Slicher, A W R (1997) A strategic decision support system for a consulting engineering firm using a hybrid neural network-expert system approach. PhD thesis, University of Leeds, UK.
Abstract
The vast majority of organisations operate in a dynamic and uncertain business environment. In order to remain competitive, these organisations need to think and act strategically, and many do so by employing the principles of strategic management. These can be applied equally well in the construction industry, where widespread changes in recent years have required professional consulting engineering firms to increasingly consider and develop strategic responses in order to compete successfully and effectively in their markets. It is argued that the effectiveness of the strategic decision making process can be improved with the use of a computer-based Strategic Decision Support System (SDSS). A SDSS is proposed that could - with appropriate adaptations - act as an intelligent assistant to a group of managers involved in making a strategic decision regarding the future of a professional consulting engineering firm. The proposed system was developed by integrating the two popular technologies of artificial neural networks (ANNs) and expert systems into a hybrid architecture. The purpose of this thesis is to discuss the motivation for creating the proposed system and provide an overview of its development. After first introducing the topic, a literature review follows of the main concepts that were involved in the development of the proposed SDSS. Some of the existing SDSSs are next discussed, followed by an overview of the proposed system. The development of the system is then described in detail. This explains how the ANNs were trained and how genetic algorithms were also employed during this process. Furthermore, it explains how the expert system was built, and how this involved the creation of a suitable user interface, as well as a computerised version of the Delphi Technique for group decision making. The integration of the two components into a hybrid architecture is subsequently described. Finally, the discussion examines how validation of the proposed system was carried out, followed by a brief overview describing its use. The thesis concludes by suggesting that the proposed SDSS is a useful and practical applications package which is believed to be the first of its kind. It contends that the creation and implementation of such a hybrid system is not only feasible but that is has considerable potential. The limitations of the proposed system are also outlined, followed by a series of recommendations for further research work.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Delphi technique; decision making; decision support; expert system; genetic algorithms; integration; markets; motivation; neural network; professional; strategic management |
| Index terms: | decision support, genetic algorithm, manager, artificial neural network, motivation, hybrid system, literature review, engineering firm, neural network, user interface, group decision making, validation, expert system, Delphi technique, strategic management, integration, decision-making, package, adaptation, decision-making process, effectiveness, markets, implementation, construction industry |
| Subjects: | psychology, contractual arrangements, economic analysis, user focus, practitioner, human-computer interaction, algorithms, modelling and simulation, artificial intelligence, data analysis and analytics, data collection methods, risk assessment, organizational analysis, data management, decision analysis, industry analysis, systems and processes, management, performance management, firms, professional development |
| Topics: | Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Information Management, Business Strategy, Organizational Design, Human Resources, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Procurement, Risk Management, Engineering Principles, Quality 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