Construction IT Decision Making Using Multiattribute Utility Theory for Use in a Laboratory Information Management System

Abstract

This paper describes an objective process to select appropriate information technologies (ITs) for construction applications using the multiatttribute utility theory. Construction industry IT managers often find it difficult to objectively evaluate IT systems because each system has its own technical, economic, and risk considerations. This paper uses a multi-attribute utility theory to facilitate the decision-making process in such complex decisions. The theory’s basic premise is that the selection issue can be broken down into alternative attributes. Based upon the user’s tradeoffs among attributes, important weights are quantified and single-attribute utilities are measured. Finally, single-attribute utilities are combined to develop one single aggregate utility index for each alternative. A test is performed to use the utility theory to evaluate two different labeling approaches (radio-frequency identification and bar codes) for a construction material testing laboratory. Results showed that this technique has the ability to make decisions more objectively. Overall, the suggested model can also be adapted to evaluate other construction-related decisions, pertaining to other IT applications, equipment selection, and construction methods and techniques.