Atuahene, B T; Kanjanabootra, S and Gajendran, T (2022) Preliminary benefits of big data in the construction industry: a case study. Proceedings of Institution of Civil Engineers: Management, Procurement and Law, 175(2), pp. 67-77. ISSN 17514304
Abstract
Big data applications consist of (a) data collection using big data sources, (b) storing and processing data and (c) analysing data to gain insights for creating organisational benefit. The influx of digital technologies and digitisation in the construction process includes big data as one newly emerging digital technology adopted in the construction industry. Big data application is in a nascent stage in construction, and there is a need to understand the tangible benefit(s) that big data can offer the construction industry. This study explores the benefits of big data in the construction industry. Using a qualitative case study design, construction professionals in an Australian construction firm were interviewed. The research highlights that the benefits of big data include reduction of litigation among project stakeholders, enablement of near-to-real-time communication and facilitation of effective subcontractor selection. By implication, on a broader scale, these benefits can improve contract management, procurement and management of construction projects. This study contributes to an ongoing discourse on big data application and, more generally, digitisation in the construction industry.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction; information technology; procurement; project management |
| Index terms: | big data, construction firm, contract management, digital technology, information technology, subcontractor selection, construction process, construction project, project stakeholder, litigation, case study, construction industry, project management, construction professional |
| Subjects: | building construction, production management, contract management, organization, sociology, industry analysis, information systems, project management theory and practice, professional development, data collection methods, computing systems, dispute resolution |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Site Management, Contract Administration, Research Practice, Information Management, Business Strategy, Stakeholder Management, Supply Chain Management, Legal Issues, Project Management |
| 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