Construction Projects Bid or Not Bid Approach Using the Fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity FTOPSIS Method
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 142, Issue 12
Abstract
This paper discusses selection of construction projects based on multiple criteria using a quantitative fuzzy-set method, which considers multiple attributes in a decision-making process involving a group of decision makers. This approach implements a modified fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) to help decision makers rank projects based on various attributes. A triangular fuzzy set models linguistic terms used to provide subjective judgment related to decision makers’ experience level, attribute weight assessment, and attribute rating. The fuzzy TOPSIS method is extended in this research to capture various levels of experience for decision makers involved in a decision to select a construction project. An illustrative example of project selection using the proposed method is provided to demonstrate its effectiveness. The computational results of this research provide project stakeholders with a computer model that could be implemented to assist in the construction project bid or not bid decision and provide a ranking of different projects to bid on. Furthermore, the results of this study show that the proposed method is suitable for modeling the uncertainty associated with project selection. The bid/no bid project selection model presented in this study is based on a set of common attributes; the selection of attributes that contribute toward the project bid or not bid decision can be different based on construction project conditions. The proposed method is suitable for construction type projects, but the methodology used in the study can be implemented for any type of project and is not limited to a specific geographic area. The proposed computer model is limited to handling input from up to 10 decision makers with varying degrees of experience. Another limitation of the computer model introduced in this study is that contractors can consider up to five different projects for bid purposes.
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Acknowledgments
Kuwait University has provided the author with the resources to conduct this research, as this work was supported by Kuwait University research grant No. EV01/14. I would like to thank the decision makers who helped validate the results of the computer program developed for this study. I would also like to acknowledge Ann Weaver Hart, who edited this paper.
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Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 142 • Issue 12 • December 2016
Copyright
© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 11, 2015
Accepted: Mar 14, 2016
Published online: Jun 14, 2016
Discussion open until: Nov 14, 2016
Published in print: Dec 1, 2016
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