Luciana Hazin Alencar

A model for selecting project team members using multicriteria group decision making

Selecting a project team is a complex multi-criteria decision-making problem. For this reason, one appropriate way to tackle such problems involves the use of multi-criteria decision aid methods. However, most of the decisions taken regarding the selection of project teams are made by a group of people. It is this which changes the focus of the problem by moving from one decision-maker (DM) to a group of DMs. Analysis needs to be extended in order to consider the preference structure of each individual group member. In this paper, we present a group decision model for project team selection based on a multi-criteria evaluation of the preferences of a clients representatives. It could be applied to any decision problem since it involves a group of decision makers whose preferences diverge little. An application of the model in order to select consultants for a construction project is presented.

Multicriteria decision group model for the selection of suppliers

Several authors have been studying group decision making over the years, which indicates how relevant it is. This paper presents a multicriteria group decision model based on ELECTRE IV and VIP Analysis methods, to those cases where there is great divergence among the decision makers. This model includes two stages. In the first, the ELECTRE IV method is applied and a collective criteria ranking is obtained. In the second, using criteria ranking, VIP Analysis is applied and the alternatives are selected. To illustrate the model, a numerical application in the context of the selection of suppliers in project management is used. The suppliers that form part of the project team have a crucial role in project management. They are involved in a network of connected activities that can jeopardize the success of the project, if they are not undertaken in an appropriate way. The question tackled is how to select service suppliers for a project on behalf of an enterprise that assists the multiple objectives of the decision-makers.

A multicriteria group decision model aggregating the preferences of decision-makers based on electre methods

Often decisions taken in organizations are made by a group of people, and in order to build a collective decision, the preferences of individuals must be considered. The two most useful approaches to aggregating individual preferences are the aggregation of individual judgments and the aggregation of individual priorities. This paper focuses on the latter approach and proposes a multicriteria group decision model in situations where there is no information with regard to the relative importance of the decision-makers. This model includes three stages. In the first, the ELECTRE II method is applied so as to obtain the individual rankings. In the second stage, a global matrix of alternatives versus decision-makers is built up using the results from the previous stage. Finally, the third stage aggregates the individual preferences by applying the ELECTRE IV method and the final collective evaluation is undertaken. A numerical application is presented to illustrate the model.

The problem of disposing of plaster waste from building sites: Problem structuring based on value focus thinking methodology

Plaster is a material which is widely used in Brazil on construction sites. However, its use in recent years has been limited by a legal resolution on the environment introduced in Brazil. One of the regions most affected by these restrictions is the Northeast where the strategic importance of plaster for the region is apparent from the extensive economic development, centered on the gypsum pole of Araripe in the state of Pernambuco. This problem has involved many interested parties, among whom are plaster producers, plastering companies, builders, unions (for plaster workers, and construction workers), Town Halls, and so forth. Therefore, there is a need to structure the problem with a view to obtaining a better understanding of the problem given the lack of information on the real decision problem. To reach this objective, value focus thinking (VFT), a methodology that addresses how values can be used to improve the decision making process, was applied and the problem was structured. Thus, it was possible for the parties involved to clarify their objectives, and specify more precisely the consequences and constraints for the decision problem. In addition, each party involved could get a better understanding of their own wishes. In conclusion, the VFT methodology application enables the parties involved to make more consistent decisions, and therefore to ensure that plaster will continue to be used in the construction industry.

Using value-focused thinking in Brazil

Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) provides a systematic approach to structure complex decisions for subsequent analysis. It is a powerful complement to decision analysis and its application has been growing in recent years. This paper discusses the application of VFT in Brazil to three problems in different contexts: water management, information system/information technology (IS/IT) strategic planning, and the disposal of plaster waste. This article describes how the VFT approach was used to structure these decision problems and identify alternatives to stall them, which led to developing qualitative and quantitative models for evaluating the alternatives, and discusses how such structures can be used in other similar problems.

