Sehic, A (2014) Decision support tool for interface management. PhD thesis, Polytechnic Institute of New York University, USA.
Abstract
Nowadays, construction projects typically involve several organizations (joint-venture) to work simultaneously on the same projects. Each individual organization has their own schedule to follow and usually is not aware of each other's work, resulting in inevitable interfaces and project delays. Because interfaces can cause major problems in the project cost, schedule, quality, etc. , it is a vital to identify the interfaces as soon as possible; and if interfaces do in fact occur, a quick solution is necessary. This thesis presents a method of identifying interfaces, but mostly deals with decision-making within interface management. The purpose of this research is to develop a tool that will help construction personnel make the best decision within interface management. Three different models were created: Interface Decision Support Tool (IDST) deterministic model, fuzzy logic IDST model and AHP model. These models offer a contribution to the area of the construction management/interface management. They give owners, PMs and other construction personnel a significant tool that can assist with decision-making, finding the solution to interface problems. A case study is conducted to test the validity of these models. The advantage of the IDST model is that it can be built and modified in relatively short amount of time, making it fast and easy to use. The algorithm created in this model is based on rule-based system, created through expert judgments and research. The disadvantage of this model is that it uses only six defined rules, capturing less detail than the other models. As a result, the final solution was different then from other two models. However, this factor can be modified by increasing the number of criteria/factors. The fuzzy logic IDST model is based on fuzzy logic, and can be used to solve complex interface problems plagued by uncertainty and imprecision. The fuzzy IDST model is also more detailed in structure than the IDST model. The fuzzy IDST model uses a set of rules to define the optimal solution. The contractors/work packages that satisfy these rules to the highest extent should be the ones favored by the owner/PM. Each rule has assigned weight. The MATLAB software is used to establish the fuzzy IDST model. The AHP model uses heuristic inputs to accomplish selection, which provides sufficient solutions. It is used for efficient selection on an appropriate contractor/work package, and can be used at any project phase. The AHP has the ability to transfer verbal judgments into numerical values. The verbal judgments are based on expert knowledge and experience. The AHP model is used to compare and validate the two other models. This study has contributed to the area of construction management (interface management) by developing customized models that can help decision makers prioritize various alternatives to find the optimal solution.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Griffis, F H |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | decision support; personnel; uncertainty; construction project; expert judgment; project cost; owner; fuzzy logic; heuristic; case study |
| Index terms: | interface problem, construction project, decision-making, heuristic, personnel, judgment, project delay, construction personnel, interface management, owner, validity, case study, decision support, project cost, fuzzy logic, package |
| Subjects: | dispute resolution, decision analysis, sociology, project controls, risk assessment, workforce, management, contractual arrangements, production management, business, engineering problems, economics, data science, data collection methods, evaluation and assessment methods |
| Topics: | Project Management, Digital Applications, Human Resources, Research Practice, Stakeholder Management, Time Control, Legal Issues, Cost Management, Procurement, Risk Management, Engineering Principles, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
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