The use of modelling in purchasing/supply management research

The purpose of this research to explore the use of modelling in the field of Purchasing and Supply Management (P/SM). We are particularly interested in identifying the specific areas of P/SM where there are opportunities for the use of modelling based methods. The paper starts with an overview of main types of modelling and also provides a categorisation of the main P/SM research themes. Our research shows that there are many opportunities for using descriptive, predictive and prescriptive modelling approaches in all areas of P/SM research from the ones with a focus on the actual function from a purely operational and execution perspective (e.g. purchasing processes and behaviour) to the ones with a focus on the organisational level from a more strategic perspective (e.g. strategy and policy). We conclude that future P/SM research needs to explore the value of modelling not just at the functional or operational level, but also at the organisation and strategic level respectively. We also acknowledge that while using empirical results to inform and improve models has advantages, there are also drawbacks, which relate to the value, the practical relevance and the generalisability of the modelling based approaches

A review of application of multi-criteria decision making methods in construction

Construction is an area of study wherein making decisions adequately can mean the difference between success and failure. Moreover, most of the activities belonging to this sector involve taking into account a large number of conflicting aspects, which hinders their management as a whole. Multi-criteria decision making analysis arose to model complex problems like these. This paper reviews the application of 22 different methods belonging to this discipline in various areas of the construction industry clustered in 11 categories. The most significant methods are briefly discussed, pointing out their principal strengths and limitations. Furthermore, the data gathered while performing the paper are statistically analysed to identify different trends concerning the use of these techniques. The review shows their usefulness in characterizing very different decision making environments, highlighting the reliability acquired by the most pragmatic and widespread methods and the emergent tendency to use some of them in combination

A Review of Customer Satisfaction Factors in Libyan Housing Projects

Customer satisfaction and customer relationship are crucial aspect in any enterprises including housing construction projects. In general, the housing developers are facing a number of new challenges in different countries including Libya. The construction industries/housing developers need to continuously improve their products and services to meet customers’ satisfaction desires and to remain in the current competitive market. This paper focuses on analysing the satisfaction factors of customers including quality aspects of products and services in the construction projects. A framework was developed to evaluate the dynamics relationship between customer satisfaction and quality products or services, aiming to help companies’ managers and policy makers to understand the needs and points of view of their customers. A pragmatic analysis was conducted to explore and analyse the customer satisfaction factors in construction industry considering different aspect of customer groups in Libya. Results indicate that there is a high demand of improvements in the contractor’s performance in terms of cost, time and quality of products. It was also found that Libyan construction companies have been forced to transform their policies after on Libyan war 2011 to focus on client and customer satisfactory policies, or say centric for the purpose of improving client requirements and turn the business into more advantageous for any company

A systematic review of application of multi-criteria decision analysis for aging-dam management

[EN] Decisions for aging-dam management requires a transparent process to prevent the dam failure, thus to avoid severe consequences in socio-economic and environmental terms. Multiple criteria analysis arose to model complex problems like this. This paper reviews specific problems, applications and Multi-Criteria Decision Making techniques for dam management. Multi-Attribute Decision Making techniques had a major presence under the single approach, specially the Analytic Hierarchy Process, and its combination with Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution was prominent under the hybrid approach; while a high variety of complementary techniques was identified. A growing hybridization and fuzzification are the two most relevant trends observed. The integration of stakeholders within the decision making process and the inclusion of trade-offs and interactions between components within the evaluation model must receive a deeper exploration. Despite the progressive consolidation of Multi-Criteria Decision Making in dam management, further research is required to differentiate between rational and intuitive decision processes. Additionally, the need to address benefits, opportunities, costs and risks related to repair, upgrading or removal measures in aging dams suggests the Analytic Network Process, not yet explored under this approach, as an interesting path worth investigating.This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness along with FEDER funding (Projects BIA201456574-R and ECO2015-66673-R).Zamarrón-Mieza, I.; Yepes, V.; Moreno-Jiménez, JM. (2017). A systematic review of application of multi-criteria decision analysis for aging-dam management. Journal of Cleaner Production. 147:217-230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.01.092S21723014

A novel decision support tool for assessing the suitability of design-build method for civil construction projects in Malaysia

