Goedert, J D and Sekpe, V D (2013) Decision support system-enhanced scheduling in matrix organizations using the analytic hierarchy process. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 139(11): 5013003, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
This paper presents a conceptual approach to scheduling multiple projects in a matrix organization with rapidly changing and sometimes competing objectives using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) within a decision support system (DSS). This approach increased the analytical capabilities and scheduling efficacy of traditional scheduling processes in a medium-sized electric utility company. The purpose of this paper is to establish a logical framework for scheduling multiple projects with competing priorities while taking into account all known corporate organizational constraints. Traditional scheduling techniques such as the program evaluation and review technique and critical-path method are heavily based on time constraints and resource availability, neglecting factors such as customer satisfaction, organizational financial objectives, political risks, and other intangible parameters that greatly influence scheduling processes. The primary contribution of this paper is a conceptual framework that offers a platform to incorporate tangible and intangible variables into a decision support system using AHP for scheduling multiple projects with competing objectives in matrix organizations. The results of the application showed that, when compared with traditional scheduling methods, this DSS model with integrated AHP showed improvements in prioritizing in accordance with political risks, cash-flow demands, and crew allocation. It appears to be a superior solution for solving prioritization issues in matrix organizations.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | decision support systems; heuristics; organizations; planning; project management; quantitative methods; scheduling |
| Index terms: | project management, heuristic, crew allocation, analytical hierarchy process, customer satisfaction, programme evaluation and review technique, quantitative method, conceptual framework, decision support, prioritizing, electric utility, scheduling, platform |
| Subjects: | energy systems, service delivery, decision-making and optimization, operations research, digital design, management, risk assessment, data analysis and analytics, decision analysis, theoretical framing, project management theory and practice |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Risk Management, Research Practice, Stakeholder Management, Sustainability, Project Management, Time Control, Site Management |
| 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