Multi-criteria decision making in the Singapore construction industry

Abstract

It is well known that the construction industry faces highly fragmented work processes, often resulting in compromised decisions with poor performance and customer dissatisfaction. An example is when architects work with single solution where modifications are usually made after being critiqued and evaluated by other consultants involved in the project, ultimately contributing to sub-optimal solutions, lower quality and higher construction cost. As construction projects are complex and involve collaboration between several professionals, the current decision making process could be improved by implementing multi- criteria optimization.

This dissertation seeks to understand the needs to implement multi-criteria decision making (MCDM), the benefits of implementing MCDM and the receptiveness of industry players towards implementing MCDM. This is achieved by conducting extensive literature reviews, pilot study on interview questionnaire, interviews with industry players and a case study. A list of 30 solutions were used in the case study to illustrate the benefits of exploring a range of solutions instead of working with only one solution in the decision making process. Statistical analysis is performed on the data collected from the 16 interviewees, who were divided into two groups; one group consisting of Architects and Engineers and the other consisting of Contractors and Project Managers. The findings include establishing the relationship between an organization’s undertaken project value and its willingness to invest in MCDM software. It also analyzed the receptiveness of both groups on implementing MCDM in their operations.

Results from the methodologies validated that consultants currently do not evaluate a range of possible solutions systematically and that MCDM is useful in exploring solutions. The limitations and recommendations for future research are also discussed.