TECHNICAL PAPERS
May 1, 2006

MAUT-Based Dispute Resolution Selection Model Prototype for International Construction Projects

Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 132, Issue 5

Abstract

Disputes are common in international projects because of contractual, cultural, and legal factors. The dispute resolution methods currently adopted in international projects are varying, including litigation, arbitration, adjudication, mediation, expert-determination, dispute resolution board, and minitrial. The problem in question is on how to select the most appropriate resolution method that can fit nicely in the nature of the dispute and the disputing parties’ needs. A dispute resolution selection prototype (Model) based on the analytical hierarchy process and multiattribute utility technique (MAUT) is presented in this paper. The Model developed consists of five components: Selection factors, dispute resolution methods, utility factors, relative importance weightings, and user’s preferred weightings. These were based on the quantitative data provided by 41 experts in the field, who were barristers, arbitrators, mediators, and project managers. The Model is considered beneficial to the industry, as it provides construction professionals with a systematic and objective approach in the management of international project disputes.

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Acknowledgments

The research team members would like to express their appreciation to the Secretary-General of Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) and to the arbitrators/mediators panel members of the HKIAC for their information and participation in this research project. The work described in this paper was partially supported by a grant from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Project No. UNSPECIFIEDPolyU-5103/03E).

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Information & Authors

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Published In

Go to Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 132Issue 5May 2006
Pages: 444 - 451

History

Received: Dec 30, 2003
Accepted: Sep 14, 2005
Published online: May 1, 2006
Published in print: May 2006

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Authors

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Edwin H. Chan [email protected]
Professor, Dept. of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic Univ., Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong (corresponding author). E-mail: [email protected]
Henry C. Suen
Research Associate, Dept. of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic Univ., Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Charles K. Chan
Research Associate, Dept. of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic Univ., Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

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