Luo, J; Santoso, D S and Xu, W (2025) Exploring construction technical intelligence: A grounded theory approach to international construction professionals' adjustment in new technical contexts. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 32(12), pp. 8097-8113. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to investigate the process of adjustment for international construction professionals when facing new technical contexts. It introduces a framework called construction technical intelligence (CTI) and seeks to provide valuable insights and practical guidance for professionals involved in international construction projects. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, a grounded theory approach was employed, which included conducting in-depth interviews with 28 professionals engaged in international construction projects. The qualitative data gathered from these interviews underwent systematic analysis to identify important categories and develop theoretical perspectives. Findings – The findings demonstrate the framework of CTI, which encompasses four essential dimensions that play a significant role in facilitating the successful adjustment of international construction professionals to new technical contexts. These dimensions underscore the multidimensional nature of CTI and offer valuable insights into the necessary capabilities for professionals to thrive in dynamic and globalized construction environments. Originality/value – By proposing this comprehensive framework, the study contributes to the knowledge and understanding of the technical adjustment process for international construction professionals. It also establishes a foundation for future quantitative research to validate and refine the proposed model, enabling a deeper comprehension of the dynamics involved in professionals' technical adjustment.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | international construction; international practice; novel model; project management; technology |
| Index terms: | interview, international construction project, international practice, methodology, grounded theory, quantitative research, project management, dimension, international construction, dynamics |
| Subjects: | research methods, theoretical framing, strategic management, systems engineering, project management theory and practice, health monitoring assessment and metrics, data analysis and analytics, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Project Management, Health and Safety, International Construction, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 CTEA |
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