Ng, S-t T (1996) Case-based reasoning decision support for contractor prequalification. PhD thesis, University of Manchester, UK.
Abstract
The prequalification of contractor is a widely used process to ensure that tenders are sought from a pool of competitive, competent and capable contractors. Despite its strategic significance, not all existing prequalification processes are fully structured and assessment is usually based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative information. Some current prequalification practices could result in unable and unwilling tenderers being selected which could in turn affect the successfulness of the construction project. A rational means of prequalifying contractors is therefore needed by the industry to improve the quality of services received.Four empirical surveys were conducted to identify the problems and procedures of prequalification in practice. An analysis reveals that experiential judgement was used for formulating the decision criteria and assessing contractors' information. Therefore, any prequalification appraisal must take into account the subjective elements.Case-based reasoning was used as the decision approach for modelling computer-based decision support system for the prequalification tasks. A prototype system - EQUAL - has been developed which demonstrates the feasibility of using case-based reasoning approach for supporting prequalification decisions. This thesis demonstrates the feasibility of this approach.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | decision support; reasoning; prequalification |
| Index terms: | prototype, decision support, case-based reasoning, decision criteria, reasoning, quality of service, modelling, construction project, appraisal, survey |
| Subjects: | analytical methods, modelling and simulation, cognitive psychology, data collection methods, public and environmental health, production management, decision analysis, factor and component analysis |
| Topics: | Project Management, Engineering Principles, Risk Management, Health and Safety, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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