PhD dissertation plan

Titled

The use of decision support systems"

and their impact on determining
project selection factors in engineering
companies specialized in project
"management

:By

Ansam Omar Ahmed Al Sheehan

1.1Introduction:

The decision-making process is considered one of the most

important administrative processes in organizations because of
its dimensions related to the presence of the organization as a
whole in the business environment, and in light of the high
competitiveness in the era of information and technology,
decision-making has become important. To Of great importance
as the quality of the decision is a competitive advantage that
organizations seek to achieve, and it has become necessary to
obtain full support for decision-making come and support it By
providing the environment, conditions, mechanisms and
( technologies that serve to make a good, viable decision
.)Boamousha, 2017

As the importance of decisions and their support in project

management emerges in the decision-making process, which
did not come from absurdity, but rather was a response and
demand due to scientific and technological progress and the
expansion of the size of companies, especially companies and
engineering organizations specialized in project management,
manpower and the influences of the internal and external
environment, and in addition to that quantity The huge amount
of information required by the process of engineering project
systems and decision support in determining the mechanism of
projects (Perrican, 2015).

And with the development and progress of construction

engineering companies The business environment has changed
with the development of the information society in building All
information technologies significantly, and this affected
decision support systems effectively and clearly as it affected
all aspects of life, as new technologies, especially Modern
techniques and methods in construction created great
opportunities to improve the decision-making process with the
help of decision support systems and at the same time it
created a challenge in how to manage this large flow and speed
in constructions Which can get out of control sometimes
(Kharbotli, 2015).

whereas construction sector Developed over time by adopting

the latest technologies for various stages Building, including
design, implementation and operation Since each stage of its
own importance, for example Choosing the correct design
parameters is the backbone of the construction activity.
Choosing the right building materials to meet design and
operational specifications also has unique value. Technological
shifts have made construction more practical demanding,
which makes the jobs of technical personnel more
difficult(Chandwani, V, Agrawal, V, & Nagar, R, 2017).

And information technology plays an important role in making

this job more precise, accurate and fast. By introducing
innovative information systems, such as neural networks and
decision support systems In addition expert systems, where it
became The work of technical stakeholders and managers is
fairly simple and precise What, Agathe start, design software
(Monghasemi, S, Nikoo, MR, & Khaksar Fasaee, 2019),Such as
AutoCAD, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and SAP 2000
structural analysis software, which inject new life into the
modern construction process, similarly Primavera TM is good
for use in construction execution, control and monitoring
systems. (Volk, R., Stengel, J, & Schultmann, F, 2017)

The rapid growth in the construction sector led to Make the

construction manager work and who He is a Maker The decision
is more stressful and stressful, since She came to help
Information technology in the form of decision support systems
has contributed significantly to making this task easier, more
reliable and accurate (Kneifel, J, 2014).

And in contracts Last, Many scientific studies have been

published that contributed to the field of building decision
support systems and their studies, for Example: parse Optimum
multi-objective cost, energy performance in buildings, Project
management and green building construction and modelling
the information, These efforts have been made to determine
the best combination of energy management systems for cost
effectiveness (Zhang, S, Teizer, J, Lee, J.-K, & Eastman, CM,
2013).

And it became the construction sector is one of the largest

energy consumers Then it is made Great efforts to monitor
energy consumption using a variety of methods, such as life
cycle analysis (LCA) and modify buildings (Ardente, F, Beccali,
M, & Cellura, M.; Mistretta, 2013).

where the policy was applied LCA when buildings have different
functions, sizes, materials and situations, and these methods
are based on ISO 14040 standards with different scopes,
objectives and limitations (Abd Rashid, A.F. & Yusoff, S,
2018),The interface retrofit is also used to solve the problem of
energy saving and management (Castleton, HF, Stovin, V, &
Beck, SBM, 2014).

Engineers, especially architects, now play an important role in

the design phase and incorporate design features that ensure
low-energy buildings. This approach is now widely used to
conserve energy in buildings, paving the way towards adopting
late-stage building technologies such as: Double-sided and
improved Cooling and heating of the building and cells
Integrated photovoltaic and green facade (Turskis, Z,
Zavadskas, EK, & Peldschus, F, 2017).

is associated the design Project management, as it plays a key

role in decision support to take in construction, And the Cost-
benefit analysis is one of the most suitable techniques for
making informed decisions (Ochoa, CE & Capeluto, IG,
2016),Time, cost, and quality are important criteria during the
planning phase of construction, and the deductive reasoning
approach is often used to iron out these issues while scheduling
construction projects. (Monghasemi, S, Nikoo, MR, & Khaksar
Fasaee, 2019).

