Zhang, L and El-Gohary, N M (2016) Epistemology-based context-aware semantic model for sustainable construction practices. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 142(3): 04015084, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
One of the key factors for enabling sustainable construction is promoting the acquisition of knowledge about sustainable construction practices (SCPs). Information retrieval (IR) is at the heart of knowledge acquisition. However, retrieving the right information about SCPs for the right context is not an easy task; information about SCPs is complex, interdisciplinary, multifaceted, and context sensitive. To enhance the process of IR, there has been recent calls for an information systems epistemology (the theory of knowledge and knowing) to support enhanced design and use of information systems based on a better understanding of knowledge and knowing. To address this need, this paper proposes an epistemology-based semantic model for representing and reasoning - in a context-aware manner - about the knowledge of SCPs and the process of knowing (i.e., acquiring) this knowledge. The proposed semantic model of SCPs is composed of a hierarchy of concepts, interconcept relations, and axioms. The model is intended to facilitate domain-specific, context-aware retrieval of information about SCPs. The model was evaluated through answering competency questions, automated consistency and redundancy checking, expert interviews, and application-oriented evaluation. The model was implemented in an IR system and has shown to improve the retrieval results significantly. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by offering an epistemology-based semantic model for supporting the retrieval of more relevant and specific information based on multidimensional contexts. The model, and its implementation in the IR system, would allow construction professionals, stakeholders, and information users to retrieve more relevant information about SCPs, which would in turn support enhanced decision making.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | context awareness; epistemology; information retrieval; information technologies; sustainable construction |
| Index terms: | interview, reasoning, sustainable construction, sustainable construction practice, redundancy, decision-making, body of knowledge, information system, information technology, acquisition, construction professional, knowledge acquisition, epistemology, implementation, heart, information retrieval |
| Subjects: | sustainable construction, professional development, medical science and clinical practice, management, information systems, student development, decision analysis, cognitive psychology, data management, computing systems, business, data collection methods, knowledge management, contractual arrangements, knowledge theory |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Human Resources, Education, Business Strategy, Health and Safety, Research Practice, Information Management, Risk Management, Procurement, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here