TECHNICAL PAPERS
Oct 1, 2006

Conflict Resolution in Construction Disputes Using the Graph Model

Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 132, Issue 10

Abstract

A formal approach is presented for systematically resolving construction conflicts. Using an actual case study, a decision support system based on the graph model for conflict resolution (GMCR II), is employed to effectively investigate the strategic interactions that took place between an owner and a general contractor concerning the financing of a construction project. The conflict analysis process considers the decision participants, their decision options, and their relative preferences when modeling the dispute. GMCR II is then used to perform an in-depth stability analysis in order to ascertain the possible compromise resolutions or equilibria. In the case study, GMCR II correctly predicts the sequence of decisions that took place in the dispute and furnishes an array of useful strategic insights about the conflict. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis is executed to determine how changes in preferences can affect the equilibrium results. This conflict resolution procedure is useful for both researchers and practitioners to better deal with the dispute-prone nature of the construction industry.

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Published In

Go to Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 132Issue 10October 2006
Pages: 1043 - 1052

History

Received: May 16, 2005
Accepted: Jan 12, 2006
Published online: Oct 1, 2006
Published in print: Oct 2006

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Authors

Affiliations

Moustafa Kassab [email protected]
Ph.D. Candidate, Systems Design Engineering, Univ. of Waterloo, Waterloo ON, Canada N2L 3G1. E-mail: [email protected]
Keith Hipel [email protected]
Professor, Systems Design Engineering, Univ. of Waterloo, Waterloo ON, Canada N2L 3G1. E-mail: [email protected]
Tarek Hegazy, M.ASCE [email protected]
Professor, Civil Engineering, Univ. of Waterloo, Waterloo ON, Canada N2L 3G1. E-mail: [email protected]

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