Improved final contractor selection using fuzzy method

Abstract

Some contractor selection methods in construction projects are criticized as prejudiced. Therefore, a fuzzy TOPSIS method is proposed to improve the final contractor selection. In this technique, the ratings of the contractors versus eight main criteria and its sub criteria and the weights of all the criteria are assessed by fuzzy numbers. The feasibility of the suggested fuzzy TOPSIS method was checked using a hypothetical case study. It has shown that award of contract should be made on a value for money basis, with proper weighting of criteria for skill, experience and previous performance, rather than automatically accepting the lowest in all cases.