Browsing by Author "Ashour, Mojtaba"

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Embargo
A comprehensive state-of-the-art survey on the recent modified and hybrid analytic hierarchy process approaches
(Elsevier, 2023-11-16) Ashour, Mojtaba; Mahdiyar, A.
Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a widely applied technique in multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problems. Over time, numerous hybridizations, improvements, and modifications have been proposed to address the shortcomings of traditional AHP. Considering the sheer number of the AHP-based methods, scholars/practitioners are faced with certain challenges when selecting a suitable method due to: (i) lack of adequate knowledge on pros and cons of different AHP approaches, (ii) difficulties and limitations in the application and analysis, and (iii) uncertainties about the suitability of the method. As a result, there is a need for a comprehensive review functioning as a guidance when choosing the best-suited approach considering the specific features of the problem at hand. This paper, therefore, reviews articles published between 2010 and 2023 that have proposed a hybrid, improved, or modified AHP and classifies them based on three main categories of contributions: (A) consistency improvements, (B) reducing the difficulties or limitations, and (C) increasing the accuracy of the results. These categories are further discussed based on the nature of variation (hybridizing with fuzzy sets, metaheuristic algorithms, modification of AHP structure, and hybridization with other approaches). A comprehensive summary table is provided to showcase the strengths and weaknesses of each method, and a roadmap is put forward for scholars and industry experts assisting them in the selection of the appropriate method considering various aspects of problems. Finally, directions for future research are discussed.
Open Access
Barriers to the practice of sustainable interior architecture and design for interior renovations: A Parsimonious-Cybernetic Fuzzy AHP approach
(Elsevier BV, 2022-06-30) Ashour, Mojtaba; Mahdiyar, A.; Haron, S. H.; Hanafi, M. H.
While the notion of sustainability has long been a major concern in the built environment, the practice of sustainable interior architecture and design still falls short. This study aimed to identify and analyse barriers to the practice of sustainable interior architecture and design. To this end, after identifying 30 potential obstacles through a review of literature, a two-round Enhanced Fuzzy Delphi Method involving 13 qualified experts was employed resulting in the exclusion of 10, and the addition of one new barrier. To prioritise the remaining, a novel Parsimonious Cybernetic Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process was introduced, significantly reducing the number of pairwise comparisons and eliminating the need for a complicated AHP questionnaire. Results showed the highest prioritised barriers are: (1) lack of sufficient sustainability modules in the education of interior architects/designers, (2) designers' lack of experience and technical understanding, (3) lack of codes, regulations and specific legal frameworks designed for different types of projects, (4) lack of interest from the client, and (5) designers’ lack of training. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for professional interior architects/designers, educators, statutory authorities, governments, and policymakers. Considering the dearth of existing literature on this topic, the present study fills this gap by providing a comprehensive list of barriers to sustainable interior architecture and design, establishes the groundwork for future research to build upon, and introduces a novel P-CFAHP that has not been employed before.
Embargo
Cybernetic-parsimonious MCDM modeling with application to the adoption of Circular Economy in waste management
(Elsevier, 2023-05-01) Kabirifar, K.; Ashour, Mojtaba; Yazdani, M.; Mahdiyar, A.; Malekjafarian, M.
Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is the main contributor to economic loss, environmental pollution, and health hazards if the current linear economy model of ‘take-make-consume-dispose’ is not replaced by a Circular Economy (CE) as a solution approach to maximize the use of resources and reduce waste. However, successful CE concept implementation involves strategies that trigger construction and demolition waste management (CDWM) throughout its life cycle, rather than end-of-life strategies, such as reuse and recycling. By meticulously reviewing the literature, nineteen factors that affect CDWM from CE concept implementation throughout six stages of preconstruction, procurement, construction, demolition, transportation, and end-of-life are initially identified. A hybrid fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making approach is then utilized in two main stages, including an Enhanced Fuzzy Delphi Method in stage one, to refine the identified factors according to Tehran's construction context, and a Cybernetic Parsimonious Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process in stage two, to prioritize these factors. Three factors were identified during the first stage of the research methodology and added to the factors extracted from the literature. The results indicate that ‘on-site sorting, reusing, and recycling of waste materials’, ‘various procurement models’, and ‘precise implementation of waste management regulations and plans’ are the most important factors, respectively. A comprehensive list of the factors provided as part of the research findings has contributed to the body of knowledge to be used as a snapshot by researchers, while the ranking of the factors gives new insights to stakeholders on ways to manage CDW in projects.
Open Access
Towards improving health management of construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic
(Routledge, 2023-10-12) Mahdiyar, Amir; Ashour, Mojtaba; Edwards, David J.; Mohandes, Saeed Reza; Manu, Patrick; Cheung, Clara; Yunusa-Kaltungo, Akilu; Emuze, Fidelis; Abreu Saurin, Tarcisio; H. W. Hadikusumo, Bonaventura
The global COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted all industries, from economic loss to deterioration of the health and well-being of workers contracting the virus. The construction industry is no exception, and the risks posed are perhaps elevated by a myriad of professionals working in proximity to each other during a project. The high rate of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)-related issues have invariably been exacerbated since the beginning of the pandemic, causing different ranges of threats to the workers. Although several studies have investigated health-related issues caused by COVID-19, the prevailing body of knowledge lacks a prescription of the preventative measures to be implemented for curbing the resultant repercussions in the Hong Kong building and construction industry. To address this knowledge gap, a hybrid methodological approach is employed in this study using structured interviews and the Best Worst method (BWM). Based on the findings, the following unique contributions are noted: (1) identification of beneficial health measures; and (2) ranking of the importance of the identified measures. The study’s findings broaden the horizon of safety decision-maker’s thinking towards minimizing the transmission risk associated with COVID-19, and improving H&S management of construction projects, by tilting their attention and resources to the top-ranked measures.
Open Access
Towards the adoption of most suitable green walls within sustainable buildings using interval type-2 fuzzy best-worst method and TOPSIS technique
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2022-11-08) Tabatabaee, S.; Ashour, Mojtaba; Sadeghi, H.; Hoseini, S. A.; Mohandes, S. R.; Mahdiyar, A.; Ismail, S.; Hosseini, M. R.
Purpose – To come up with a prudent decision on the installation of an appropriate green wall (GW) on buildings, this study presents a novel decision-making algorithm. The proposed algorithm considers the importance of barriers hampering GW adoption, as well as their relationships with regard to different types of GWs existing in a contextual setting. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed methodological approach is based on the integration of qualitative and quantitative techniques by employing focus group discussion, fuzzy-based best-worst method and fuzzy TOPSIS. Findings – Based on the experiences of qualified experts involved in related projects in Hong Kong, the following conclusions are drawn: (1) cost, installation and maintenance-related barriers are perceived to have the highest importance, (2) modular living wall system is the most suitable GW system for the context of Hong Kong and (3) existing barriers are found to have a pivotal role in the ranking of the most suitable GW systems. Practical implications – The findings provide valuable insight not only for policymakers and stakeholders, but also for establishing a methodological approach that can assist decision-makers in identifying the most beneficial GW system rather than the most applicable one. This could have significant implications and introduce potential changes to the common way of practice within the industry and lay the foundation for wider adoption of GW. Originality/value – While previous studies have investigated the sustainability-related issues of GW façade applications, the current body of knowledge is deprived of a comprehensive methodological approach for the selection of the most suitable GW systems.