Applying a Fuzzy Consensus Scheme to Enhance the Group Decision Making of a Building Envelope Design Team

Abstract

AbstractThis study applies a fuzzy consensus scheme integrated with a multicriteria decision making method and fuzzy set theory to mitigate groupthink and disagreements among members of a building envelope design team. This fuzzy consensus scheme consists of freezing conditions and a standardized procedure to govern group decision making. The study employs a case study as a research design to test effectiveness of the fuzzy consensus scheme in mitigating groupthink and disagreements among the building design team members. In the case study, the design team is engaged and then tasked to apply the fuzzy consensus scheme when assessing different building envelope designs of a representative building project. A semi-structured interview is conducted to collect perspectives of the design team members regarding the effectiveness of the fuzzy consensus scheme applied in the case study in relation to their previous experience in similar actual projects. Results from the case study suggest that the fuzzy consensus...