The Context

The modular housing concept tries to shift the construction paradigm from engineering-to-order (ETO) production processes to configure-to-order. This, however, would require adoption of a product platform approach. One of the main requirements of this transition is to establish an integrated approach towards lifecycle information management. In other words, information regarding the products, the processes and the supply chains should be standardized and stored in information libraries to streamline the efficient (re)use of information within and across different projects/organization. However, while standard protocols and agreements are required to ensure a solid approach for creating, storing, (re)using, sharing and linking information in modular construction projects, such an approach is missing. At the moment, information is fragmented, i.e., internal and external stakeholders use their own software applications and protocols to create and store information, making it challenging to (re)use, share and link this information within projects and across the supply chain.

The Challenge
Previous research looked into the development of a comprehensive ontology for industrialised construction with the intention to streamline lifecycle data integration and to reduce fragmented data management. Nevertheless, these conceptual ontologies, i.e., data models, need to be mapped and retrofitted to the specific characteristics of individual users considering their specific needs and use cases. In other words, the introduction of an ontology into the data management of a specific company requires a dedicated implementation strategy.

One of the major contractors in the Netherlands that is busy with the modular housing is Heijmans. Heijmans has several modular housing concepts. These concepts are well suited for industrialized production methods. However, with a vision to achieve integrated product lifecycle management, Heijmans is willing to take a concrete step into the integration and implementation of an ontological approach into their modular construction concepts and projects. However, this would require further customization and incorporation of the ontology into Heijmans processes.

Objective
The main objective of this EngD project is to develop a modular construction ontology (i.e., validate and refine the ontology developed in previous research) and an implementation strategy for the context of Heijmans modular timber construction concepts. This implementation strategy includes several - increasingly advanced – use cases and a roadmap. You will also investigate how Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) concepts from the manufacturing industry can be adapted for application in modular construction. Subsequently, we will examine what this means for the information needs, the ontology, and the usage scenarios.

• We are looking for an enthusiastic, professional, and ambitious graduate master's student
• You hold a master’s degree in the field of Civil, Industrial Engineering, or Computer Science
• You have a strong interest in design and multidisciplinary assignments
• A background in information systems, enterprise architecture and ontological development is required
• Affinity with the modular construction industry is a plus
• You have the ambition and talent to accelerate in finding solutions/crafting designs for complex civil technological issues with a multidisciplinary character.
• You have a strong capacity for independent problem-solving, creative thinking, and a hands-on attitude.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team of researchers and collaborate effectively with other experts as needed for the project.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is required
• Knowledge of the Dutch language is a great plus

• A very challenging position for two years.
• A tailor made post-master design programme that has an educational component (50%) as well as a design project (50%).
• On successfully completing the program, you will receive a certified and recognized degree. You will be entitled to use the academic degree Professional Doctorate in Engineering (EngD) and will be registered as a Technological Designer in the Dutch register kept by the Royal Institution of Engineers in the Netherlands (KIVINIRIA).
• A salary of € 2.618,-- gross per month.
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.