Finding Leading Indicators to Prevent Premature Starts, and Assuring Uninterrupted Construction

The main objective of RT-323 was to first define what is a premature start, determine what drives a premature start, understand what impacts occur as a result, and lastly, to investigate if there any leading indicators, or red flags, that could serve as early warning signs that the construction phase of a project is mobilizing prematurely.

Two research thrusts were carried out in order to develop both a qualitative and quantitative understanding of premature starts to construction. The first research thrust focused on identifying drivers, leading indicators, and impacts associated with premature starts through case studies and review of literature. The second research thrust focused at quantifying discoveries made in research thrust one by conducting a survey with respondents who represent the construction industry.

Implementation Resource 323-2 (IR323-2), Premature Start Impact Analysis Tool: User Guide and Case Studies, provides a icrosoft Excel-based tool called the Premature Start Impact Analysis (PSIA), which was developed by the research team. The PSIA incorporates the research findings into an interactive tool that can be used in the industry by various members of a project team through all phases of construction. The primary purpose of the PSIA was to identify potential impacts based on leading indicators and drivers reported by the user. The tool then guides the user towards reference material and data compiled by RT-323, such as case studies and survey results.

• Drivers, leading indicators and impacts of premature starts to construction
• In-depth case studies of projects with premature starts
• PSIA tool, user guide, deployment recommendations, and example applications