Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Engineering Science
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
Built environment vocations are known to be resistant to innovation and change due to numerous industry characteristics that challenge the ability of companies and professionals to do anything but maintain the status quo and engage in a business existential struggle. The industry is marked by pollution, high costs, high risk, unsafe conditions, and poor project management. The insurance industry has a notable interest in the built environment and its proper functioning, as does the judicial system given the professional liability standards to which some sector vocations must adhere to.
All of this could be greatly improved via the transference and application of known mathematical means and methods derived from the field of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis. This research presents evidence to reveal that there does exist a gap in MCDA adoption within the built environment. It further attempts to understand the relationship between various entity characteristics and specific MCDA use. It leverages modern data sets and tools, such as internet search engine data and academic databases metadata analysis tools to greatly increase sample sizes and so augment direct industry data collection efforts to enhance the clarity of precisely which MCDA are most used within the built environment, which might benefit from additional toolmaking and/or sector intervention.
Math programs such as JMP Statistical Analysis and MATLAB are leveraged within this research to conduct statistical analysis and identify a prospective use case for a specific MCDA, fuzzy logic, within a built environment context. Patterns are detected both along fields of study and traditional academic guidelines but also clusters of MCDA uses involving specific tools, such as GIS and drone mounted data collection devices such as LIDAR and novel ways to integrate BIM with MCDA techniques to help industry professionals know what tools may be of aid in this venture.
Date
1-25-2025
Recommended Citation
Smith, Kyle A., "Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Within the Built Environment" (2025). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 6674.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/6674
Committee Chair
Carol Friedland
Included in
Construction Engineering Commons, Construction Engineering and Management Commons, Industrial Engineering Commons, Other Architecture Commons, Urban, Community and Regional Planning Commons