*4.4. Identify Project Activities and Establish the Activity Decomposition Diagram*

The project construction process can be decomposed into three major functions or processes: design, preparation, and production. Each can be further divided into more works and activities, and then a node tree can be established. The activities at the bottom of the figure can still be decomposed. For example, 'make detailed design' can still be decomposed into 'design spaces and facades', 'assist in the design of external structures and foundations', 'design frame and roof structures', 'design the complementary structures, surfaces, fittings, and courtyard', and 'prepare a construction specification' [59]. However, these activities are generally completed by different designers within a team. As far as the project delivery method is concerned, the work breakdown below the project work team is no longer necessary. The works and activities are decomposed in Figure 4, and their explanations are below:

	- Identify requirements (A1). The needs of the owner and requirements from outside involve many aspects, including financial requirements, space scale requirements, quality and function requirements, schedule requirements, alternative technical solutions, etc.
	- Survey and analyze site information (A2). Analysis of the present situation includes the availability of existing conditions and the possibility of change. Designers and contractors need to analyze the geotechnical condition, city plan, local planning, availability of resources and management systems, etc.
	- Establish objectives (A3). This activity formulates and establishes the overall goals of the project. Goals may include establishing the desired attributes and functions developed by the owner, determining regulating requirements, and clarifying the design scope.
	- Establish design parameters (A4). Establish design limits, guidelines, and project requirements such as budget, cost, scheduling, quality, constructability, and environmental effects.
	- Develop preliminary design (B1). This process will determine the project program and terms to define the function. Some drawings, including the basic dimensions of the project, the major architectural components, and structural systems, are developed to illustrate the concept of design and the project scope.
	- Coordinate and find compatibility (B2). System schemes between disciplines need to be coordinated for integration. Some checks such as function compatible checks, quality reviews, and standard/code coordination checks should be performed from the macro-level.
	- Evaluate and review the preliminary design (B3). The owner reviews the preliminary design from multiple perspectives, including meeting requirements, function, economy, feasibility, legal and government permits, etc., to determine whether the scheme can achieve the expected effect and whether the detailed design can be carried out.
	- Make a detailed design (C1). The detailed design includes activities such as facade design, internal space design, decoration design, structural design, ventilation system design, pipe design, fire protection design, landscape design, etc.
	- Check the compatibility of detailed design (C2). The design documents for all disciplines should be checked to ensure compatibility between various professional designs and reduce or eliminate rework due to design conflicts.
	- Make the resource checklist (C3). The resource list includes raw materials and equipment. It should list the types, quantities, specifications, models, etc. so that the contractor can purchase resources and arrange the arrival time reasonably.
	- Issue bidding documents (D1). The owner puts forward technical and management capability requirements to the contractor.
	- Tendering (D2). The contractor submits documents to the owner to prove that it is suitable for undertaking the project.
	- Review and select contractor (D3). The owner reviews the contractor's tender documents, and judges and selects the most suitable contractor.
	- Sign contract (D4). The owner and the contractor sign the contract after reaching an agreement through negotiation.
	- Organize project team (E1). The contractor needs to select a qualified project manager and teams to construct the project.
	- Make a construction plan (E2). This plan is about construction scheduling, quality assurance, cost control, and environmental protection.
	- Prepare and implement procurement (E3). The contractor needs to make an accurate equipment and material procurement plan and carry out an inquiry, procurement, and storage as planned.
	- Prepare site (E4). The construction site must have no legal issues and have the appropriate condition for construction.
	- Plan the daily work (F1). Decompose the overall construction plan to the work to be completed every day according to the schedule, and formulate the personnel and resource allocation plan, quality control measures, and inspection plan.
	- Allocate the resources (F2). Allocate sufficient quantity and quality resources to daily work.
	- Do the physical work (F3). Arrange appropriate workers and tools to complete daily work and gradually form products.
	- Inspect and approve the work (F4). The contractor needs to evaluate the quality and progress of phased products through regular inspection to ensure the project is completed on time and reduce rework.

**Figure 4.** The node tree of the construction project.
