Classification and Management of Changes in EPC Contracts of the Petroleum Industry Using the AHP and GRA Combined Method

Today, energy supply is one of the most important axes of the strategy of different countries due to its vital role in the continuation of technological and economic development of countries. The Petroleum industry, as one of the most important industries producing energy, has become an important and special industry due to the complexities of its production and extraction. Therefore, classification and prioritization of changes have taken place, and presenting a model of how to deal with changes can play an important and fundamental role in managing changes in executive projects. Of course, no project can completely eliminate the risk of change, but it can be largely prevented by identifying the underlying causes of change.In this study, an attempt has been made to compile a study and present a questionnaire and interview with experts and specialists in the oil industry, information, and existing records, which resulted in finding 20 of the most effective changes in EPC projects in the field of the petroleum industry. For this purpose, after reviewing and analyzing the changes, the model of dealing with the changes in EPC projects is presented and then according to the main parts of EPC projects, the most effective cases of each part are determined by using multi-criteria decision-making methods consisting of series. Analysis Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Gray Relationship Analysis (GRA) have been proposed to provide a change management structure in EPC projects in the oil industry. Based on the obtained results, it was found that the design and engineering (E) phase has the greatest impact on the changes made in EPC projects, followed by the manufacturing and construction (C) and procurement (P) phases. This research could be useful for prioritizing and managing change and minimizing the impact of unintended changes on EPC projects in the petroleum industry