Developing a Dispute Prediction Digital System using Machine Learning

PhD Candidate: Ms Mathusha Francis

Supervisory Panel

Abstract

Dispute becomes a prevalent feature in a complex and competitive construction environment. The construction dispute affects the cost, time and quality of the project. In the worst scenario, dispute leads to the termination of the construction project and bankruptcy of the construction firm. Although many researchers have attempted to mitigate disputes by addressing the causes of disputes, dispute avoidance techniques, and resolution methods from different perspectives, recent literature evidenced that the dispute still remains as a threat in construction projects. On the other hand, intelligent systems have received widespread attention in many industries due to the rapid development of Industry Revolution 4.0. Accordingly, the construction industry is transforming into a technology-driven industry through the adoption of concepts and technologies of Industry 4.0. This provides a new direction in combining digital technology with prominent dispute management techniques to establish automation and mitigate disputes effectively. Few studies confirmed that the machine learning features could potentially be utilised to develop a dispute management application. Therefore, this research aims to develop a real-time probable dispute prediction digital system that mitigates disputes in construction projects using machine learning techniques. Thus, the research provides the professionals a proactive warning system to predict and mitigate disputes beforehand.

Source of Funding

Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship for Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering higher degree program, Western Sydney University, Australia (2023 - 2026)

Biography

Mathusha is a PhD researcher at the Centre for Smart Modern Construction (c4SMC) at Western Sydney University. She has completed BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying degree and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) from the Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. Before joining the PhD program, she served as a senior lecturer attached to the same department. She has around 9 years of teaching experience in Quantity Surveying core modules. She has successfully supervised seventeen (17) undergraduate research dissertations. In addition, she involved in pre and post contract tasks in various construction projects as a Quantity Surveyor for 3 years. She is familiar with the FIDIC & ICTAD Conditions of Contracts and various standard method of measurement: NRM 2, SMM7, CESMM3 and SLS 573.

Education

• Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka (March 2022)
• Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka (February 2018)
• B.Sc(Hons) in Quantity Surveying, Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka (Jul 2009. – Nov. 2013)

Honours / Awards / Grants

• Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship for Doctor of Philosophy - Engineering higher degree program, Western Sydney University, Australia (2023 - 2026)
• Dean’s List in 5 Semesters of BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying degree, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka (2009-2013)

Research Interests

• Construction Procurement
• Dispute Management
• Machine Learning
• Contract Management

Contact

Disclaimer

The content of this page is based on the information provided by the profile holder.