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This paper aims to cover the development of a methodology for hybrid fuzzy Monte Carlo agent-based simulation (FMCABS) and its implementation on a parametric study of construction crew performance.

The developed methodology uses fuzzy logic, Monte Carlo simulation and agent-based modeling to simulate the behavior of construction crews and predict their performance. Both random and subjective uncertainties are considered in model variables.

The developed methodology was implemented on a real case involving the parametric study of construction crew performance to assess its applicability and suitability for this context.

This parametric study demonstrates a practical application for the hybrid FMCABS methodology. Though findings from this study are limited to the context of construction crew motivation and performance, the applicability of the developed methodology extends beyond the construction domain.

This paper will help construction practitioners to predict and improve crew performance by taking into account both random and subjective uncertainties.

This paper will advance construction modeling by allowing for the assessment of social interactions among crews and their effects on crew performance.

The developed hybrid FMCABS methodology represents an original contribution, as it allows agent-based models to simultaneously process all types of variables (i.e. deterministic, random and subjective) in the same simulation experiment while accounting for interactions among different agents. In addition, the developed methodology is implemented in a novel and extensive parametric study of construction crew performance.

Several different simulation techniques, such as discrete event simulation (DES), system dynamics (SD) and agent-based modelling (ABM), have been used to model complex construction systems such as construction processes and project management practices; however, these techniques do not take into account the subjective uncertainties that exist in many construction systems. Integrating fuzzy logic with simulation techniques enhances the capabilities of those simulation techniques, and the resultant fuzzy simulation models are then capable of handling subjective uncertainties in complex construction systems. The objectives of this chapter are to show how to integrate fuzzy logic and simulation techniques in construction modelling and to provide methodologies for the development of fuzzy simulation models in construction. In this chapter, an overview of simulation techniques that are used in construction is presented. Next, the advancements that have been made by integrating fuzzy logic and simulation techniques are introduced. Methodologies for developing fuzzy simulation models are then proposed. Finally, the process of selecting a suitable simulation technique for each particular aspect of construction modelling is discussed.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the optimization of the scheduling of production and transportation systems while considering delay time (DT) and environmental pollution (EP) concurrently. To this, an integrated multi-site manufacturing process using a cumulative transportation system is investigated. Additionally, a novel multi-society genetic algorithm is developed to reach the best answers.

A bi-objective model is proposed to optimize the production and transportation process with the objectives of minimizing DT and EP. This is solved by a social dynamic genetic algorithm (SDGA), which is a novel multi-society genetic algorithm, in scenarios of equal and unequal impacts of each objective. The impacts of each objective are calculated by the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) using experts’ opinions. Results are compared by dynamic genetic algorithm and optimum solution results.

Results clearly depict the efficiency of the proposed algorithm and model in the scheduling of production and transportation systems with the objectives of minimizing DT and EP concurrently. Although SDGA’s performance is acceptable in all cases, in comparison to other genetic algorithms, it needs more process time which is the cost of reaching better answers. Additionally, SDGA had better performance in variable weights of objectives in comparison to itself and other genetic algorithms.

This research is an improvement which allows both society and industry to elevate the levels of their satisfaction while their social responsibilities have been glorified through assuaging the concerns of customers on distribution networks’ emission, competing more efficient and effective in the global market and having the ability to make deliberate decisions far from bias. Additionally, implications of the developed genetic algorithm help directly to the organizations engaged with intelligent production and/or transportation planning which society will be merited indirectly from their outcomes. It also could be utilitarian for organizations that are engaged with small, medium and big data analysis in their processes and want to use more effective and more efficient tools.

Optimization of EP and DT are considered simultaneously in both model and algorithm in this study. Besides, a novel genetic algorithm, SDGA, is proposed. In this multi-society algorithm, each society is focused on a particular objective; however, in one society all the feasible answers will have been integrated and optimization will have been continued.

This paper aims to critically analyze the engineering education focused on sustainability in supply chain management, in courses offered by Brazilian higher education institutions.

Topics related to sustainable supply chain management were listed from the literature and used as a framework to gather professors’ opinions on how well these topics are covered in engineering courses offered in Brazil. Data analysis was performed via frequency analysis and comparative ordering using the Fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution technique.

It was possible to evidence that most of the topics are superficially presented within other subjects and that there are few associated practical activities that enable greater learning. Comparatively, issues related to ISO standards (related to quality and environmental management systems) and compliance with environmental laws, regulations and standards were highlighted. Additionally, it was possible to verify that there is a need for further study on issues related to energy efficiency, worker training and corporate governance.

No similar study was found in the literature. The findings presented in this paper can contribute to the improvement of engineering education in Brazil and other countries.

The applications of multi-agent systems (MASs) are considered to be among the most promising paradigms for detailed investigations and reliable problem-solving methods, and MAS applications make it possible for researchers and practitioners to better understand complex systems. Although a number of prior studies have been conducted to address complex issues that arise from construction projects, few studies have summarised the applications and discussed the capacity of MASs from the perspective of construction management. To fill the gap, this paper provides a comprehensive literature review of MAS applications from the perspective of construction management.

Web of Science and Scopus are the most commonly used international databases in conducting the literature reviews. A total of 86 relevant papers published in SCI-Expanded, SSCI and Ei Compendex journals related to the application of MASs from the perspective of construction management are selected to be analysed and discussed in this paper.

Based on the 86 collected publications, the utilisations of MASs to support the management of the supply chain and the improvement of project performance are identified from the perspective of construction management, the characteristics and barriers of current MAS applications are analysed, a framework for developing agent-based models to address complex problems is proposed, and future research directions of MAS applications are discussed.

This review can serve as a useful reference for scholars to enhance their understanding of the current research and guide future research on MASs. The proposed framework can help build agent-based models to address complex problems in construction management.