Murtaza, M B; Fisher, D J and Skibniewski, M J (1993) Knowledge-based approach to modular construction decision support. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 119(1), pp. 115-130. ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
The present paper focuses on the decision-making methodology involved in deciding whether or not to use modular construction techniques in building a petrochemical or power plant. The paper identifies those factors that help construction owners and engineers involved in conceptual project design in their modularization decisions and proposes a formal framework for decision-making support. A computerized knowledge-based system assisting in this task is presented and discussed. The system performs feasibility analysis based upon various factors classified into five influencing factor categories—plant location; labor-related; environmental and organizational; project characteristics; and project risks. The system also performs an economic analysis to determine the impact of modularization on cost and schedule. The performance of the system is validated comparing its recommendations with those of the experts in the construction industry. A statistical hypothesis test, conducted on the recommendations of the system and those of the experts, proves the system’s credibility.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Index terms: | project design, influencing factor, power plant, knowledge-based system, engineer, owner, modularization, construction industry, modular construction technique, decision support, methodology, modular construction, decision-making, economic analysis |
| Subjects: | infrastructure and transport systems, industry analysis, decision analysis, sociology, building construction, research methods, contractual arrangements, artificial intelligence, design analysis, construction methods, profession, risk assessment |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Design Practice, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Stakeholder Management, Roles and Professions, Risk Management, Construction Technology, Procurement |
| 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