Development of an Integrated Hybrid Risk Assessment System for Construction Disputes during the Preconstruction Phase Using the Delphi Method Khalid K. Naji, Ph.D., A.M.ASCE 1 ; Murat Gunduz, Ph.D., A.M.ASCE 2 ; and Manal M. Mansour, A.M.ASCE 3 Abstract: This paper proposes a hybrid conceptual and performance assessment integrated dispute risk system that enables construction professionals to evaluate, track, and manage construction disputes. It establishes a correlation between dispute-contributing factors and their respective preconstruction stages, facilitating early dispute detection and mitigation before the construction phase. This method can be ap- plied to gauge the effectiveness of the preconstruction phase in relation to its influence on the emergence of disputes. Through an extensive literature review, expert interviews, and the Delphi technique, 48 key risk factors were identified and categorized into four groups. Eighteen experts were selected using purposive sampling, and their survey responses were checked for normality and reliability using the Shapiro–Wilk test and Cronbach’s alpha. The Delphi method was employed to reach a consensus among the panelists after two rounds of evaluation, using the nonparametric statistical parameters, such as Kendall’s coefficient of concordance and chi-squared. Subsequently, the interrater agreement (IRA) was measured, and the dispute factors were ranked. Based on the ranking results, a novel integrated hybrid system was formulated that synergistically combines a hybrid conceptual and performance assessment framework with a fuzzy logic–structural equation model (SEM). The proposed hybrid system includes two key components: a unique conceptual and performance assessment framework and a hybrid model that combines fuzzy logic and SEM. This combined approach captures uncertainty and ambiguity in assessing dispute risks related to prob- ability and severity, providing a more precise evaluation of disputes in construction projects. Additionally, the introduction of new dispute categories specifically targeting the preconstruction phase proactively deals with potential disputes before the construction begins. This advanced integrated hybrid system can be an effective preconstruction assessment tool for evaluating and managing various dispute factors, enabling project managers to proactively assess, manage, and mitigate construction disputes between project parties. DOI: 10.1061/ JCEMD4.COENG-14492. © 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers. Author keywords: Construction disputes; Delphi study; Risk assessment; Risk management; Time overrun; Cost overrun; Preconstruction phase; Fuzzy logic; Structural equation model (SEM); Integrated hybrid system. Introduction Construction projects are inherently complex, involving multiple stakeholders, stringent timelines, and many regulations and safety requirements (Alrasheed et al. 2023; Naji et al. 2020; Ng et al. 2023; Zaneldin 2018). As a result, disputes often arise, which can have significant consequences in terms of cost, time, and overall project success (Aryal and Dahal 2018; Kassem 2022; Kumar Viswanathan et al. 2020). Proper management and measurement tools are essential to ensure the timely and effective resolution of disputes. Despite technological advancements and project man- agement practices, many construction projects still face disputes, and it is difficult to overcome these issues without the proper tools and techniques. In addition, the literature advocates for the early detection and management of disputes, even as early as the pre- construction phase (Bristow and Vasilopoulos 1995; Ng et al. 2023; Shah et al. 2014). A risk evaluation approach can also be used to assess the performance of the preconstruction phase in terms of identifying potential dispute factors and mitigating risks early in projects, specifically prior to construction commencement. This study sought to identify the key factors that cause construc- tion disputes while relating them to their preconstruction stage origin. These factors are determined through an extensive review of relevant literature from the last two decades. The factors were categorized and subjected to a rigorous evaluation process using a two-round Delphi study, widely recognized as effective in the con- struction sector. This process involved multiple rounds of surveys and consultations with a carefully selected panel of industry ex- perts. By employing this method, the study provided valuable in- sights and expert opinions regarding the key factors associated with construction disputes. The Delphi method ensures a rigorous and comprehensive examination of the subject matter, making it highly suitable for studying construction disputes. In addition, a meticulous statistical analysis of the collected data was conducted to assess the data normality and consistency. This analysis was conducted to determine the level of agreement among the expert panel’s opinions and rank the identified dispute factors accordingly. The statistical analysis provided a detailed understanding of the data’s distribution and coherence, enabling 1 Associate Professor, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Qatar Univ., PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar. Email: knaji@qu.edu.qa 2 Professor, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Qatar Univ., PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar (corresponding author). ORCID: https://orcid .org/0000-0003-2602-3318. Email: mgunduz@qu.edu.qa 3 Graduate Student, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Qatar Univ., PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar. Email: mm1709521@student .qu.edu.qa Note. This manuscript was submitted on September 5, 2023; approved on February 12, 2024; published online on April 30, 2024. Discussion per- iod open until September 30, 2024; separate discussions must be submitted for individual papers. This paper is part of the Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, © ASCE, ISSN 0733-9364. © ASCE 04024068-1 J. Constr. Eng. Manage. J. Constr. Eng. Manage., 2024, 150(7): 04024068 Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by Qatar University Library on 04/30/24. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.