Jelodar, M B; Wilkinson, S; Kalatehjari, R and Zou, Y (2022) Designing for construction procurement: An integrated decision support system for building information modelling. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 12(1), pp. 111-127. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Many applications of Building Information modelling (BIM) are already integrated into project management processes. However, the construction industry is suffering from poor decision-making, especially during procurement where fundamental decisions are made. To make the best decisions at earlier project stages, such as design, large amount of information needs to be processed and classified. Therefore, this study seeks to create a Decision Support System (DSS) for construction procurement through the application of existing informatics infrastructure and BIM applications. Literature review expert interviews and case studies with complex procurement considerations were used to identify and validate attributes and criterions for procurement decision-making. Accordingly, Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) methodology was used and mathematical models were driven as the foundation for a DSS. Five major criterions of time, cost, relationship quality, sustainability and quality of work performed was identified for complex construction procurement decision-making. Accordingly, a DSS structure and mathematical model was proposed. Based on this a model architecture was developed for the integration of the DSS into Autodesk Revit as a BIM platform, and assist in pre-contract decision-making. The results can be used in pre-contract selection processes via currently used BIM applications. The model architecture can integrate DSS outputs to nD models, cloud systems and potentially virtual reality facilities to facilitate better construction operations and smarter more automated processes. This study formulates and captures complex and unstructured information on construction procurement into a practical DSS model. The study provides a link to integrate solutions with already available platforms and technologies. The study also introduces the concept of designing for procurement; which can be expanded to other challenging decisions during construction.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | procurement; sustainability; technological innovation; decision support systems; utility theory; ontology; case studies; decision theory; informatics; virtual reality; building management systems |
| Index terms: | ontology, construction operation, utility theory, literature review, informatic, mathematical model, multi-attribute utility theory, platform, automated process, decision support, case study, building information modelling, interview, building management system, decision theory, construction industry, procurement decision, technological innovation, construction procurement, project management process, virtual reality, integration, methodology, decision-making |
| Subjects: | mathematical modelling, virtual reality, mechanical systems, data collection methods, innovation and technology management, construction operations, contractual arrangements, data analysis and analytics, research methods, education and knowledge transfer, project management theory and practice, digital design, automation and robotics, decision analysis, organizational analysis, information science, information systems, economic theory, decision-making and optimization, industry analysis, procurement strategy |
| Topics: | Project Management, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Procurement, Risk Management, Digital Applications, Organizational Design, Site Management |
| 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