PROMETHEE-ROC Model for Assessing the Readiness of Technology for Generating Energy

This paper puts forward a proposal for a multicriteria decision model for prioritizing technologies that are critical for power generation in the energy sector. It deals with the context of imprecise information regarding importance of criteria; then an integration of surrogate weights with the PROMETHEE method is undertaken in order to approach this context. In this type of strategic decision problem, how to deal with imprecise information is always a challenge. The use of surrogate weights presents a significant contribution and it can facilitate the assignment of weights in a decision ranking problem, which requires the decision-maker (DM) to order the criteria by their importance for the decision problem. Thus for this situation of assessing the readiness of technology for generating energy where the DM is able and feels comfortable to order all criteria by their relative importance, the proposed approach of surrogate weights in the PROMETHEE II method, the PROMETHEE-ROC model, is shown to be an adequate approach.

Fatores de sucesso no gerenciamento de múltiplos projetos na construção civil em Recife

Abstract The building industry plays a key role in the development of the country’s economy. Many companies from this sector, however, are facing several difficulties, often due to poor project management. This paper highlights the importance of an efficient multiple project management approach in these organizations, and draws attention to the factors responsible for the success of that management. To this end, a survey was conducted across 30 construction companies in Recife which work in a multiple project environment. Using data analysis, it was possible to identify different perceptions of success among managers and organizations, the critical factors of success in the multiple project management environment, the main difficulties in this environment, the main characteristics of the companies that enjoy a large number of successful projects, among other aspects. Keywords Multiple projects. Building site. Success factors. 334Frej, T. A. et al. Fatores de sucesso no gerenciamento ... construcao civil em Recife.

A Model for Sorting Activities to Be Outsourced in Civil Construction Based on ROR-UTADIS

The subcontractor’s selection problem is currently treated as a supply chain problem with a prequalification procedure to balance the main objectives of the client: cost, quality, and time. Unfortunately, most of the selection processes are analysed under the same methodology without considering that variations in project, type of activity, and other attributes should affect the chosen method. To provide a novel form of treating subcontractor’s selection, we proposed an additive sorting method to categorize activities to be outsourced in civil construction based on ROR-UTADIS method, which is a modification of the UTADIS method that includes new forms of supplying preference information. It was applied in the construction of a brewery in Brazil. It was perceived that the method is applicable and intuitive for decision makers, even though there are quite a few points to be taken, analysed to avoid misclassification.

INTEGRATED MODEL FOR SUPPLIER SELECTION AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

This paper puts forward a model for selecting suppliers and evaluating the performance of those already working with a company. A simulation was conducted in a food industry. This sector has high significance in the economy of Brazil. The model enables the phases of selecting and evaluating suppliers to be integrated. This is important so that a company can have partnerships with suppliers who are able to meet their needs. Additionally, a group method is used to enable managers who will be affected by this decision to take part in the selection stage. Finally, the classes resulting from the performance evaluation are shown to support the contractor in choosing the most appropriate relationship with its suppliers.

Structuring a model for supplier selection

Purpose - – This paper aims to put forward a group multicriteria supplier selection model to select suppliers adequate to companies needs in food industries. Selecting the right suppliers has become a strategic problem for firms. This decision should take into account several factors,which involve both quantitative and qualitative considerations and,usually,includes many interested parties. Design/methodology/approach - – The proposed model consists of two phases. Initially,a survey of food industries in Brazil was carried out so as to identify the factors that should be considered in the supplier selection decision process. In the second step,a selection model was developed,based on these findings and the factors identified,and an application of the model was conducted. Findings - – This model uses criteria that are important for the food industries in Brazil and,considering this criteria,helps companies to select the adequate suppliers to their needs. Additionally,the model considers the preferences of the managers who actively participate in the process. Originality/value - – The model helps the company in the selection of suppliers,as it is very important for the corporation to have partnerships with suppliers who can adequately meet its needs. Additionally,a group method was applied,which allows all the managers that will be affected by this decision to participate.