Thesis Defense - Mohammed Abdel Latif Khalaf (MSCE)

Mohammed Abdel Latif Khalaf  - M.Sc. Civil Engineering

Asst.Prof. Ragıp Akbaş - Advisor

CASH FLOW GENERATION AND ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS THROUGH BIM AND SIMULATION

Date: 21.08.2019

Time: 10:00

Location: AB1 510

Thesis Committee: 

Asst. Prof. Ragıp Akbaş,  Özyeğin University

Asst. Prof. Senem Seyis,  Özyeğin University

Assoc.Prof. Ozan Önder Özener, Istanbul Technical University

Abstract

Cash flow analysis is a major aspect of managing a construction project to improve project success metrics and to prevent liquidity issues during construction phase. Conventional methods used to analyze cash flow simplify many process elements and perform analysis based on master-level schedule activities and their associated costs. Recent studies generate cash flow using building information models (BIM), construction schedule and financial parameters for more accurate project cash flow, but it is challenging to evaluate detailed project alternatives that improve project cash flow while satisfying project constraints and consider scenarios for project financials.

This thesis develops a structured approach to generate project cash flows through a BIM and resource-integrated 3D simulation platform called GSimX. It also provides a prototype for project cash flow generation through Excel in order to verify and compare it with the simulation platform. Since cash inflows and outflows from simulation are generated based on common cash flow parameters with contractual focus, cash flow alternatives can easily be obtained by modifying parameters such as payment terms, activity sequences, and resources. The thesis also describes ways to evaluate generated cash flow alternatives to enhance the financial decision-making process and to avoid financial hurdles during project execution.

Bio

Mohammed Khalaf has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine in 2013. After graduation, he has worked at Global Communities NGO, Consolidated Contractor International Company (CCC) and El Seif Engineering Contracting Company for four years. He worked for various projects in different locations and job positions including UAE, KSA, Kazakhstan, and Palestine as Building Information Modeling (BIM) Specialist, Quantity Surveyor and Site Engineer.

In 2017, he started Masters degree of Construction Management in Civil Engineering Department of Özyeğin University. He has conducted his M.Sc. study under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Ragip Akbas.