Thesis Defense - Sabah Khodabocus (MSCE)

Sabah Khodabocus – M.Sc. Civil Engineering

Assist. Prof. Senem Seyis – Advisor

Date: 20.07.2022

Time: 15:00

Location: AB1 231

“Multi-criteria Decision-making Approach for Risk Management in Modular Construction Projects”

Assist. Prof. Senem Seyis, Özyeğin University

Prof. Esin Ergen, Istanbul Technical University

Assist. Prof. Derya Deniz, Özyeğin University

Abstract:

While there exists an ever-rising interest in modular construction projects, the current performance does not depict its full capabilities. This is mainly due to practicing ‘stick-built’ methods under a roof, implying carrying out conventional construction style in an offsite factory. That malpractice causes cost overruns, disruptions in the timeline, and poor-quality end-products. While being minimal but not inexistent, the risks in a modular project can negatively impact overall performance if not tackled early on. As such, this study aims to utilize a multi-criteria decision-making approach for identifying the most efficient risk management approaches to tackle risks in modular construction projects. For this purpose, a systematic literature review, meta-analysis, semi-structured interviews, open-ended questionnaires and the Delphi method formed part of the methodology. The data achieved underwent reliability, validity, and agreement tests such as percentage standard deviation decrease, Cronbach’s alpha, and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (Kendall’s W). This was followed by a meta-analysis. Hereafter, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was opted to quantify the Delphi findings and solve the multi-criteria decision-making process. This has led to ranking the risk management approaches according to efficiency for each risk category considered in the scope of this study; Supply chain, Health & Safety of workers, Stakeholders, and Governmental support. Furthermore, an interactive web-based application was launched to provide the target audience with a user-friendly platform supporting early decision-making in risk management comprising of implementation guides and a to-do list. The highly reliable Delphi and AHP findings provide practical insight for the target audience in the modular construction industry such that a clearer initiation phase can be achieved. This would hence enable the achievement of timelines, budget conditions, and quality standards. Moreover, the research promotes continuous improvement in the modular construction industry by contributing to the quest of enhancing productivity through efficient risk management approaches usage.

Bio:

Sabah Khodabocus pursued her bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at The University of Nottingham Malaysia campus from 2016 to 2020. Hereafter, she started her master’s degree in Civil Engineering at Özyeğin University in 2020. Her research interests consist of efficient methods of construction pertaining to minimizing impacts on the surroundings and establishing guides for key decision makers in the construction industry. One of her studies initiating early planning for better handling of facilities management risks in modular construction was presented at the Eurasian BIM Forum 2021 in Istanbul. With constant involvement in Risk management and Lean construction during the Teaching Assistant positions, the research motivation to implement a multi-criteria decision-making approach for generating early-on guidance to project managers or risk managers was derived relating to her master’s thesis.