Audrius Banaitis

Housing credit access model: The case for Lithuania

Abstract The research described in this paper aimed at achieving two major goals. First, to identify and describe rational credit access development in advanced industrial economies as well as providing recommendations for Lithuania. The multiple criteria quantitative and conceptual analysis of rational credit access in developed countries and in Lithuania allowed for the identification of areas where the Lithuania situation is comparable, partly comparable or quite different from levels attained by advanced industrial economies. The data of this quantitative and conceptual analysis was used to identify rational credit access development trends in Western Europe and the USA as well as providing some recommendations for Lithuania. The determination and realization of efficient housing credit access in Lithuania would create better conditions for the functioning of the housing system. Second, the paper contains a description of a suggested method in choosing efficient housing investment instruments and lenders. The quantitative and conceptual databases that are being developed at present, give an exhaustive description of housing investment instruments and allow for their multiple criteria analysis. This helps to determine efficient investment instruments for the countries in question. The databases and multiple criteria analysis offered could also be used in searching for efficient lenders. The methods suggested in this paper can also be applied to solving similar problems in other countries.

Defining the utility and market value of a real estate: A multiple criteria approach

This paper considers the application of methodology for the defining the utility and market value of a real estate. The theoretical basis of the methodology is developed. The proposed methods, the method of multiple criteria complex proportional assessment (COPRAS) and the method of defining the utility and market value of a real estate assume the dependence of priority, utility degree and value of investigated versions on a system of criteria adequately describing the alternatives and their direct proportionality to the values and weights of these criteria. The procedure of the defining the utility and market value of a real estate is discussed using an example.

Analysis of criteria for contractors’ qualification evaluation

Abstract Selecting a construction contractor is a major decision which may influence the progress and success of any construction project. The paper analyses criteria used to evaluate qualification of contractors in Lithuania and abroad. Both in Lithuania and abroad, the bid price of construction works is the main criterion for evaluation of con‐tractors. The lowest price often cannot guarantee commitments on quality and duration of a construction project. Therefore, when selecting a contractor, a client must not only compare bid prices but also set other criteria for evalua‐tion of qualification and determine their weight. A contractor must be selected according to both quantitative and qualitative criteria, and bids should be compared. Only on the basis of quantitative and qualitative evaluation criteria and by comparing bids of contractors it is possible to select a qualified, competent and reliable contractor, to evaluate its qualification, economic and financial condition and technical capability and...

Identification and evaluation of the critical success factors for construction projects in Lithuania: AHP approach

This paper proposes the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) as a tool to rank different critical success factors (CSFs) for construction projects in Lithuania. Considering the current lack of understanding of CSFs within the local context, this study is one of the first attempts to gain an understanding of the CSFs in the local industry. Our study revealed that, for construction projects in Lithuania, clear and realistic project goals, project planning, the project managers competence, relevant past experience of the project management/team, the competence of the project management/team, clear and precise goals/objectives of the client, the projects value, the projects complexity and uniqueness, the project managers experience, and the clients ability to make timely decisions are the top-ranking CSFs. In view of these findings, the study highlighted the key areas for successful implementation of construction projects in Lithuania.

Risk management in projects: peculiarities of Lithuanian construction companies

Risk analysis and management is nowadays a critical factor to successful construction project management, as construction projects tend to be more complex, dynamic, always unique, and competition increasingly tougher. risk management helps the project participants—client, contractor or developer, consultant, and supplier—to meet their commitments and minimize negative impacts on construction project scope, cost, schedule (and quality, as a Result). The benefits of the risk management process include identifying and analyzing risks, and improvement of construction project management processes and effective use of resources. This paper reports the research that aims to discover how construction companies perceive the significance of the construction projects risks they face and the extent to which they employ potential risk responses.

