Graduates

Duco Vollebregt en Yannick Vos

We got the opportunity to conduct a research project with two students. This is not common but it was possible with SIM. Our subject is about increasing the information effectiveness for building projects and in particular how to manage the different phases for the terminal with the aid of a new information management system.

I still remember the first day at the ‘SIM-hok’, the mutual room where most graduates do their research. Everybody was friendly and they were keen on helping the rookies. Drinking coffee and having lunch together on a regular base is normal.

The open attitude is standard throughout the whole company. They are used to graduates performing their research. This is for example shown in the easiness to make an appointment with an employee to do an interview.

We proposed our own research topic to Schiphol Group and together with the SIM we shaped it into the right format. Next to the research there are enough other unique activities where you, as a SIMmer, can participate in. This creates a unique environment where you can conduct your research. Where else can you look out of your window and see aircrafts landing and taking off constantly?

‘The building life cycle in a complex and dynamic multi-stakeholder environment. Increasing the effectiveness of information with the aid of BIM at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.’

Our research is conducted to deepen the practical use of BIM. In the literature it is said that BIM is the new phenomenon that will improve multiple defects and problems within the construction sector. One of them is foreseeing the right information at the right place and time during the building life cycle.

The aim of the research is to investigate if it is possible to optimise the information flows and  if the management process within the building life cycle can be improved with the aid of BIM. This research focuses on two aspects; the first one is the central and dynamic information administration aspect. The second one is the changes to management due to the implementation of this system.

The question to be asked is whether these theoretical statements are valid. To find an answer a division will be made within this research, the two topics are Information and Management. These two topics are investigated during a test case at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Two optimal flowcharts will be generated and compared to give an answer to the main research question.

The results will be written down in a manual that describes the manner how to use BIM in the stated environment.

Luco Overvoorde

Writing your thesis at SIM takes place in a very open an interesting environment. At your department you sit right between the ‘Schiphollers’, but you also have your ‘own’ SIM-room with other graduates. It’s an accessible culture to graduate, where everybody is willing to assist. Besides the ambition and expectation on the results of your report, there are enough possibilities for ‘enriching’ activities. Sometimes I’m a Mystery Guest and play hockey with a Schiphol Team. Shortly, it is a unique place to write your thesis, with lots of interesting opportunities to get the best out of your graduation!

My research project focuses on the Corporate Responsibility (CR) at Schiphol. Increasing pressure by stakeholders and the share of aviation in worldwide CO2-emissions, cause that Schiphol should implement CR in its business strategy. However this is a complex issue, which requires adjustment and change in the culture of the firm. To stimulate this process, I compared the theory and the practice at Schiphol and with the Q-methodology I addressed the different perspectives on CR among Schiphol employees of all levels. This provided input for improving the decision-making process to make a more balanced decision between planet, people and profit. Investing today in these 3 P’s and making this decision with increased awareness contributes in reaching the goal to become and stay Europe’s Preferred Airport. My framework assists in making this valuation and assessment with more awareness, and so I can contribute to the future of Schiphol!