Semaan, N and Salem, M (2017) A deterministic contractor selection decision-support system for competitive bidding. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 24(1), pp. 61-77. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose The construction industry today is one of the biggest industries in the world. As projects continue to grow in complexity, project management continues to evolve. Contractor selection is a difficult task that owners and project managers face. Although previously researchers have worked on the subject of contractor selection, a comprehensive decision support system for contractor selection has not yet been developed. Recent reports of major delays and cost overruns in mega projects highlight the need for a model that is able to be flexible and comprehensive becomes evident. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The research focuses on obtaining insights from field experts using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Then, a model was developed in the light of the data collected. Accordingly, the model was tested on a case study. Findings This paper presents a model for contractor selection that is wholesome in its take on the topic. The model incorporates both managerial and technical aspects of the problem. The model was tested on a case study and it was proven to be feasible in real world applications. The contractor selection decision support system serves the needs of both academics and industry managers, as an integral part of project management. Originality/value The model presented in this paper is innovative in its take on the problems. MCDA tools have been uniquely modified in this paper to cater to the needs of the selection problem while accounting for the criteria hierarchy that incorporates aspects that are instrumental for proper evaluation of a contractor’s likelihood of success.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | project management; decision making; selection; decision support systems; construction management; performance criteria |
| Index terms: | complexity, accounting, methodology, decision-making, qualitative method, face, competitive bidding, decision support, manager, performance criteria, project management, construction industry, owner, cost overrun, case study, project manager, contractor selection |
| Subjects: | tendering, research methods, performance measurement, project management theory and practice, sociology, decision analysis, systems engineering, industry analysis, research design and methodology, profession, data collection methods, practitioner, psychology, economic analysis, financial and cost management, bidding |
| Topics: | Cost Management, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Project Management, Risk Management, Roles and Professions, Stakeholder Management, Procurement, Quality Management, Organizational Design |
| 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