Combination of fuzzy-AHP and DEMATEL-ANP with GIS in a new hybrid MCDM model used for the selection of the best space for leisure in a blighted urban site

AbstractUrban blight issues have transformed over time. Today, the focus is on the social context and such services as recreation and leisure. Considering that the insufficiency of leisure spaces in blighted urban neighbourhoods gives rise to social and cultural problems in Tehran, this research aims to identify the best leisure space in a blighted urban site. The selection process uses the combination of a new hybrid MCDM model and GIS. The integration of GIS and MCDM makes a powerful tool for the selection of the best leisure space in a site because GIS provides efficient manipulation, analysis and presentation of spatial data while MCDM supplies consistent weight of sub-criteria and criteria. The results show the interrelations between dimensions and criteria, also influential priorities and the most important sequences of those. Afterward, this study employs DANP to obtain the weight of each criterion and select a site for leisure using GIS, based on INRM from the DEMATEL method.

Risk Management in Construction Projects

The financial and economic crisis has had an adverse impact on the Lithuania’s economy and construction industry. The GDP of Lithuania grew slightly in 2010, in contrast to a decrease of 14.7% in 2009. Lithuania’s GDP increased from 1.3% in 2010 to 4.6% in 2011. Annual GDP growth decreased from its highest point of 6.7%, reached in the third quarter, to 4.4% in the last quarter of 2011 [1,2]. Some industries, such as construction; trade, transport and communications; and the industry sectors were most affected by the crisis. In 2010, the gross value added within the construction sector decreased by 43.3%, and in the trade, transport and communications sector – by 16.6%. In 2011, a positive change in the gross value added was observed in all groups of economic activities. The largest growth in the gross value added was observed in enterprises engaging in construction (by 15%) and trade, transport and communication services (7.3%) [1,3]. The construction sector, one of the engines of economic growth in Lithuania over the last decade, is now facing with serious challenges as companies’ closures, rising unemployment, and postponed or even cancelled investments. These events also have changed the clients’ and construction companies’ behaviour. A reduced demand and shortage of orders dramatically increased a competition between companies of the construction sector. This increased pressure to improve quality, productivity and reduce costs, and the need for project strategies and management that can appropriately and effectively manage project risk.

Integrated model and system for passive houses multiple criteria analysis

In order to design and implement a high-quality passive house project, it is neces sary to take care of its efficiency from the brief stage to the end of its lifes service. The entire process should be planned and executed with a consideration of the goals that are aspired to by the participating and interested parties and the micro, meso and macro environment levels. In order to realize the above purposes, an original Model for an Integrated analysis of Passive Houses and Passive Houses Design Multiple Criteria Decision Support System was developedby the authors, enabling one to analyze a passive houses life cycle, the parties involved in the project and its micro, meso and macro environment as one integrated entity.

System for real time support in construction materials selection

The significant part of the constructions’ value consists of construction materials price. With the aim of using financial resources for the construction effectively, it is very important that well considered and reasonable decisions should be made regarding the selection of construction materials. Most of all construction on‐line systems seek to find how to make the most economic construction decisions and essentially these decisions are intended only for economic objectives. Construction alternatives that are under evaluation have to be evaluated not only from the economic position, but also take into consideration qualitative, technical, technological and other characteristics. Additionally, in seeking to facilitate the work of decision‐makers, computer technologies are used that operates according to particular models. These models are based on special mathematical methods in order to facilitate decision‐making and apply to a certain decision area. In this article, the possibilities of applying methods for popular decision‐making are analyzed regarding the selection of construction materials.

Complex model for the assessment of the location of high-rise buildings in the city urban structure

As the economic conditions in Eastern European countries were changing, so were changing the visions of urban development, which came to be associated with private property and a pursuit of business investments. One of the most important tasks in urban planning today remains efficient models to find a place for high-rise buildings in the urban pattern. The paper aims to identify the most efficient ways to locate high-rise buildings in Vilnius, in reference to many years of related experience of other European cities. Article presents a multi-stage complex assessment model for the location of high-rise buildings in the urban structure. The proposed model is composed from three decision making methods. The first method applied in our research was the SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats), which allows assessing current European practices with different models for the location of high-rise buildings in the urban pattern. To determine the weights of criteria reflecting social-economic, political and aesthetic urban planning aspects, the method of expert judgement was used. The next method used was SAW (Simple Additive Weighting), which makes it possible to rank the best alternatives of high-rise buildings location using a pre-selected set of criteria. The research proves that SWOT, expert judgment and SAW are appropriate methods for various kinds of urban planning tasks.