Dumrak, J and Zarghami, S A (2025) The role of artificial intelligence in lean construction management. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 32(1), pp. 131-155. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this article is to analyze the existing studies on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in lean construction management (LCM). Further, this study offers a classification scheme that specifies different categories of AI tools, as applied to the field of LCM to support various principles of LCM. Design/methodology/approach: This research adopts the systematic literature review (SLR) process, which consists of five consecutive steps: planning, searching, screening, extraction and synthesis and reporting. As a supplement to SLR, a bibliometric analysis is performed to examine the quantity and citation impact of the reviewed papers. Findings: In this paper, seven key areas related to the principles of LCM for which AI tools have been used are identified. The findings of this research clarify how AI can assist in bolstering the practice of LCM. Further, this article presents directions for the future evolution of AI tools in LCM based on the current emerging trends. Practical implications: This paper advances the LCM systems by offering a lens through which construction managers can better understand key concepts in the linkage of AI to LCM. Originality/value: This research offers a new classification scheme that allows researchers to properly recall, identify and group various applications of AI categories in the construction industry based on various principles of LCM. In addition, this study provides a source of references for researchers in the LCM discipline, which advances knowledge and facilitates theory development in the field.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | artificial intelligence; bibliometric analysis; lean construction management; systematic literature review |
| Index terms: | linkage, systematic literature review, construction industry, screening, bibliometric analysis, construction manager, evolution, methodology, lean construction, artificial intelligence |
| Subjects: | industry analysis, research evaluation and metrics, profession, management, artificial intelligence, environmental science, research methods, building construction, business |
| Topics: | Information Management, Site Management, Human Resources, Digital Applications, Sustainability, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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