Yeung, F Y (2007) Developing a partnering performance index (PPI) for construction projects: A fuzzy set theory approach. PhD thesis, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.
Abstract
Research into performance measures for partnering projects in construction becomes vital because an increasing trend of client organisations has been observed to adopt partnering approach to their building and construction projects worldwide over the last decade. However, few, if any, comprehensive and systematic research studies focus on developing a comprehensive, objective, reliable and practical performance evaluation model for partnering projects. The aim of this research study is to develop a model using the Delphi Survey Technique and the Fuzzy Set Theory for objectively, reliably and practically measuring the partnering performance of construction projects in Hong Kong. Based on a consolidated conceptual framework encompassing 25 performance measures for partnering projects developed from literature review, a Partnering Performance Index (PPI), which is composed of seven weighted Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), has been generated by conducting 4 rounds of Delphi questionnaire survey with 31 construction experts in Hong Kong. The PPI can assist in developing a benchmark for measuring the partnering performance of construction projects in Hong Kong. However, it is likely that different assessors may have their own semantic interpretation on each KPI. In order to avoid any discrepancies in interpreting the meaning of each KPI and provide objective evaluation result based on quantitative evidences, a set of Quantitative Indicators (QIs) has been established by firstly conducting 5 structured face-to-face interviews with leading industrial practitioners in Hong Kong and subsequently 2 rounds of Delphi questionnaire survey with the same group of panel experts in Hong Kong. By incorporating the QIs into the evaluation process, different assessors could perform their evaluation process based on quantitative evidences. However, the establishment of a set of QIs cannot fully tackle the subjectivity of performance evaluation. For the sake of rectifying this deficiency, this research study has further applied a Fuzzy Set Theory approach through conducting an empirical questionnaire survey with the same group of panel experts in Hong Kong to establish a well-defined range of Quantitative Requirements (QRs) for each QI. By using the Modified Horizontal Approach, Fuzzy Membership Functions (FMFs) have been constructed through Constrained Regression Line with the Bisector Error Method. The proposed performance evaluation model is not only novel in nature but it can also improve the objectivity, reliability and practicality of performance evaluation for partnering projects.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Chan, A P C and Chan, D W M |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Hong Kong; client; fuzzy set; key performance indicators; partnering; performance evaluation; questionnaire survey; reliability; subjectivity |
| Index terms: | fuzzy set, fuzzy set theory, key performance indicator, Delphi survey, partnering, Hong Kong, performance evaluation, conceptual framework, practitioner, evidence, questionnaire, construction project, survey, client organization, subjectivity, meaning, performance measure, literature review, face, interview |
| Subjects: | sociology, partnership management, performance measurement, project delivery, data analysis and analytics, data collection methods, decision-making and optimization, production management, Geography, theoretical framing, psychology, practitioner, human factors and perception, client relations, evaluation and assessment methods |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Project Management, Geographical Context, Organizational Design, Stakeholder Management, Roles and Professions, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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