1.2 Research problem:

that decision making process It is extremely important in

construction Rather, it is the basis So that defines the project
success or failure, Where Most of the activities in this process
are conflictual in nature, Which raises the problem of
comprehensive decision-making and management (Jato-Espino,
D, Castillo-Lopez, E, & Rodriguez-Hernandez, J, 2014), whereas
Some of the main focus areas during The decision-making
process is energy conservation (Robert, A & Kummert, M,
2013),and energy management, And theinIndeed,20% to 30%
of energy can be saved by optimizing processes and
management during construction stage (Sharma, A, Saxena, A,
Sethi, M, & Shree, V, 2013),Without changing the building
structure or hardware configuration of the energy supply
system, And the Energy conservation in buildings is also a
major influencing criterion to be considered When developing
the idea of careful and profitable construction. energy
consumption is a critical area, As more than 70% of the
electricity is consumed by the construction sector.

And the Because of the globalization of trade and the openness

of markets and overlapping fields Knowledge, The use of
information technology and decision support systems has
become an urgent need in Project departments, where The
organization is separated from the rest of the functions such as
human resource management and operations
management...etc., And the In consulting engineering
companies specialized in managing projects on the face
particular The uses of decision support systems have become
one of the necessary administrative support systems to
determine the most feasible projects, especially since decision
support systems support semi-structural and non-structural
decisions.

And recently Construction projects have recently witnessed a

steady growth, as this growth has been accompanied by a rapid
development, especially through the rapid technological
development and its uses, as increased Recently, there has
been a growth in the number of projects established, which
raises many questions about the relationship that governs
modern uses and how to choose a project.
Therefore, the purpose of this study is to study the use of
decision support systems and their impact in determining
project selection in engineering companies specialized in
project management.

1.3 Research questions:

The purpose of the study can be achieved by answering

the following questions:

1. What is the extent to which decision support systems are

used in companies specializing in project management?
2. Is there an impact of decision support systems and their
dimensions on project selection factors in engineering
companies specialized in project management?
3. Is there an effect of decision support systems with their
dimensions (interface the user, Data Base, models base)
on factors related to the project in engineering companies
specialized in project management?
4. Is there an effect of decision support systems with their
dimensions (interface the user, Data Base, models base)
on factors related to the project environment in
engineering companies specialized in project
management?

1.4 Research Importance:

Because the projects are of a temporary nature and a life

characteristic that starts with a point and ends at a certain
point, and because the project activities are not repetitive, so
the success of construction companies depends to a large
extent on the ability of these companies to choose the most
appropriate project factors from several proposed projects, and
given the importance of using decision support systems for
construction companies Engineering companies specialized in
project management in determining the chosen project. This
study seeks to identify the nature of engineering companies
specialized in project management in terms of their size and
nature of work, in addition to measuring the impact of decision
support systems. factors in selecting the most appropriate
project.

As for the practical side the researcher seeks That the

results of this study be useful to the construction sector in
general, especially since studies in this field are limited to the
knowledge of the researcher, and most of the research
conducted in relation to the field of projects was mostly from an
engineering point of view, whether civil or architectural, and
not from the point of view of Project management in particular.

As for the aspect of support systems the decision, after

reviewing the relevant literature, the researcher noticed that
most of the studies dealing with decision support systems and
their components in particular were from a technical
perspective. purely, While the studies conducted in the
administrative field dealt with the environment in which
decision support systems operate Specializing in project
management, is not a component of it.

1.5 Research Objectives:

The study aims to study the use of decision support systems
and their impact on determining project selection factors in
companies specialized in project management in more detail.
This study seeks to achieve a set of objectives, the most
important of which are:

1. Knowledge of the extent to which decision support

systems are used in engineering companies specialized in
project management.
2. Determining the role of decision support systems in the
selection factors for construction projects in engineering
companies

Specialized in project management.

