Nima Gerami Seresht, Rodolfo Lourenzutti, Ahmad Salah and Aminah Robinson Fayek
Due to the increasing size and complexity of construction projects, construction engineering and management involves the coordination of many complex and dynamic processes and…
Abstract
Due to the increasing size and complexity of construction projects, construction engineering and management involves the coordination of many complex and dynamic processes and relies on the analysis of uncertain, imprecise and incomplete information, including subjective and linguistically expressed information. Various modelling and computing techniques have been used by construction researchers and applied to practical construction problems in order to overcome these challenges, including fuzzy hybrid techniques. Fuzzy hybrid techniques combine the human-like reasoning capabilities of fuzzy logic with the capabilities of other techniques, such as optimization, machine learning, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) and simulation, to capitalise on their strengths and overcome their limitations. Based on a review of construction literature, this chapter identifies the most common types of fuzzy hybrid techniques applied to construction problems and reviews selected papers in each category of fuzzy hybrid technique to illustrate their capabilities for addressing construction challenges. Finally, this chapter discusses areas for future development of fuzzy hybrid techniques that will increase their capabilities for solving construction-related problems. The contributions of this chapter are threefold: (1) the limitations of some standard techniques for solving construction problems are discussed, as are the ways that fuzzy methods have been hybridized with these techniques in order to address their limitations; (2) a review of existing applications of fuzzy hybrid techniques in construction is provided in order to illustrate the capabilities of these techniques for solving a variety of construction problems and (3) potential improvements in each category of fuzzy hybrid technique in construction are provided, as areas for future research.
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This chapter explores a descriptive theory of multidimensional travel behaviour, estimation of quantitative models and demonstration in an agent-based microsimulation.
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter explores a descriptive theory of multidimensional travel behaviour, estimation of quantitative models and demonstration in an agent-based microsimulation.
Theory
A descriptive theory on multidimensional travel behaviour is conceptualised. It theorizes multidimensional knowledge updating, search start/stopping criteria and search/decision heuristics. These components are formulated or empirically modelled and integrated in a unified and coherent approach.
Findings
The theory is supported by empirical observations and the derived quantitative models are tested by an agent-based simulation on a demonstration network.
Originality and value
Based on artificially intelligent agents, learning and search theory and bounded rationality, this chapter makes an effort to embed a sound theoretical foundation for the computational process approach and agent-based micro-simulations. A pertinent new theory is proposed with experimental observations and estimations to demonstrate agents with systematic deviations from the rationality paradigm. Procedural and multidimensional decision-making are modelled. The numerical experiment highlights the capabilities of the proposed theory in estimating rich behavioural dynamics.
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Sadia Samar Ali, Rajbir Kaur and Jose Antonio Marmolejo Saucedo
Christodoulos Nikou and Socrates J. Moschuris
Supplier selection for defence procurement is a crucial function of a Ministry of Defence. The Ministry spends huge amounts of money each year to procure a vast array of…
Abstract
Supplier selection for defence procurement is a crucial function of a Ministry of Defence. The Ministry spends huge amounts of money each year to procure a vast array of equipment, goods and services. The ongoing financial crisis demands less subjective and more cost-saving methods for selecting a supplier. The approach advocated in this article integrates Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with Goal Programming (GP) in order to combine conflicting criteria to select the best suppliers and allocate optimum order quantities among them. This paper presents a model close to real-world situations. Findings demonstrate that cost savings is a feasible result along with a viable combination of conflicting criteria in the suppliers' selection area.
Pradeep Kumar Tarei, Jitesh J. Thakkar and Barnali Nag
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between various risk management strategies and risk management practices in order to design and hence enact a suitable…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between various risk management strategies and risk management practices in order to design and hence enact a suitable supply chain risk mitigation (RM) plan. Additionally, this study proposes a hierarchical framework to explain the mutual relationship between supply chain risk management (SCRM) practices and strategies by considering the underlying dimensions between them.
Design/methodology/approach
An amalgamation of systematic literature analysis (SLA) and correspondence analysis (CA) has been performed to develop the conceptual framework. A real-life case of Indian petroleum supply chain has been considered to validate and explain the proposed model.
Findings
The results reveal three underlying dimensions, which associate the relationship between RM strategies. They are, risk adaptability of SC managers with a variance of 34.71%, followed by resource capability of the firm and the degree of sophistication of RM practices, with variances of 27.72 and 20.35%, respectively. Risk avoidance strategy comprises of practices such as supplier evaluation, technology adaption, flexible process and information security. On the other extreme, the risk sharing strategy includes revenue sharing, insurance, collaboration, public–private partnership and so on as essential RM practices.
