Thomas Tong | City University of Hong Kong (original) (raw)
Papers by Thomas Tong
European Journal of Operational Research, Oct 1, 2006
Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a commonly used decision-aiding tool for resolving multi-cr... more Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a commonly used decision-aiding tool for resolving multi-criteria decision problems. However, users sometimes find it difficult to ensure a consistent pairwise comparison between voluminous decisions. The cause of which is that the Consistency Ratio (CR) is produced after the evaluation process and its global acceptance criteria is limited. When the derived ratio reports some inconsistency, it requires a long process to locate and rectify the problem. The major aim of this study is to look for an alternative decision-aiding tool to AHP, helping to avoid the above problem. The alternative approach proposed in this study is the Non-Structural Fuzzy Decision Support System (NSFDSS). The application of the system is illustrated with a worked example. The results generated by NSFDSS are compared against those generated by the conventional AHP that shows the effectiveness and some unique advantages of the proposed tool over AHP.
Construction Innovation: Information, Process, Management, Apr 18, 2008
Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to propose a variant of superiority and inferiority ranking ... more Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to propose a variant of superiority and inferiority ranking (SIR) method called SIR-Grey for determining the location of large-scale harbour-front project development. Design/methodology/approach-The study is illustrated with an application example obtained from the Environmental Protection Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to demonstrate the concept and application procedure of SIR-Grey. The strengths and weaknesses of SIR-Grey are highlighted when compared with the traditional weighted average approach. Findings-The strengths and weaknesses of SIR-Grey are highlighted when compared with the traditional weighted average approach. Among the strengths, the global comparison scores of SIR-Grey can give a clearer and easier comprehensible algorithm. Further, the global comparison generated from superiority flows (S-flows) [S-flow: A is preferred to A 0 (A P. A 0) or A is indifferent to A 0 (A I. A 0)] and inferiority flows (I-flows) [I-flow: A is preferred to A 0 (A P , A 0) or A is indifferent to A 0 (A I , A 0)] can be used to select a solution matching the nature of the problem; e.g. a conservative approach can adopt the ranking from I-flow because the selected option will have the criteria farthest from the virtual worst site while the ranking from S-flow can be adopted for an aggressive approach because the final decision will have the criteria closest to the virtual perfect site. Regarding the weaknesses, the major one is the requirement of a full appreciation of the nature of criteria in setting the thresholds and preference structure, which may complicate the application of the model. Originality/value-This study proposes a variant of SIR method called SIR-Grey for determining the location of large-scale harbour-front project development. This approach can overcome the problem encountered in using other methods which could lead to variation in the final ranking and hence an inconsistent result.
Built environment project and asset management, Jul 8, 2011
PurposeStakeholder management in the form of public engagement in urban planning and infrastructu... more PurposeStakeholder management in the form of public engagement in urban planning and infrastructure project impact assessments have become increasingly prevailing. However, the exercise may involve some complex socio‐economic considerations and critical conflict analysis/resolution scenarios. Without a scientific approach, it is difficult to distil a resolution from the chaotic public opinions, especially in those highly controversial issues. This paper proposes the use of conflict analysis to screen out the resolution in a scientific manner.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a case of harbor‐front design in Hong Kong to illustrate how the analysis was carried out to accomplish the objectives.FindingsThe example has illustrated that the conflict analysis has helped resolve a set of major issues in the Hong Kong harbor‐front redevelopment.Originality/valueThe introduction of a structured conflict analysis framework for the government to systematically deal with the conflicting viewpoints from different parties (such as general public and other stakeholders) has been demonstrated, which can be used to map systematically the different viewpoints collected in the public engagement exercise. The results are more convincing and more likely to be acceptable by all the stakeholders.
Construction Innovation: Information, Process, Management, Jun 1, 2005
Accurate estimation or prediction of the resource required for a project is very important for co... more Accurate estimation or prediction of the resource required for a project is very important for construction. The more accurate the prediction model, the greater the potential for cost savings will be through elimination of any redesign and the minimization of the maintenance expenses. Contractors can also make use of the models for last-minute bid estimation. In the past the estimators perform the task by analogy with similar previous projects. This approach highly relies on their experience and knowledge. Owing to the lack of a scientific and easily apprehensible method in resource estimation, prediction outcomes are mainly based on humans’ perception, which is inconsistent and exhibits large variations. This paper proposes the use of multiple Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) models in developing models for resource estimation. The illustrative example has demonstrated the high accuracy of the approach which is superior to other architectures based on artificial neural networks.
