the factors affecting productivity-based design management in selected architecture and urban planning offices in Tehran are classified into 9 levels. The ISM graph clearly illustrates the reciprocal relationships and the degree of influence among these factors, defining the decision-making structure within this domain. Factors positioned at higher levels of the model are more influenced by other factors and exhibit a greater dependence on the underlying variables, whereas factors at the lower levels are more influential and less susceptible to influence. This categorization assists managers of architecture and urban planning offices in prioritizing their actions based on the level of influence exerted by each factor. Productivity-based design management, as a pivotal element, plays a significant role in enhancing the performance and success of architectural projects and can improve productivity and optimize design processes through the implementation of appropriate strategies.
Conclusion
The findings of this study indicate that productivity-based design management in selected architectural and urban planning offices in Tehran depends on a set of different factors, each of which has a different influence on increasing efficiency and improving performance. Optimal allocation of human resources with the highest influence (13) plays a key role in increasing productivity. Architectural and urban planning offices in Tehran must manage human resources effectively, especially in situations where they are faced with manpower constraints and increasing project demands. This process can improve the quality of projects and their delivery time by allocating tasks according to expertise and preventing burnout. Training and development of skills with influence (12) is another effective factor that can increase productivity by enhancing the individual and group abilities of employees, especially in technical and managerial fields. Tehran architecture and urban planning offices should familiarize their employees with new technologies and modern design methods so that they can quickly adapt to market changes and customer needs. Also, optimizing design processes (Influence 10) by using standardization of steps and using technologies such as BIM can speed up the design process, reduce errors, and ultimately increase productivity. Other factors such as continuous quality control of projects (Influence 9), encouraging innovation and creativity (Influence 9), and social and cultural responsibility (Influence 9) also have a significant impact on the performance of architecture and urban planning offices.
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