Dr. Ryoo specializes in information technology and project delivery methods including the implementation of e-business systems, mixed reality, wireless, mobile, and sensor technology in the construction industry. He has successfully completed a number of research and development projects on e-business solutions for the construction industry. He has been a recipient of various government and industry funds in the field of information technology in construction where he has extensive experiences in developing frameworks and full scale systems. He has more than 25 years of design, construction, and information technology experience in construction. Currently, he is working on a three year research project on developing a framework and architecture for activity-based project management simulation for general contractors. The main objective of this research is to develop a logical model of multilayer construction management simulation. In addition, he involves in developing electronic construction management procedure manuals owners and general contractors. He also involves in implementing wireless/mobile sensors and mixed reality in project management, infrastructure management, facility management, security management, and safety monitoring.

Are you tired of paying high annual software maintenance fees? Do you have multiple software/applications that do only a little bit of what you need? Do you always dream you had your own software package that does things according to your business model or workflow? Will you like to update schedules, approve contracts, and manage projects from the comfort of your pocket with your windows mobile phone or iPhone? Do you dream of a paperless office? If you answered YES to at least one of these questions above, the solution is getting a customized application developed for you that operates the same way you do business. My area of interest is in computer information systems applied to automation in construction to solve some of the above-listed problems. This includes construction software development for mobile devices, standalone desktop computers and web-based applications; data exchange and interoperability between construction applications; and the application of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the AEC industry. My presentation will focus primarily on IT automation tools for construction offices and job sites that I have already developed for contractors and also those currently under development.

Every building, industrial plant, road, bridge, and any other structure has a service life, during which it is planned, designed, constructed, operated, maintained, renovated, and demolished or abandoned. Throughout this term, people stay, live, work, and visit in and around these buildings and structures. Traditionally, decision-making is based on capital costs only, while later, long-term costs and effects are not typically taken into consideration. This framework becomes multifaceted when adding other aspects of concern, such as growing competitiveness through globalization of markets, scarce capital budgets, severe energy management requirements, etc. Additionally, it is even more complicated when talking about complex infrastructures and life-safety issues, such as those occurring in the healthcare environment or in education buildings. Both industry practice and academic research direct their efforts to making buildings better places to be in and better fits with the natural environment. They constantly search for ways to improve and advance knowledge about the built environment. One field that integrates these issues is Facility Management (FM), which is also my primary area of interest and the focus of my research agenda.

My research addresses three areas: An integrated approach to complex industry issues; sustainability as a response to find the right things to do (effectiveness) and an IT platform that minimizes waste and maximizes value (efficiencies, such as in best practices and lean construction). My PhD dissertation focused on the systemic nature of the construction industry and the issue of sustainability. I have published a blind peer reviewed journal article and presented peer reviewed papers at national and international conferences and symposia on the systemic nature of the construction industry. Currently, my research publications focus on enabling technologies that can integrate sustainable and lean theories, principles and practices in a complex industry. I am currently researching cohesive, systemic and theoretical solutions for the built environment on how to minimize waste and increase value for the owners and contractors.