African Journal of Business Management, Oct 4, 2010
Cross-cultural management is often regarded as one of the disciplines in international management... more Cross-cultural management is often regarded as one of the disciplines in international management focusing on cultural encounters between what are perceived as well-defined and homogeneous entities: the organization and the nation-state and offering tools to handle cultural differences seen as sources of conflict or miscommunication. Hence, there is a pressing need to understand the cultural diversity and exercise proper measures to manage it. This paper explores the factors affecting crosscultural management in R&D projects using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Using the method of PCA, this paper explores the factors affecting international R&D project management under a combination of Chinese and Western cultures. Eight principal components are extracted and labeled, and the top two include: (1) behavioral characteristics; and (2) social environment. In behavioral characteristics, it is found that Chinese prefer to work in a stable environment and they may find difficulties in adapting to an unfamiliar environment comparing to the West. They would strongly react to losing face events such as being criticized by managers publicly, or being evaluated by an unfamiliar performance evaluation method, etc. Under the social environment, the Chinese government, as an indispensable mediator in the social environment of projects, plays an important role in approving projects, allocating resources, and arranging finance. For multinational corporations in China, the skills of managing corporate-government relations and communications are essential. From the above study, it is hoped that some recommendations can be generated on how people with different cultural and valuing background can create synergy for effective management of R&D projects in multinational firms.
Journal of urban planning and development, Jun 1, 2009
ABSTRACT
Construction Management and Economics, Apr 1, 2003
... permanent building. The possible locations of tower crane Cri (XCri, YCri, ZCri) are then loc... more ... permanent building. The possible locations of tower crane Cri (XCri, YCri, ZCri) are then located, which are dependent on the structural design layout, space provisions for the permanent structure, convenience for other site activities, etc. ... ρ (Si) = √ (XSi − XCri)2 + (YSi − YCri)2 ...
The international journal of construction management, 2008
Construction Management and Economics, Oct 1, 2004
ABSTRACT
Construction Management and Economics, Nov 1, 2007
... 01446190701468836 Chi Ming Tam a * , Thomas KL Tong a & Bill WL Wong a pages 1127-113... more ... 01446190701468836 Chi Ming Tam a * , Thomas KL Tong a & Bill WL Wong a pages 1127-1137. ... Based upon the hypothesis that a relationship exists between a compactor's vibratory response and the density of the asphalt mat being compacted, Minchin and Thomas (200311. ...
Construction Management and Economics, Oct 1, 2001
ABSTRACT
Construction Management and Economics, Nov 1, 2006
There are numerous construction safety measures adopted by the local construction industry in Hon... more There are numerous construction safety measures adopted by the local construction industry in Hong Kong. The purpose of this study is to distil the more significant measures from all these practices. To achieve this, the rough set theory, a data mining technique by applying the rule induction method, is proposed to distil the rules that determine the safety performance of
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Apr 1, 2003
Multi-skilled labour allocation in a defined time frame falls into the class of non-polynomial (N... more Multi-skilled labour allocation in a defined time frame falls into the class of non-polynomial (NP) hard problems, solutions to which can only be obtained through repeated trials and errors. The application of fuzzy genetic algorithms (GA) optimisation model provides an efficient way to arrive at a``near-optimal'' solution. In this paper, a fuzzy GA optimisation model of labour allocation is presented to illustrate how the near optimal solution can be obtained.
