Al-Zarrad, M A (2018) Multi-criteria decision-making model to improve linear repetitive projects time-cost trade-off in uncertain environment. PhD thesis, University of Alabama, USA.
Abstract
The Time-Cost Trade-Off (TCT) problem is essential to project scheduling. The risk in TCT is significant because of the uncertainty associated with the estimation of project cost and duration. TCT problem in Linear Repetitive Projects (LRP) is a more complicated issue because of their unique repetitive nature. To solve this problem, this research developed an integrated Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model. The objective of this model is to help project managers improve their decisions regarding Time-Cost Trade-Offs. Two case studies are used to verify and validate the MCDM model. To quantify the magnitude of improvement that the MCDM model presents comparing with other methods that have been used before, a statistical analysis was conducted. The statistical analysis shows that there is enough evidence to conclude that the difference between the results obtained from the MCDM model and the other approaches is significant. The present MCDM model could help generate a more reliable schedule and mitigate the risk of projects running over-budget or behind schedule. Further, this model is a powerful decision-making tool to help managers reduce uncertainties and improve the accuracy of Time-Cost Trade-Offs. The present MCDM model employed Fuzzy linguistic terms, which provide decision-makers with the opportunity to give their judgments as intervals comparing to fixed value judgments. In conclusion, the present MCDM model has high robustness, and it is an attractive alternative to solve the TCT problem in LRP.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Moynihan, G P |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | accuracy; time-cost trade-off; duration; uncertainty; project cost; scheduling; project manager; statistical analysis; case studies |
| Index terms: | manager, multi-criteria decision-making, scheduling, project scheduling, accuracy, project cost, decision-making, evidence, repetitive project, judgment, project manager, case study, statistical analysis, estimation, duration, time-cost trade-off |
| Subjects: | project controls, decision analysis, professional development, quantity surveying, economics, data science, financial and cost management, dispute resolution, profession, data collection methods, production management, operations research, practitioner, evaluation and assessment methods |
| Topics: | Legal Issues, Risk Management, Project Management, Time Control, Roles and Professions, Information Management, Research Practice, Cost Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
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