3. Identify the degree of awareness of project managements

in engineering companies specialized in project
management of decision support systems and the role
these systems play in the issue of factors for choosing the
most appropriate project among several projects.
4. Coming up with a set of recommendations that can
contribute to understanding the impact of using decision
support systems in determining project selection factors in
engineering companies specialized in project
management.

1.6 Research Hypotheses:

In light of the problem of the study and the objectives it

seeks to achieve it, the researcher formulated the
following null hypotheses:
 1. Do you There is a trace Statistically significant at the
significance level (0.05≤ αDecision support systems and
their dimensions on project selection factors in
engineering consulting companies specialized in project
management.

Sub-hypotheses emerged from this hypothesis

following:

a. The null sub-hypothesis First:

Is there a statistically significant effect at the significance level?

a ≤ 0.05decision support systems dimensions on Project-related

factors in engineering consulting firms specialized in project

management.

b. The null sub-hypothesis the second:

Is there any effect Statistical significance at the level of

significance a ≤ 0.05decision support systems dimensions on
Factors related to the project owner in engineering companies
specialized in project management.

c. The null sub-hypothesis Third:

Is there a trace sign infectant Statistics at the level of

significance a ≤ 0.05decision support systems dimensions on
Factors related to the contractor in engineering companies
specialized in managing projects.

d. The null sub-hypothesis Fourth:

Is there a statistically significant effect at the significance level?

a ≤ 0.05Decision support systems and their dimensions on factors
related to the project environment in engineering companies
specialized in project management.

1.7 limits search:

spatial boundaries: This study will be limited to managers of

construction projects and engineering companies specialized in
project management, and the researcher will choose the
appropriate sample when writing the questionnaire.

Time limits: This study will take place during the period
between 1/1/2023 and 31/12/2023.

1.8 Study Limitations:

The study will include engineering companies specialized in

project management and registered with the Jordanian
Engineers Association Offices Authority, and the study will not
deal with contractors and project owners as independent
entities in the construction sector environment. Their impact on
the use of decision support and project selection.

1.9 Procedural concepts:

1. Decision Support Systems: support systems the
decisioned, are computer applications that collect,
organize and analyze data in order to assist management
in making the right decisions that will contribute to the
establishment achieving its goals. specified, where
decision-making systems contribute to collecting different
data from multiple sources. Various data such as raw
data, employees, senior management, executive
departments, and financial data (Daraghmeh, 2021).
2. Project management: It is the application of processes,
methods, skills, knowledge and experience to achieve the
specified project objectives in accordance with the project
acceptance criteria within the agreed upon standards.
Project management contains end products that are
restricted to a limited time period and budget.(Makki,
2019).
3. Engineering companies: It is a contract under which
two or more persons undertake to contribute to a
construction project that includes a certificate of a
member of the Engineers Syndicate or a certificate of
classification of construction contractors. This contract is
made for profit by providing a share of money or the
work, In order to share what may result in profit or
loss(Al-Harbi, 2018).
4. Project selection: It is a systematic process by which an
individual project is evaluated for selection to implement,
Or a group of projects is evaluated in order to select one
or more of them. If the company wants to develop a
product new, this project must be subject to a feasibility
study(Al-Wahsh, 2021).
5. Project related factors: Environmental factors affecting
a project refer to conditions beyond the control of the
project team that affect, constrain, or direct the project.
Environmental factors affecting the project are the inputs
used in most planning processes, and may improve or
constrain management options The project has Have a
positive or negative effect on the results(Hasweh, 2018).
1.10 Previous studies:
1. Search (Kristina Galjani´c, Ivan Marovi´c, & Nikša Jajac,
2022)Entitled (Decision Support Systems for Construction
Project Management: Scientific Development Analysis):

The dynamic nature and increasing complexity of

construction projects pose many challenges to project
planning and control. For years, there has been debate about
successful construction projects and how to achieve them. A
bibliometric study is developed on the basis of over 750
scholarly papers on project success, decision support
system, improvement and project performance. Data is
collected from data bases Scopus and Web of Science
covering the period from January 2000 to February 2022.
Several types of analysis were conducted - data information,
research growth, most productive country, most productive
institution, most relevant source, most influential authors,
collaboration between countries and the institutions and
authors, Most relevant or most cited post, highest frequency,
keyword presence. It is indicated what task the authors and
journals are and in what direction further research should be
directed. This paper identifies that construction is one of the
least digitalized industries in the world. There is a great need
for more studies on the organizational changes needed for
digitization and how to evaluate and implement digital
technologies to support business on the construction site.
2. Search (Pia Schönbeck, Malin Löfsjögård, & Anders Ansell,
2022) Entitled (Decision Support System for Hospital
Configurations in Construction Projects):