Journal of the Construction Division and Management, Dec 1, 2004
ABSTRACT
Construction Innovation: Information, Process, Management, Mar 1, 2003
In this paper, we discuss how a multi-criteria decision-making technique (ELECTRE III) facilitate... more In this paper, we discuss how a multi-criteria decision-making technique (ELECTRE III) facilitates construction practitioners in decision making for selecting an appropriate construction plant. We rst introduce the theoretical background of the technique. Then a case study on how to apply the technique to select concrete vibrators is presented. The ndings demonstrate the effectiveness of the model in outranking various options in the process of concrete vibrator selection. The use of ELECTRE III can systematically analyse expert judgments on the decision factors and alternatives that can rationalize the selection process.
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, May 1, 2002
This paper aims to develop a quantitative model for predicting the productivity of excavators usi... more This paper aims to develop a quantitative model for predicting the productivity of excavators using artificial neural networks (ANN), which is then compared with the multiple regression model developed by Edwards & Holt (2000). A neural network using the architecture of multilayer feedforward (MLFF) is used to model the productivity of excavators. Finally, the modelling methods, predictive behaviours and the advantages of each model are discussed. The results show that the ANN model is suitable for mapping the non‐linear relationship between excavation activities and the performance of excavators. It concludes that the ANN model is an ideal alternative for estimating the productivity of excavators.
Journal of the Construction Division and Management, Aug 1, 2001
Site layout planning is a complicated issue because of the vast number of trades and interrelated... more Site layout planning is a complicated issue because of the vast number of trades and interrelated planning constraints. To unfold its complexity, this paper aims to confine the study to a particularly defined area of construction: the structural concrete-frame construction stage of public ...
Journal of the Construction Division and Management, Jun 1, 2002
Site layout planning can affect productivity and is crucial to project success. However, as const... more Site layout planning can affect productivity and is crucial to project success. However, as construction is heterogeneous in the nature of its organizations, project designs, time constraints, environmental effects, etc., site layout planning for each project becomes unique. Affected by many uncertainties ͑variables͒ and variations, site layout planning is a typical multiobjective problem. To facilitate the decision-making process for these problems, a nonstructural fuzzy decision support system ͑NSFDSS͒ is proposed. NSFDSS integrates both experts' judgment and computer decision modeling, making it suitable for the appraisal of complicated construction problems. The system allows assessments based on pairwise comparisons of alternatives using semantic operators that can provide a reliable assessment result even under the condition of insufficient precise information.
Automation in Construction, 2002
The use of modular construction has gained wide acceptance in the housing sector. Standardized mo... more The use of modular construction has gained wide acceptance in the housing sector. Standardized modular units are often precast on site. The establishment of site precast yard, in particular arranging the precast facilities within the compound, presents real challenge to site management. This complex task is further aggregated with the involvement of several resources with different transport cost. A GA-model is developed for the search for a near optimal layout solution. The fitness function is to minimize the total transport cost for a predetermined daily output. The use of the model is illustrated by an example. When compared with the best solution within the initial population, 18.45% reduction in cost for resources flow was achieved by the near optimal layout arrangement arrived at the 673rd trial. It is also suggested that the model can be extended to other layout problems such as warehouse and production line.
Cross-cultural management is often regarded as one of the disciplines in international management... more Cross-cultural management is often regarded as one of the disciplines in international management focusing on cultural encounters between what are perceived as well-defined and homogeneous entities: the organization and the nation-state and offering tools to handle cultural differences seen as sources of conflict or miscommunication. Hence, there is a pressing need to understand the cultural diversity and exercise proper measures to manage it. This paper explores the factors affecting crosscultural management in R&D projects using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Using the method of PCA, this paper explores the factors affecting international R&D project management under a combination of Chinese and Western cultures. Eight principal components are extracted and labeled, and the top two include: (1) behavioral characteristics; and (2) social environment. In behavioral characteristics, it is found that Chinese prefer to work in a stable environment and they may find difficulties in adapting to an unfamiliar environment comparing to the West. They would strongly react to losing face events such as being criticized by managers publicly, or being evaluated by an unfamiliar performance evaluation method, etc. Under the social environment, the Chinese government, as an indispensable mediator in the social environment of projects, plays an important role in approving projects, allocating resources, and arranging finance. For multinational corporations in China, the skills of managing corporate-government relations and communications are essential. From the above study, it is hoped that some recommendations can be generated on how people with different cultural and valuing background can create synergy for effective management of R&D projects in multinational firms.
