Decision support system (DSS) model to facilitate strategic planning of the housing industry in the developing world

Dawood, I

Abstract

Houghton (2010) believes that housing is a profoundly important issue like food and
water and without housing humans' life becomes unsustainable. Housing is a basic
need for communities and part of everyday life. Too often, progressive politicians
have launched house-building programmes in the name of delivering social justice.
Affordable housing problems are increasing rapidly with almost 2 billion people, or
32% of the world's urban population, living in slums, the majority of which are in
the developing world (UN-Habitat 2003 and UN-IRIN 2008). The main reasons that
have forced people to live under extreme conditions in slums are the lack of
governments' commitment, resources and ineffective strategic planning
techniques/tools (Tibaijuka, 2009; Hull, 1998; Yao, 2010).
Setting strategies and policies for the housing industry can be a very delicate,
confusing and unpredictable process for decision makers and government officials.
Scholars, researchers and prominent international figures such as Tibaijuka (2009),
Porter (1998), Davis (2000) etc. argue that the housing industry in developing
countries is suffering from insufficient and ineffective strategic planning. Moreover,
Tibaijuka (2009) states that given what is now know of the housing, building and
planning sectors, collectively known as the real estate sector, it is evident that it has
failed to meet its goals in macroeconomic planning and policy formulation,
particularly in developing countries. In addition, the present unsatisfactory state of
housing in developing countries is the result of wilful neglect by government
economic planners and political decision-makers and the lack of clear understanding,
strategies and policies of the nature and functioning of the sector itself (ibid). In
other words, the insufficient and ineffective strategic planning of the housing
industry, among other reasons has forced billions of people worldwide to live in
slums and shanty towns.
This research focuses on addressing the housing problems in developing countries
from the strategic planning point of view and the techniques/tools available that can
be used and implemented to drive forward and improve the performance of the
housing industry. Effective techniques/tools (Interpretive Structural Model "ISM"
and Decision Support System "DSS" Model) are realised through this research and
will be used, adopted and implemented based on the major housing industry factors
that have been identified.
A total of 94 factors and sub-factors were identified through profound investigation
of literature. The number of housing industry factors was reduced to 14 major factors
using Entity Relations Model (ERM) based on logical and contextual relations
established through literature in order to reduce the work load and therefore to
remain within the time and cost limits and constrains of this research. The 14 major
factors (tangible and non-tangible) of the housing industry were then prioritised
using the ISM in order to indicate to decision makers what is the most important
factor(s) to start with the process of improving the performance of the housing
industry and makes it meets its targets. The tangible/measurable factors were then
used to develop the DSS Model/engines based on MS Excel/Spreadsheet to provide
estimates on the housing finances and costs of the housing industry to assist decision
makers setting realistic and sound strategies and policies.
Finally, the DSS Model was tested/validated by running scenarios and simulations
using data from the case study of the Iraq housing industry provided by the Iraqi
Institute for Economic Reform (HER) in order to confirm the DSS Model integrity
and correctness. The HER is an official body directly linked to the Office of Prime
Minister. The evaluation process however was conducted by seeking Subject Matter
Experts (SMEs)/stakeholders' opinions to evaluate the DSS Model quality,
functionality, integrity, acceptance, effectiveness, reliability, usability, etc. via
observations and interviews. Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)/stakeholders were
recruited from developing countries (Malaysia and Sri Lanka), developed countries
(UK), financers (World-Bank) and Non-Governmental Organisations "NGOs" (UN)
which involved a total of six Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)/stakeholders. The result
of the evaluation process was overall very positive with the DSS Model being widely
accepted by all stakeholders as a novel approach and tool which is perceived can
make a great impact on the housing industry strategic planning in both developing
and also developed countries. Finally, according to the evaluation process of this
research, all Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)/stakeholders confirmed the
ORIGINALITY and GENERALIZABILITY of the DSS Model.

Appendices
Attached are the Appendices of this research which helped achieving its aims and
objectives.
1. Appendix One: Results of testing the DSS model
2. Appendix Two: Interview Questionnaire with the Participants/
Stakeholders
3. Appendix Three: Consent Form Signed by the Participants/
Stakeholders.

Citation

Dawood, I. Decision support system (DSS) model to facilitate strategic planning of the housing industry in the developing world. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Additional Information: Additional Information : Vol 2 of 2
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2010