Project delivery method is a crucial decision that determines the quality of construction projects. The two main project delivery methods used in construction projects are designbuild (DB) and design-bid-build (DBB), which are comparable in terms of project quality, decision strategies, and risk factors. Although the DB method is prominent among practitioners, experts, and scholars; only a handful of studies have assessed a decision support tool (DST) to determine the suitability of a DB procurement method in civil construction projects. The decision-making process in civil construction projects heavily relies on the suitability of DB methods, which is also dictated by many factors and drivers. The decision support for any civil project depends on client, consultant, and contractor – the main players who ascertain project success. Past studies revealed that poor information sharing, low performance of decision models, and diverse project characteristics as the most common barriers that fail the DSTs in civil construction projects. Multiple projects are being undertaken across many countries and in diverse domains, such as building, highway, and underground civil projects. Referring to the study findings, a Decision Support Tool for Design-Build (DST-DB) was developed in this study to assess the suitability of a DB method in assisting civil construction project experts, contractors, and practitioners to adopt or reject DB for their construction projects, while concurrently preventing project setbacks. The main critical success factors (CSFs) and the DB drivers were identified and compiled from an extensive and in-depth literature review, while crucial inputs were captured from a panel of industry experts. A questionnaire was developed to gather insights from academicians, experts, and workers; while the DST-DB tool was developed to assess the suitability of the DB method by validating the identified factors and drivers. A total of 111 participants were involved in this study and the quasi-experiment method was conducted to compare the performances of practitioners, experts, and academicians specifically from clients, consultants, and contractors working in prestigious firms across Malaysia. The practitioners selected two commonly applied construction project methods; DST-DB and conventional decision-making methods. The decision-making performances retrieved from the two methods were ranked based on a set of conditions using an actual project to exhibit the practical value of the findings. All data were analyzed using multivariate analysis techniques, such as normalized value (NV), standard deviation (SD), and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the key performance measures of DST-DB (i.e., usability, likelihood, precision, confidence, and satisfaction) were higher than those recorded for conventional decision-making process in the civil construction projects undertaken in Malaysia. The pre- and post-surveys revealed that the DST-DB effectively improved the decision-making performance based on the key selection factors used in most countries (i.e., effective client briefing, maximizing resources, and sharing of expertise). Essentially, this study is one of the first decision support studies executed for DB construction projects that captured direct assessment and view from three main stakeholders of civil construction project practitioners (project clients, consultants, and contractors). The study outcomes may serve as a reference for assessing the project delivery method for civil construction projects, a resource for academic scholars working in construction projects domain, and a guide for construction practitioners to enhance their decision-making process. This study paints a comprehensive picture for a DB construction project to embark upon and accomplish future decision-making process

A methodology for prioritizing water mains rehabilitation in Egypt

AbstractWater distribution systems are aging and deteriorating over time. Deterioration of water mains causes reduction in the structural capacity and the hydraulic capacity of the water distribution systems. Municipalities face the greatest challenges to define the deterioration processes and the factors that can affect the rate of deterioration. To face these challenges municipalities need to define methodologies and technologies for water distribution systems planning, design, construction, management, assessment and rehabilitation, that consider local economic, environmental and social factors. Therefore, it is important to implement mitigation measures in a timely manner to extend the useful service life of water distribution systems. This paper presents a model that prioritizes the rehabilitation of water mains as well as assists in rehabilitation technology selection. A series of interviews and questionnaire surveys are conducted to identify the most important factors that affect water mains deterioration and selection of the rehabilitation technology. The weighted factors scoring model is carried out using the Simos’ procedure to develop the priority index model and the alternative evaluation model. The priority index model is integrated with the Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to visualize the condition severity of the water pipes to help the decision maker to decide the course of action. A case study of water mains sample of a set of the collected data for this research has been used to implement the proposed model

Methodology to predict construction contractors’ performance using non-price measures

Despite being one of the largest industry sectors in the world, construction continues to suffer from underperformance. Contractors are the driving force behind built assets, and selecting high-performing contractors is crucial to the success of construction projects. However, the industry lacks a systematic and purpose-driven method of assessing contractors’ performance using objective metrics. Furthermore, contractors do not have a systematic way to gauge their own performance in the pursuit of continuous improvement. Although there are numerous approaches to the measurement of contractors’ performance, the literature suggests that most are complicated and highly dependent on data that are difficult to attain. The research presented in this thesis addresses this knowledge gap by creating a model for predicting construction contractors’ performance based on directly attributable measures that are quantitatively measurable and easily accessible. The findings of this research make a number of contributions to theory and practice. The developed performance model—the Contractors’ Performance Index (CPIx) provides a performance score based on seven non-price CMoPs. As the CPIx is based on factors that are within the control of the contractor, it provides a fair and independent assessment of performance that is not influenced by other factors. In an industry significantly driven by pricebased decisions that are solely based on non-price measures, the CPIx shifts the focus towards other aspects such as quality, health and safety, sustainability and productivity when evaluating performance, leaving price based measures for commercial considerations. Contractors can use the CPIx to self-evaluate their levels of project and organisational performance. If implemented as a sector-based performance evaluator, it can then be used to develop industry benchmarks for different categories of construction. The CPIx is presented as a prototype mobile application that can be conveniently used by various stakeholders to track performance within the construction industry