European Journal of Operational Research, Oct 1, 2006
Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a commonly used decision-aiding tool for resolving multi-cr... more Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a commonly used decision-aiding tool for resolving multi-criteria decision problems. However, users sometimes find it difficult to ensure a consistent pairwise comparison between voluminous decisions. The cause of which is that the Consistency Ratio (CR) is produced after the evaluation process and its global acceptance criteria is limited. When the derived ratio reports some inconsistency, it requires a long process to locate and rectify the problem. The major aim of this study is to look for an alternative decision-aiding tool to AHP, helping to avoid the above problem. The alternative approach proposed in this study is the Non-Structural Fuzzy Decision Support System (NSFDSS). The application of the system is illustrated with a worked example. The results generated by NSFDSS are compared against those generated by the conventional AHP that shows the effectiveness and some unique advantages of the proposed tool over AHP.
Construction Innovation: Information, Process, Management, Apr 18, 2008
Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to propose a variant of superiority and inferiority ranking ... more Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to propose a variant of superiority and inferiority ranking (SIR) method called SIR-Grey for determining the location of large-scale harbour-front project development. Design/methodology/approach-The study is illustrated with an application example obtained from the Environmental Protection Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to demonstrate the concept and application procedure of SIR-Grey. The strengths and weaknesses of SIR-Grey are highlighted when compared with the traditional weighted average approach. Findings-The strengths and weaknesses of SIR-Grey are highlighted when compared with the traditional weighted average approach. Among the strengths, the global comparison scores of SIR-Grey can give a clearer and easier comprehensible algorithm. Further, the global comparison generated from superiority flows (S-flows) [S-flow: A is preferred to A 0 (A P. A 0) or A is indifferent to A 0 (A I. A 0)] and inferiority flows (I-flows) [I-flow: A is preferred to A 0 (A P , A 0) or A is indifferent to A 0 (A I , A 0)] can be used to select a solution matching the nature of the problem; e.g. a conservative approach can adopt the ranking from I-flow because the selected option will have the criteria farthest from the virtual worst site while the ranking from S-flow can be adopted for an aggressive approach because the final decision will have the criteria closest to the virtual perfect site. Regarding the weaknesses, the major one is the requirement of a full appreciation of the nature of criteria in setting the thresholds and preference structure, which may complicate the application of the model. Originality/value-This study proposes a variant of SIR method called SIR-Grey for determining the location of large-scale harbour-front project development. This approach can overcome the problem encountered in using other methods which could lead to variation in the final ranking and hence an inconsistent result.
Built environment project and asset management, Jul 8, 2011
PurposeStakeholder management in the form of public engagement in urban planning and infrastructu... more PurposeStakeholder management in the form of public engagement in urban planning and infrastructure project impact assessments have become increasingly prevailing. However, the exercise may involve some complex socio‐economic considerations and critical conflict analysis/resolution scenarios. Without a scientific approach, it is difficult to distil a resolution from the chaotic public opinions, especially in those highly controversial issues. This paper proposes the use of conflict analysis to screen out the resolution in a scientific manner.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a case of harbor‐front design in Hong Kong to illustrate how the analysis was carried out to accomplish the objectives.FindingsThe example has illustrated that the conflict analysis has helped resolve a set of major issues in the Hong Kong harbor‐front redevelopment.Originality/valueThe introduction of a structured conflict analysis framework for the government to systematically deal with the conflicting viewpoints from different parties (such as general public and other stakeholders) has been demonstrated, which can be used to map systematically the different viewpoints collected in the public engagement exercise. The results are more convincing and more likely to be acceptable by all the stakeholders.
Construction Innovation: Information, Process, Management, Jun 1, 2005
Accurate estimation or prediction of the resource required for a project is very important for co... more Accurate estimation or prediction of the resource required for a project is very important for construction. The more accurate the prediction model, the greater the potential for cost savings will be through elimination of any redesign and the minimization of the maintenance expenses. Contractors can also make use of the models for last-minute bid estimation. In the past the estimators perform the task by analogy with similar previous projects. This approach highly relies on their experience and knowledge. Owing to the lack of a scientific and easily apprehensible method in resource estimation, prediction outcomes are mainly based on humans’ perception, which is inconsistent and exhibits large variations. This paper proposes the use of multiple Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) models in developing models for resource estimation. The illustrative example has demonstrated the high accuracy of the approach which is superior to other architectures based on artificial neural networks.
