Cognition driven framework for improving collaborative working in construction projects: Negotiation perspective

Negotiation is the popular collaborative decision-making behavior in inter-organization systems, especially in the collaborative working in construction projects (CWCP). However, negotiation has long been recognized as a critical but time-and energy-consuming process. The lack of an effective framework to improve the efficiency (performance) of negotiation is a major problem for those seeking to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of collaborative working in construction projects. This paper aims to develop a cognitive mapping-based application framework for improving collaborative working in construction project from negotiation perspective (CF-CWCP). This framework includes two-fold: (1) mapping negotiation process in construction projects using cognitive mapping technique; (2) developing CF-CWCP by integrating intelligent agent and cognitive mapping techniques. This research will benefit the partners in construction projects to improve construction negotiation performance. A prototype of CF-CWCP is developed.