That Hospitals are complex buildings and their functions are

essential to the care of patients. Defining, verifying, and
implementing accurate configuration information during
build so projects are essential. The purpose of this study
was to develop a decision support system by establishing a
configuration information value chain with a comprehensive
perspective. And it was the approach of this study
exploratory, an investigation of how construction data
supports construction projects in making hospital
configuration decisions. The literature review provided a
knowledge base on the functioning of the decision process
configuration, which defined the basic requirements for the
proposed data management and models. The required
construction data exchange and relationships were ensured
using industry organization classes (IFC) and base model
data, straight. The results show that using construction
model data to support a configuration decision is feasible. A
case study comparing exchange data in three MRI room
construction projects to those identified in Decision support
system. Where Operational gaps in data exchange are
indicated in the cases studied B What changes are needed
in the current data collection and management. The
contribution of this study fills a research gap regarding
comprehensive information management to support
hospital configuration decisions in construction projects.
3. Search (Nathalie Labonnotea, Christofer Skaara, & Petra
Rüther, 2017) Entitled (The Potential of Decision Support
Systems for Smarter, Sustainable Buildings: A Brief
Overview):

Rarely has the performance-based concept been extended

from the engineering phase to other phases of the
construction process. To achieve more sustainable and
smarter construction, the construction industry needs
decision support systems that incorporate a selection of
processes, constraints, timelines and performance standards
relevant to all stakeholders involved. This paper aims to
show a design methodology that solves these challenges,
and provides several frameworks for decision support
systems that are relevant to the construction industry.
Examples of current applications are provided, along with a
discussion of future opportunities. Potential synergy with
new technologies is emphasized.

4. Search(R. Ansaria, S, Banihashemib, R, & Taherkhania, S,

2022)Entitled (Decision Support System for Analyzing Key
Performance Indicators in Construction Project
Management):

Many factors play a role in the life cycle of construction

projects, with human resources and relationships as the
main focus of business development. and therefore, the
conflict of interest between Stakeholders in the construction
industry projects a clear and difficult problem. The growing
number of project stakeholders complicates relationships
humanity, and thus increases potential conflicts. Conflicts
may result in claims if not resolved. The success of
construction projects and their cost and time management
can be affected by poor claims management. So, this
research aims to take an important step to improve the
efficiency of projects by identifying and classifying the
causes of claims and analyzing their effects on key efficiency
indicators. First, the reasons for the claim are compiled
according to the opinions of the experts and their women
and their classification based on key efficiency indicators
using the Analytical Hierarchy Integrated Process Technique
of System Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution
Technique (AHP-TOPSIS). According for the results, Delays
with a proximity coefficient of 0.728 are the most important
factors in making claims with a significant impact on the
construction project's key efficiency indicators. In most
construction projects, changes come second, followed by an
order acceleration, and work extra, and change workshop
conditions the work, and contractual ambiguity. The findings
of the current study may reduce the challenges in managing
claims in the construction industry Successful completion of
projects.

5. Search(Rosmayati Mohemad and Noor Maizura Mohamad

Noor, 2018)Entitled (A Comprehensive Review of Decision-
Making Support Systems in the Management of
Construction Tenders):

Decision support tools for construction tender management

are as essential as assistance to each of the clients'
contractors, they are the main stakeholders in construction
projects in making effective and reliable decisions in order to
ensure Targets are met during tendering processes. In this
the paper, A comprehensive review of current research
articles related to the implementation of decision support
systems in stages tender, With the aim of providing an
overview of the latest model. Data were obtained from
articles published from 2002 to 2018 in Journals and Books
and Procedures chapters. The articles were categorized
according to three main stages of the tender (1) Bid
specifications preparation, 2) Bidding and 3) Evaluation
giving, Where the decision is made Support tools applied to
support decision makers.
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