African Journal of Business Management, Oct 4, 2010
Cross-cultural management is often regarded as one of the disciplines in international management... more Cross-cultural management is often regarded as one of the disciplines in international management focusing on cultural encounters between what are perceived as well-defined and homogeneous entities: the organization and the nation-state and offering tools to handle cultural differences seen as sources of conflict or miscommunication. Hence, there is a pressing need to understand the cultural diversity and exercise proper measures to manage it. This paper explores the factors affecting crosscultural management in R&D projects using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Using the method of PCA, this paper explores the factors affecting international R&D project management under a combination of Chinese and Western cultures. Eight principal components are extracted and labeled, and the top two include: (1) behavioral characteristics; and (2) social environment. In behavioral characteristics, it is found that Chinese prefer to work in a stable environment and they may find difficulties in adapting to an unfamiliar environment comparing to the West. They would strongly react to losing face events such as being criticized by managers publicly, or being evaluated by an unfamiliar performance evaluation method, etc. Under the social environment, the Chinese government, as an indispensable mediator in the social environment of projects, plays an important role in approving projects, allocating resources, and arranging finance. For multinational corporations in China, the skills of managing corporate-government relations and communications are essential. From the above study, it is hoped that some recommendations can be generated on how people with different cultural and valuing background can create synergy for effective management of R&D projects in multinational firms.
Journal of urban planning and development, Jun 1, 2009
ABSTRACT
Construction Management and Economics, Apr 1, 2003
... permanent building. The possible locations of tower crane Cri (XCri, YCri, ZCri) are then loc... more ... permanent building. The possible locations of tower crane Cri (XCri, YCri, ZCri) are then located, which are dependent on the structural design layout, space provisions for the permanent structure, convenience for other site activities, etc. ... ρ (Si) = √ (XSi − XCri)2 + (YSi − YCri)2 ...
The international journal of construction management, 2008
Construction Management and Economics, Oct 1, 2004
ABSTRACT
Construction Management and Economics, Nov 1, 2007
... 01446190701468836 Chi Ming Tam a * , Thomas KL Tong a & Bill WL Wong a pages 1127-113... more ... 01446190701468836 Chi Ming Tam a * , Thomas KL Tong a & Bill WL Wong a pages 1127-1137. ... Based upon the hypothesis that a relationship exists between a compactor's vibratory response and the density of the asphalt mat being compacted, Minchin and Thomas (200311. ...
Construction Management and Economics, Oct 1, 2001
ABSTRACT
Construction Management and Economics, Nov 1, 2006
There are numerous construction safety measures adopted by the local construction industry in Hon... more There are numerous construction safety measures adopted by the local construction industry in Hong Kong. The purpose of this study is to distil the more significant measures from all these practices. To achieve this, the rough set theory, a data mining technique by applying the rule induction method, is proposed to distil the rules that determine the safety performance of
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Apr 1, 2003
Multi-skilled labour allocation in a defined time frame falls into the class of non-polynomial (N... more Multi-skilled labour allocation in a defined time frame falls into the class of non-polynomial (NP) hard problems, solutions to which can only be obtained through repeated trials and errors. The application of fuzzy genetic algorithms (GA) optimisation model provides an efficient way to arrive at a``near-optimal'' solution. In this paper, a fuzzy GA optimisation model of labour allocation is presented to illustrate how the near optimal solution can be obtained.
Journal of the Construction Division and Management, Dec 1, 2004
ABSTRACT
Construction Innovation: Information, Process, Management, Mar 1, 2003
In this paper, we discuss how a multi-criteria decision-making technique (ELECTRE III) facilitate... more In this paper, we discuss how a multi-criteria decision-making technique (ELECTRE III) facilitates construction practitioners in decision making for selecting an appropriate construction plant. We rst introduce the theoretical background of the technique. Then a case study on how to apply the technique to select concrete vibrators is presented. The ndings demonstrate the effectiveness of the model in outranking various options in the process of concrete vibrator selection. The use of ELECTRE III can systematically analyse expert judgments on the decision factors and alternatives that can rationalize the selection process.
