Integrating and optimizing quality and client satisfaction in resource constrained time-cost trade-off for construction projects with NSGA-III methodology

This study investigates the integration of quality and client satisfaction into resource-constrained time-cost trade-off optimization for construction projects. Utilizing the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm III (NSGA-III), a multi-objective trade-off model (MOTM) is developed to optimize the resource-constrained time-cost-quality-client satisfaction trade-off (RCTCQCST). Through a case study of a one-storey building construction project involving 21 activities with five execution modes each, the model’s effectiveness is demonstrated. The case study results yield Pareto-optimal combinations of execution modes, ensuring resource-efficient project execution, and demonstrate the NSGA-III-based MOTM’s effectiveness in balancing objectives under resource constraints. Besides, a weighted sum technique is employed to pick one solution from Pareto-optimal solutions for the execution of project. Comparative analysis against existing scheduling models shows that the NSGA-III-based MOTM performs better in achieving optimal trade-offs. The implications of this study suggest that incorporating quality and client satisfaction into the optimization process can significantly enhance project outcomes, offering a robust decision-making tool for project managers to achieve a comprehensive balance between time, cost, quality, and client satisfaction.

Graphical Abstract