Managing Product and Service Operations in Civil Engineering

A civil engineering firm is constructing a suspension bridge. The project manager introduces Lean Construction principles to reduce waste in material handling. What key Lean strategy should be prioritized first?

• Increasing worker productivity by extending work hours

• Optimizing workflow sequencing to minimize idle time

• Reducing equipment rental to save cost

• Implementing just-in-time delivery without supplier coordination

During the concrete batching process, delays occur due to inconsistent cement delivery. What operations management function is most directly affected?

• Quality Control

• Scheduling and Inventory Management

• Project Monitoring

• Procurement Audit

A project team introduces Building Information Modeling (BIM) to improve coordination among design and field teams. Which product and service management benefit best justifies this adoption?

• Enhanced design aesthetics

• Reduced project timeline through integrated planning

• Minimization of labor costs

• Simplified accounting process

In a public road construction project, the contractor faces community complaints about noise and dust. Which operations strategy should be implemented?

• Ignore complaints until project completion

• Apply a stakeholder-centered environmental management plan

• Reduce work hours to half-day shifts

• Focus only on productivity metrics

The project manager notices inconsistent output in asphalt compaction. The variability likely stems from:

• Worker fatigue

• Equipment calibration errors

• Weak supplier contracts

• Poor mix design records

A precast plant produces 100 panels daily with a 5% defect rate. Management wants to apply Total Quality Management (TQM). What is the best first step?

• Replace all machinery

• Conduct root cause analysis through quality circles

• Increase workforce size

• Implement stricter penalties for errors

In a PPP (Public-Private Partnership) highway project, delays are due to unclear scope boundaries between private and government sectors. What management tool can best resolve the issue?

• Gantt Chart

• Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM)

• Monte Carlo Simulation

• Design of Experiments

A contractor uses Just-In-Time (JIT) delivery for reinforcement bars. Which potential risk must be managed?

• Material obsolescence

• Delivery delays causing work stoppages

• Excessive inventory cost

• Labor surplus

The project engineer implements Six Sigma to improve pavement quality. What is the main objective?

• To eliminate variability in process outcomes

• To minimize total project cost

• To accelerate task completion

• To maximize material use

A civil works project uses PERT/CPM for scheduling. The most critical purpose of this technique is:

• Tracking manpower distribution

• Identifying tasks that directly affect total project duration

• Calculating materials requirements

• Allocating budget per phase