Chen, X; Chang-Richards, A Y; Ling, F Y Y; Yiu, T W; Pelosi, A and Yang, N (2025) Digital technology-enabled AEC project management: practical use cases, deployment patterns and emerging trends. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 32(6), pp. 4125-4154. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: Despite extensive academic research related to digital technologies (DT), their integration into architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) projects lags in practice. This paper aims to discover DT deployment patterns and emerging trends in real-life AEC projects. Design/methodology/approach: A case study methodology was adopted, including individual case analyses and comparative multiple-case analyses. Findings: The results revealed the temporal distribution of DT in practical AEC projects, specific DT products/software, major project types integrated with digital solutions, DT application areas and project stages and associated project performance. Three distinct patterns in DT adoption have been observed, reflecting the evolution of DT applications, the progression from single to multiple DT integration and alignment with emerging industry requirements. The DT adoption behavior in the studied cases has been examined using the technology-organization-environment-human (TOE + H) framework. Further, eight emerging trend streams for future DT adoption were identified, with "leveraging the diverse features of certain mature DT" being a shared recognition of all studied companies. Practical implications: This research offers actionable insights for AEC companies, facilitating the development of customized DT implementation roadmaps aligned with organizational needs. Policymakers, industry associations and DT suppliers may leverage these findings for informed decision-making, collaborative educational initiatives and product/service customization. Originality/value: This research provides empirical evidence of applicable products/software, application areas and project performance. The examination of the TOE + H framework offers a holistic understanding of the collective influences on DT adoption. The identification of emerging trends addresses the evolving demands of the AEC industry in the digital era.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | comparative case studies; deployment pattern; digital technology; emerging trend; project management |
| Index terms: | digital technology, methodology, decision-making, integration, evolution, stream, evidence, implementation, project management, project performance, major project, customization, case study |
| Subjects: | construction manufacturing, strategic project management, environmental science, contractual arrangements, evaluation and assessment methods, research methods, data collection methods, computing systems, decision analysis, organizational analysis, project management theory and practice, water management |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Organizational Design, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Project Management, Risk Management, Sustainability, Procurement |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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