Zhou, X and Wang, Y (2025) Understanding competency requirements in the context of AEC industry informatization: Policy insights from China. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 32(2), pp. 732-759. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: The increasing adoption of informatization in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries has raised the competency requirements for AEC practitioners. However, existing research primarily focuses on the integration of emerging technologies in AEC education programs, with little attention to the development of informatization-related competencies. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the competency requirements in the information age of the AEC industry. Design/methodology/approach: Taking a policy perspective, this study investigates the competency requirements within the context of AEC industry informatization. By employing a competency-based theoretical framework, content analysis is conducted on China's policy document, the Outline of the Development of Informatization in the Construction Industry. Findings: The study identifies crucial emerging technologies in the AEC industry, such as building information modeling (BIM), Big Data, Internet of things, networking, and cloud computing, along with their application scenarios. It considers various market players, including survey and design institutes, construction companies, and general contracting enterprises. Comparative analysis reveals the technology application patterns of these market players, shedding light on their preferences and perspectives. Based on these findings, the study proposes recommendations for competency requirements in the AEC industry. Originality/value: This study extends the competency-based theory to AEC education from a macro perspective. The findings enhance understanding of informatization by providing insights into the related technologies, their applications, and the market players utilizing them. Moreover, the study's results have significant implications for AEC education, particularly in the design of curriculum systems for emerging technology-related fields.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building information modelling; constructions education; technology |
| Index terms: | building information modelling, internet, construction industry, emerging technology, constructions education, content analysis, networking, big data, survey, construction company, comparative analysis, cloud computing, preference, China, program, integration, methodology, practitioner |
| Subjects: | communication, data analysis and analytics, data collection methods, computing systems, organizational analysis, digital infrastructure, information systems, industry analysis, software systems, curriculum design, innovation and technology management, organization, practitioner, research methods, decision-making and reasoning, Geography |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Organizational Design, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Education, Geographical Context |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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