Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) in Practice: Variables for Theory and Implementation

Diversification of project delivery methods (PDM) under ever-changing construction business environment has significantly changed the role of project participants. Active efforts to effectively sharing the roles and responsibilities have been observed in the project management offices (PMOs) among owner/operator organizations as well as engineering, procurement, construction and maintenance (EPCM) firms. In order for being effective in a holistic way throughout the project life-cycle, a PMO needs to have 'adequate management skills' as well as 'essential technical capabilities' in cooperating with many different participants. One of the well-known examples of the PMO's tool to support these skills and capabilities is the effective 'work packaging (WP)' that serves as a common basis integrating all relevant information in a structured manner. In an attempt to enhance the construction productivity, the concept of 'advanced work packing (AWP)' has been introduced by Construction Industry Institute (CII). The AWP enables productivity to be improved by early planning of construction packages in the design phase "with the end in mind". The purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate the 'variables' of advanced work packing (AWP) for life-cycle information integration. Firstly, an extended concept of advanced WP based on the CII AWP was defined in order to comprehend many different issues of business functions (e.g. cost, schedule, quality, etc.). A structured list of major components and variables of AWP were then identified and examined for practical viability with real-world examples. Strategic fits and managerial effectiveness were stressed throughout the analyses. Findings, implications and lessons learned are briefly discussed as well.