A Multi-Objective Decision Support System for Selecting Dispute Resolution Methods in the Construction Industry

Abstract

1 PhD student; mjel010@aucklanduni.ac.nz 2 Senior Lecturer; k.yiu@auckland.ac.nz 3 Professor; s.wilkinson@auckland.ac.nz ASTRACTSelecting the best conflict and dispute resolution method is not easy and can be very problematic specially when the decision involves multiple objectives or attributes. Conventionally construction parties consider cost, time and the amount of control they have in selecting their dispute resolution method. However one of the most important issues is the intended relationship quality and future retention status of working relationships. Based on the range of potential relationship contingencies the conflicting parties can decide on their potential strategy, style and method of conflict management. In the current study four attributes of cost, time, control and relationship quality are used to develop a multi-objective Decision Support System (DSS). Multi Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) methodology is employed utility of these four selected attributes are defined and the mathematical model is driven in two stages; stage one for each party and in the second stage for the integrated utilities of all the parties. The presented model although having some limitations can form the bases of a DSS for better selection of conflict and dispute resolution process.

Designing for construction procurement: an integrated Decision Support System for Building Information Modelling

“…Therefore, it is extremely important for designers to understand potential implications of their design. Many researchers have tried to introduce DSS for multitude of purposes within construction projects (Jelodar et al , 2014), but generally the industry is lacking integrated methodology; especially smarter tools which can automatically act on unstructured input data via available matrices to evaluate, demonstrate and visualise the outcomes in different formats and design scenarios (Kim et al , 2015). The development of DSS can create new uses for data and enhance opportunities in critical issues such as contracting and procurement (Assaad et al , 2020; Price et al , 2017).…”

“…DSS have been used for a variety of purposes such as damage control, maintenance, project resource control, scheduling, energy usage and even contractor selection purposes (Cavalcante et al , 2017; Hosseinian et al , 2017; Kong and Dou, 2021; Ma et al , 2021; Semaan and Salem, 2017). Many of the DSS were independently investigated with adaptable codes and algorithms for different purposes and levels (Jelodar et al , 2014). For instance some DSS were developed for different enterprise levels (Zhao et al , 2016) and others for a single party or for the temporary project purposes (Dell'Ovo et al , 2020; Ma et al , 2021).…”

“…Any prospective DSS must have the ability to extract and structure data from multiple sources. In many cases for practicality purposes, DSS processes qualitative and unquantifiable information; which will give them a semi-structured formation (Jelodar et al , 2014; Lu et al , 2007). Accordingly, the problem of compatibility with different platforms arises.…”

“…The ability to make timely and appropriate decisions at critical stages specially procurement is vital for construction projects success. However, decision-making can be extremely complex because of the temporary and inherently multifaceted nature of these projects (Jelodar et al , 2014, 2016b). This is particularly the case in procurement related matters which range from contractor selection to decisions regarding building system selection, transportation and handling requirements (Chen et al , 2018).…”

The application of multi-attribute utility theory for a market share-based design evaluation

“…Presently, utility theory is used in a wide range of decision-making applications across several disciplines (Edwards, 2013). Researchers in the construction industry are also exploring the implementation of utility theory applications to support their decision-making endeavors (Benjamin, 1969; Georgy et al , 2005; Jelodar et al , 2014; Mohamed and McCowan, 2001). The application of utility theory is dependent on assessing the utility of each alternative using a utility function u (Blokhin, 2018), where an alternative A is preferred over an alternative B (or A P B ) only if u(A) > u(B) (Serrano and Feldman, 2010).…”