Knowledge-based decision support system (KBDSS) for management of variation orders for school building projects in Singapore

Abstract

The objectives of this research study were to investigate the root causes, effects and controls for variations and to develop a Knowledge-based Decision Support System (KBDSS) for management of variation orders for school building projects in Singapore. To achieve the study objectives, questionnaire surveys and interviews with the developers, consultants and contractors, and in-depth analyses of the information collected from source documents of the school building projects were carried out to build up a strong base for developing the KBDSS. As part of this study, 80 school building projects that were completed under the programme for rebuilding and improving existing schools (PRIME) were thoroughly examined for data collection. In-depth interviews with the professionals, who were involved in these school projects, were also analyzed. The study further presented a time-line based checklist for implementing controls for variations. The checklist would assist professionals in implementing controlling strategies at the appropriate time. Finally the study presented the KBDSS developed based on the data collected from these 80 school projects, for effective management of variations. The KBDSS consists of two main components, i.e. a knowledge-base and a decision support shell for selecting appropriate controls. The KBDSS will assist the professionals by providing accurate and timely information for decision making, and a user-friendly system for analyzing the variation orders for school buildings. With further generic enhancement and modification, the KBDSS will also be useful for the management of variation orders in other types of building projects. The system developed and the findings from this study would also be valuable for all building professionals in general.