# Decision Support Systems (Dss) In Construction Tendering Processes

Rosmayati MOHEMAD1, Abdul Razak HAMDAN2, Zulaiha ALI OTHMAN2 **and Noor Maizura MOHAMAD NOOR1**
1 **Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, University Malaysia Terengganu** 
Kuala Terengganu, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia 2 **Faculty of Information Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia** 
Bangi, 43600, Selangor, Malaysia 

## Abstract

The successful execution of a construction project is heavily impacted by making the right decision during tendering processes. Managing tender procedures is very complex and uncertain involving coordination of many tasks and individuals with different priorities and objectives. Bias and inconsistent decision are inevitable if the decision-making process is totally depends on intuition, subjective judgement or emotion. In making transparent decision and healthy competition tendering, there exists a need for flexible guidance tool for decision support. Aim of this paper is to give a review on current practices of Decision Support Systems (DSS) technology in construction tendering processes. Current practices of general tendering processes as applied to the most countries in different regions such as United States, Europe, Middle East and Asia are comprehensively discussed. Applications of Web-based tendering processes is also summarised in terms of its properties. Besides that, a summary of Decision Support System (DSS) components is included in the next section. Furthermore, prior researches on implementation of DSS approaches in tendering processes are discussed in details. Current issues arise from both of paper-based and Web-based tendering processes are outlined. Finally, conclusion is included at the end of this paper. 

Keywords: Construction industry, decision-making, decision support systems, tendering.

## 1. Introduction

Planning for construction project involving millions ringgit is a challenging and complex task faced by multiple parties such as clients, consultants and contractors. The successful execution of a construction project is heavily impacted by making the right decision at the right time. The construction project life cycle involves three stages namely as pre-construction, construction and post-construction [16]. Tendering processes is in the first stage [21]. 

Tendering processes in construction industry are fragmented and different with the other domain of tendering practices [24]. Managing tender procedures is often very complex and uncertain, involving coordination of many tasks and individuals. Different individuals have different priorities and objectives. It increases the need for efficient decisions from clients, consultants (acting on behalf of clients) or contractors. For example, contractor is required to make decision to determine either to participate in the tender or not and selection of the most qualified contractor to run the project by clients. 

Conventionally, decision makers tend to make decision based on a blend of their intuition, subjective judgement which based on past experience and emotion. This kind of practice does not guarantee consistent decision and lead to be bias. In complex environment, undetermined and insufficient external information as input during making decision could trigger to unfair, incomplete and poorly constructed result [30]. Meanwhile, despite the existing of diverse Web-based tools for supporting online tendering, current approaches do not include with decision support tools. The adoption of ICT in tendering processes does not help in making fair and structured decision. Thus, Decision Support Systems (DSS) play a great important role in order to ensure the confidentiality, greater transparency and healthy competition in tendering. 

DSS are computer-based systems that assist business and organizational in complex decision-making environment. According to Marakas [32], DSS manage and process input of unstructured or semi-structured problems in order to support rather than replace decision-making process. 

The final selection in decision-making is under human authority. DSS act as supporting tools in assisting users by giving suggestions especially when fragmented information and complex problem involved. 