Omole, O and Ghosh, S (2025) Application of data science in the us commercial construction industry: Current trends and future opportunities. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 21(1), pp. 50-73. ISSN 1557-8771
Abstract
The technologies and innovations accompanying the Fourth Industrial Revolution are reshaping industries worldwide; the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry is no different. This study specifically investigates the application of data science in the US commercial construction industry, which has been relatively limited and understudied. This study assessed the current state of data science utilization, identified potential benefits and challenges, and explored future directions. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with representatives from eight general contracting firms listed in the ENR top 100 contractors. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts revealed several prominent themes. The findings indicate that while technical support for data storage and management exists, challenges persist in terms of data consistency and leveraging data for advanced analyses. Encouragingly, top management is recognizing the importance of data science in their daily operations, leading to a growing trend of hiring individuals with specialized data skills in construction companies. The establishment of dedicated data science departments and fostering, mitigating the current challenges of data consistency and interoperability with a mind-set of continuous improvement are viewed as strategic approaches to harness data for a competitive edge in the commercial construction industry.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | commercial construction; data analytics; data management; data science; thematic analysis |
| Index terms: | interoperability, fourth industrial revolution, continuous improvement, commercial construction, data management, thematic analysis, top management, construction company, science, data storage, interview |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, technology adoption, management, performance measurement, methods and analysis, data management, systems and processes, construction type, organization, specialized education |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Digital Applications, Construction Technology, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Education, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
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