Uncertain Multi-Criteria Optimization Problems

Most real-world search and optimization problems naturally involve multiple criteria as objectives. Generally, symmetry, asymmetry, and anti-symmetry are basic characteristics of binary relationships used when modeling optimization problems. Moreover, the notion of symmetry has appeared in many articles about uncertainty theories that are employed in multi-criteria problems. Different solutions may produce trade-offs (conflicting scenarios) among different objectives. A better solution with respect to one objective may compromise other objectives. There are various factors that need to be considered to address the problems in multidisciplinary research, which is critical for the overall sustainability of human development and activity. In this regard, in recent decades, decision-making theory has been the subject of intense research activities due to its wide applications in different areas. The decision-making theory approach has become an important means to provide real-time solutions to uncertainty problems. Theories such as probability theory, fuzzy set theory, type-2 fuzzy set theory, rough set, and uncertainty theory, available in the existing literature, deal with such uncertainties. Nevertheless, the uncertain multi-criteria characteristics in such problems have not yet been explored in depth, and there is much left to be achieved in this direction. Hence, different mathematical models of real-life multi-criteria optimization problems can be developed in various uncertain frameworks with special emphasis on optimization problems

General Lesley J. McNair: Little-Known Architect of the U.S. Army

General Lesley J. McNair demonstrated an innovative spirit and exceptional intellectual capacity in his efforts to organize and train the U.S. Army for World War II. The influence he exerted on Army doctrine, training, equipment development, unit organization, and combined arms fighting methods placed him among the handful of generals most responsible for both the effectiveness and the flaws of the force that the United States sent to war in 1942. Through his strong views and aggressive leadership, McNair played a key role in guiding the Army's interwar mechanization and doctrinal development efforts. Many studies of this period have described aspects of his participation in that process. However, no comprehensive study of McNair's forty-year military career exists, largely because he did not survive the war, and he left behind no personal memoirs or diaries when he died of wounds inflicted by errant American bombs in Normandy on July 25, 1944. This study examines General McNair's full career - from his graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1904, through his death in Normandy forty years later. The analysis demonstrates how McNair's ideas developed over four decades of service, culminating in their practical application during the pre-war mobilization period and his influence on U.S. Army effectiveness in World War II. Several themes recur throughout the period of McNair's service as the General Headquarters' (GHQ) chief of staff from 1940-42, and the commander of Army Ground Forces (AGF) from 1942-44. He placed significant emphasis on the value of officer education and held strong convictions regarding the qualities required in a competent commander and soldier, leading him to advocate tough, realistic training. He embraced military innovation and technological development and remained personally involved in tests and experiments throughout his career to modernize the Army. He strove to gain efficiencies in unit organization by streamlining and standardizing units and training, while advocating pooling of specialized equipment and units at corps level and above, thereby optimizing organizations for task organization. This study demonstrates that one can discern the conceptual roots of all these overarching ideas in McNair's actions and experiences during the several decades of his lesser-known early career. This reevaluation of the career of General McNair also provides a lens through which to reconsider the question of U.S. Army effectiveness during World War II. While the "materiel superiority" narrative still dominates historical interpretations of America's contribution to the war effort, several recent studies have begun to create a competing narrative that depicts a U.S. Army overcoming severe mobilization obstacles to develop into an excellent Army on par with all of the other major combatants during the war. The analysis offered in this study supports this emerging reinterpretation of America's war effort by reevaluating the career of one of the U.S. Army's most important but least understood architects - General Lesley J. McNair

Dual-use technology transfer between defence and non-defence markets

Defence procurement easily matches and exceeds virtually any other form of technology-intensive procurements by the government. Additionally, defence procurement often focuses on technologically advanced, engineering-intensive equipment. This represents a significant potential for technological innovation and subsequent diffusion of this innovation throughout the economy. The defence industry has often been considered insular and idiosyncratic, meeting the demands of a bureaucratic, central buyer, creating firms unable to compete in dynamic commercial markets, and posing a barrier for innovative firms to enter. This study poses the question: When is technology likely to transfer into or out of the defence sector? Which organisational-level factors facilitate or hinder the likelihood and success of such technology transfer? By combining organisational identity, capabilities and institutional theories, this thesis pursues a novel approach to the problem, and we find that organisational identity moderates the capability-performance relationship – in essence, a strong organisational identity is negatively associated with the likelihood that a firm will deploy its resources in unfamiliar markets, or to exploit technologies present in them. The defence industry provides a salient context for the study of this phenomenon. This thesis presents a current overview of the UK defence sector, by reviewing the existing literature in the field and updating it with consideration to the significant changes which the industry has faced. This includes a review of the previous research on firm-level factors which influence the transfer of technology into and out of the sector. An organisational identity theory of capability deployment is then developed, and tested with a combination of expert interviews and quantitative analysis of the results of a survey of firms in the UK defence sector. The resulting analysis and discussion contribute to the understanding of the UK defence sector in the modern world, and the potential barriers to fully exploit technology developed in the defence context, and to the factors which may influence the UK armed forces’ access to technologies from non-traditional sources. Further, the recognition that institutional forces can influence organisational identity and subsequently affect the deployment of capabilities, I contribute to the management literature by suggesting a link between the rarely connected literatures on organisational identity and capabilities.Imperial Users Onl