Xiang, L; Tan, Y; Shen, G and Jin, X (2022) Applications of multi-agent systems from the perspective of construction management: A literature review. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 29(9), pp. 3288-3310. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: The applications of multi-agent systems (MASs) are considered to be among the most promising paradigms for detailed investigations and reliable problem-solving methods, and MAS applications make it possible for researchers and practitioners to better understand complex systems. Although a number of prior studies have been conducted to address complex issues that arise from construction projects, few studies have summarised the applications and discussed the capacity of MASs from the perspective of construction management. To fill the gap, this paper provides a comprehensive literature review of MAS applications from the perspective of construction management. Design/methodology/approach: Web of Science and Scopus are the most commonly used international databases in conducting the literature reviews. A total of 86 relevant papers published in SCI-Expanded, SSCI and Ei Compendex journals related to the application of MASs from the perspective of construction management are selected to be analysed and discussed in this paper. Findings: Based on the 86 collected publications, the utilisations of MASs to support the management of the supply chain and the improvement of project performance are identified from the perspective of construction management, the characteristics and barriers of current MAS applications are analysed, a framework for developing agent-based models to address complex problems is proposed, and future research directions of MAS applications are discussed. Originality/value: This review can serve as a useful reference for scholars to enhance their understanding of the current research and guide future research on MASs. The proposed framework can help build agent-based models to address complex problems in construction management.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | agent-based modelling; construction management; literature review; multi-agent system |
| Index terms: | investigation, project performance, paradigm, database, complex system, agent-based modelling, practitioner, multi-agent system, methodology, construction project, publication, agent, journal, science, literature review |
| Subjects: | project management theory and practice, production management, research methods, education and knowledge transfer, systems engineering, data management, practitioner, specialized education, research dissemination and communication, data collection methods, artificial intelligence, data analysis and analytics, modelling and simulation |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Information Management, Research Practice, Project Management, Roles and Professions, Digital Applications, Education |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here