https://doi.org/10.24928/2026/0232

Choosing by Advantages for better decision quality in construction procurement: a case study

Annett Schöttle¹

Abstract

Decision-making in construction procurement is characterized by high complexity, multiple stakeholders, and competing technical, economic, and organizational objectives. Conventional evaluation methods, such as weighting rating calculating (WRC), are widely used in practice but often lack transparency and provide limited support for systematic reasoning and collaborative learning. This study investigates the impact of Choosing by Advantages (CBA) on decision quality in a real-world procurement context. Using a quasi-experimental field case study design, two participant groups evaluated an interior fit-out package and a technical building equipment (TBE) package using both WRC and CBA. Data were collected through post-intervention and follow-up surveys that combined quantitative ratings with structured qualitative justifications and were analyzed using repeated-measures comparisons and qualitative content analysis. The results show that CBA improves perceived transparency, traceability, and fairness of decisions while reducing frustration. Participants reported more focused discussions, stronger shared understanding, and greater acceptance of outcomes. Learning effects were observed over successive applications, suggesting increasing familiarity and confidence in using the method. Although CBA requires initial training and facilitation, most participants expressed a strong intention to apply the method in future projects. The study provides field-based empirical evidence that CBA enhances the quality and defensibility of procurement decisions under real project conditions.

Keywords

Choosing by Advantages, decision quality, procurement, group decision-making, case study.

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Reference in APA 7th edition format:

Schöttle, A.. (2026). Choosing by Advantages for better decision quality in construction procurement: a case study. In Hamzeh, F., Poshdar, M., & Garcia-Lopez,, N. P. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 34th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 34) (pp. 1192–1203). https://doi.org/10.24928/2026/0232

Shortened reference for use in IGLC papers:

Schöttle, A.. (2026). Choosing by Advantages for better decision quality in construction procurement: a case study. IGLC34. https://doi.org/10.24928/2026/0232