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, May 1, 2002
This paper aims to develop a quantitative model for predicting the productivity of excavators usi... more This paper aims to develop a quantitative model for predicting the productivity of excavators using artificial neural networks (ANN), which is then compared with the multiple regression model developed by Edwards & Holt (2000). A neural network using the architecture of multilayer feedforward (MLFF) is used to model the productivity of excavators. Finally, the modelling methods, predictive behaviours and the advantages of each model are discussed. The results show that the ANN model is suitable for mapping the non‐linear relationship between excavation activities and the performance of excavators. It concludes that the ANN model is an ideal alternative for estimating the productivity of excavators.
Journal of the Construction Division and Management, Aug 1, 2001
Site layout planning is a complicated issue because of the vast number of trades and interrelated... more Site layout planning is a complicated issue because of the vast number of trades and interrelated planning constraints. To unfold its complexity, this paper aims to confine the study to a particularly defined area of construction: the structural concrete-frame construction stage of public ...
Journal of the Construction Division and Management, Jun 1, 2002
Site layout planning can affect productivity and is crucial to project success. However, as const... more Site layout planning can affect productivity and is crucial to project success. However, as construction is heterogeneous in the nature of its organizations, project designs, time constraints, environmental effects, etc., site layout planning for each project becomes unique. Affected by many uncertainties ͑variables͒ and variations, site layout planning is a typical multiobjective problem. To facilitate the decision-making process for these problems, a nonstructural fuzzy decision support system ͑NSFDSS͒ is proposed. NSFDSS integrates both experts' judgment and computer decision modeling, making it suitable for the appraisal of complicated construction problems. The system allows assessments based on pairwise comparisons of alternatives using semantic operators that can provide a reliable assessment result even under the condition of insufficient precise information.
Automation in Construction, 2002
The use of modular construction has gained wide acceptance in the housing sector. Standardized mo... more The use of modular construction has gained wide acceptance in the housing sector. Standardized modular units are often precast on site. The establishment of site precast yard, in particular arranging the precast facilities within the compound, presents real challenge to site management. This complex task is further aggregated with the involvement of several resources with different transport cost. A GA-model is developed for the search for a near optimal layout solution. The fitness function is to minimize the total transport cost for a predetermined daily output. The use of the model is illustrated by an example. When compared with the best solution within the initial population, 18.45% reduction in cost for resources flow was achieved by the near optimal layout arrangement arrived at the 673rd trial. It is also suggested that the model can be extended to other layout problems such as warehouse and production line.
Cross-cultural management is often regarded as one of the disciplines in international management... more Cross-cultural management is often regarded as one of the disciplines in international management focusing on cultural encounters between what are perceived as well-defined and homogeneous entities: the organization and the nation-state and offering tools to handle cultural differences seen as sources of conflict or miscommunication. Hence, there is a pressing need to understand the cultural diversity and exercise proper measures to manage it. This paper explores the factors affecting crosscultural management in R&D projects using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Using the method of PCA, this paper explores the factors affecting international R&D project management under a combination of Chinese and Western cultures. Eight principal components are extracted and labeled, and the top two include: (1) behavioral characteristics; and (2) social environment. In behavioral characteristics, it is found that Chinese prefer to work in a stable environment and they may find difficulties in adapting to an unfamiliar environment comparing to the West. They would strongly react to losing face events such as being criticized by managers publicly, or being evaluated by an unfamiliar performance evaluation method, etc. Under the social environment, the Chinese government, as an indispensable mediator in the social environment of projects, plays an important role in approving projects, allocating resources, and arranging finance. For multinational corporations in China, the skills of managing corporate-government relations and communications are essential. From the above study, it is hoped that some recommendations can be generated on how people with different cultural and valuing background can create synergy for effective management of R&D projects in multinational firms.