A prototype of knowledge-based decision support system for construction cost management

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the use and development of decision support systems of cost management in construction industry. The cost-related softwares available in the market are estimating softwares, and usually they are connected with a database. They represent low-level computer-based systems for data storage and retrieval, with functions of calculating and estimation. High-level softwares with ability of data analyzing and decision support are rare in building construction industry. The chapter presents the design of the prototype of knowledge-based decision support system for construction cost management. The proposed knowledge-based decision support system is web-based, which provides global access and other service excellence. It is an integrated tool suite of several software subproducts, which is linked to the knowledge base, which contains the six types of knowledge. The knowledge base serves as the backbone of the system. The chapter finally describes the structure of the knowledge base and the logistical design of the system. The implemented system helps project managers to acquire timely and accurate information, carry out statistic analysis, and what-if analysis, as well as access expert knowledge base, and this will lead to an improved decision making in construction cost management.