A novel hybrid multiple objective optical microscope algorithm for fuzzy time, cost, and quality tradeoff in project management

Tran, D H; Tran, K N and Nguyen, N H (2025) A novel hybrid multiple objective optical microscope algorithm for fuzzy time, cost, and quality tradeoff in project management. International Journal of Construction Management, 25(10), pp. 1141-1153. ISSN 1562-3599

Abstract

Project management aims to balance timelines, costs, quality, and resource utilization for optimal outcomes. However, current trade-off models often focus on time and cost, neglecting quality and external influences like weather, equipment capacity, and labour efficiency. This study develops a comprehensive resource allocation model prioritizing quality and accommodating input variability. Using the multiple objective optical microscope algorithm (MOOMA), fuzzy logic, and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), the research integrates meta-heuristic techniques and fuzzy input selection to filter results based on influencing factors. MOOMA, inspired by optical magnification, provides a unique approach to multi-objective optimization. A case study in road and bridge engineering demonstrates MOOMA's ability to generate non-dominated solutions. The proposed algorithm, compared with MOSGO, MOPSO, and NSGA-II, yielded the lowest time (70 days) and cost ($3705) while maintaining a high-quality value (87.98%). The proposed model is confirmed to be the best at addressing resource allocation challenges in large-scale projects, ensuring effective quality control amidst uncertainties.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: hybrid multi-objective; optical microscope algorithm; project management; time-cost-quality trade-off; uncertainty
Index terms: fuzzy logic, resource utilization, multi-criteria decision-making, project management, heuristic, weather, multi-objective optimization, tradeoff, case study, prioritizing, efficiency, influencing factor, resource allocation, quality control, variability
Subjects: algorithms, air quality, data collection methods, project delivery, data science, site logistics, performance management, risk assessment, decision analysis, project management theory and practice, resource management, statistical analysis
Topics: Risk Management, Site Management, Research Practice, Sustainability, Quality Management, Digital Applications, Project Management
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