Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods and Project Delivery Approaches

Abstract

The proposed study investigates the differences in project owner decision outcomes for selecting the most suitable project delivery approach, using two Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods, the Analytic Hierarchy Process and the Technique of Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution. The study considers three primary project delivery approaches: Design and Build, Traditional Design Bid Build, and Construction Management. The factors affecting owners' delivery preferences were explored in the literature and data was collected from project owners across the United Arab Emirates. The analyses were carried out on the three delivery methods. The results from the two methods were compared to find the differences in decision outcomes related to delivery type selection. The analysis showed that both methods yield the same results. Hence, both methods are applicable to use as a basis for decision making regarding the appropriate project delivery method and based on typical owners' preferences.