An Integrated Web-based Decision Support System for Tendering Processes

A Decision Support System (DSS) is an interactive computer-based system that helps decision makers (DMs) utilise data and models to solve complex and unstructured problems. Procurement or the tendering process is a decision problem of paramount importance for any business. A critical and vital procurement task is to select the best contractor during the tendering or bidding process. A case study is drawn from the construction business in order to demonstrate the applicability of our approach. Advancing the application of information technology in tendering is a major international research and innovation endeavour for both scientific establishments and industry. The aim of this work is to implement and evaluate an architecture for modelling and coordinating decision-making activities in tendering processes. Process modelling techniques are used to capture human behaviour, interactions with computer systems and flows of information through tendering processes. The constructed process models are implemented using a Process Support System (PSS). They are used to facilitate the understanding and communication of electronic tendering processes to stakeholders such as construction managers and contractors. We develop an Integrated Webbased DSS that comprises a Web-based DSS, a Process Modelling for Online Communication System (PMOCS) and a Decisioning for Decision Support in Process (D2P). The Web-based DSS, functioning as a data acquisition module, has been developed to collect information about the clients, contractors, and project details. It manages and facilitates the tendering activities. The PMOCS coordinates the participants of tendering processes and supports the communication and collaboration necessary in preparing tender documents. The D2P coordinates and supports the decision-making phases. The D2P is also a generic model that supports the process of making decisions. It uses a meta-process (a process about processes) for supporting tendering activities. It aids DMs in choosing among of competitive bids for building projects.