Research limitations/implications
The study not only focuses on the distinction between RM strategies and practices, which were used interchangeably in the prior literature, but also provides an association between the same by exploring the underlying dimensions. These underlying dimensions perform a crucial role while developing a risk management plan. This study explicitly focuses on the RM step of SCRM process. Pre and post risk mitigation phases of SCRM process, such as risk assessment and risk monitoring, are beyond the scope of the current research.
Originality/value
The paper develops a framework for mapping various RM strategies with their corresponding practices by considering the Indian petroleum supply chain as a viable case study. Various theoretical and business implications are derived in the context of the developing country.
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Richard Wilding and Andrew S. Humphries
Within the supply chain the need for much closer, long‐term relationships is increasing due to supplier rationalisation and globalisation and more information about these…
Abstract
Purpose
Within the supply chain the need for much closer, long‐term relationships is increasing due to supplier rationalisation and globalisation and more information about these interactions is required. The research specifically tested the well‐accepted Williamson's economic organisations failure framework as a theoretical model through which long‐term collaborative relationships can be viewed.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory research project was designed and carried out on a self‐selected census of 54 monopolistic relationships representing £575.8 m annual spend on equipment and associated services within the UK defence procurement organisation (a 10 per cent sample). Its aims were to understand the relationship dynamics within long‐term, sustained monopolies and to determine if generic success factors could be found to assist managers to break out of the essentially negative situation. A triangulated data capture approach was employed using both quantitative and qualitative methods from both the industry and MoD sides of each relationship and the research instruments concentrated on the five dimensions of the theoretical model with questions grounded in the literature.
Findings
The study demonstrated that the theoretical model could provide powerful insights into the research subject and especially revealed the important part played by co‐operation, co‐ordination and collaboration (C3 behaviour) in reducing the inherently negative effects of close proximity and limited choice relationships.
Research limitations/implications
The research has used a narrow view through a specific theoretical model lens to achieve a broad understanding of business relationships within a single, albeit large, organisation.
Practical implications
Managers can reduce sources of frustration that generate negative behaviours by taking joint actions. Central to achieving this is C3 behaviour where setting synchronised objectives, pursuing joint approaches to service and product delivery, lowering costs and risks and promoting measures to support the growth of trust appear to be the best ways of halting negative behaviour spirals.
Originality/value
The prime contribution of this exploratory research is the exposure of relationship dynamics within a large sample of long‐term, collaborative supply chain business dyads using an integrated application of Williamson's organisations failure framework.
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It is unclear as to what extent sustainable procurement is being practised in Ireland and what barriers there are to implementing it in organisations. This study provides the…
Abstract
It is unclear as to what extent sustainable procurement is being practised in Ireland and what barriers there are to implementing it in organisations. This study provides the first complete insight into the use of sustainable procurement in Irish commercial semi-state bodies. It explores the extent and type of use of sustainable procurement plus identifies and examines the challenges to its use. A deductive approach is utilised to determine the barriers. Eleven participants, nine from the commercial semistate bodies and two experts with knowledge of this subject, are interviewed using semi-structured questions. The research findings show that sustainable procurement is being practised in the majority of the commercial semi-state bodies. Definition of sustainable procurement, the absence of mandatory guidelines, cost, time and a dearth of sustainable procurement knowledge by suppliers are some of the main barriers put forward by participants.
Richard Lamming, Jian Zhang, Nigel Caldwell and Wendy Phillips
To explore and identify the strategic approaches firms may follow in their pursuit of value transparency (VT) in inter‐organisational relations in supply networks.
Abstract
Purpose
To explore and identify the strategic approaches firms may follow in their pursuit of value transparency (VT) in inter‐organisational relations in supply networks.
Design/methodology/approach
Through the use of game theory an understanding of the difficulties of co‐operation and information transfer is developed. Game theory and marginal analysis facilitate an advanced application of VT.
Findings
While the article acknowledges the limitations of prescriptive precision in strategy matters, it is not proposed that firms would follow any single part of the outlined strategies. However, through rational analysis of the strategic options presented it may be possible to foresee potential negative outcomes, and through structuring undesirable scenarios managers may be able to reduce the risk of their occurrence.
Practical implications
A model is proposed that aids firms in the selection of supply partners for VT and VT modes. Recognising that certain conditions will be more likely to support a more rapid and extensive adoption of VT, the paper identifies the role that aspects of organisations' economic environments may play.
Originality/value
The article acknowledges the limitations of modelling and game theory‐based approaches but suggests that through considering the interests and benefits of the other party, practical insights may be developed and the likely outcomes of various scenarios considered.