Kone, V. and Mahesh, G. (2026) The iprok ontology: A unified approach to managing construction project information. International Journal of Construction Management, 26(8), pp. 1599-1628. ISSN 1562-3599
Abstract
In the domain of construction project management, holistic decision-making and integrated project controls are paramount for success. However, integrating the vast spectrum of project data is challenging due to disparate software systems and data fragmentation, which leads to information silos and hinders semantic interoperability. An ontology-based framework presents a promising solution for creating a unified and machine-interpretable representation of this complex information. This research paper details the development, validation, and publication of the IproK ontology, a novel framework that provides deep, simultaneous integration of three critical project management domains: schedule, cost, and resources. A multi-faceted evaluation confirmed its technical soundness, conceptual validity according to domain experts, and practical utility by successfully answering all predefined Competency Questions (CQs) essential for integrated project control. IproK provides a validated semantic backbone for creating integrated project Knowledge Graphs, paving the way for next-generation, data-driven decision support systems and more intelligent construction project delivery.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | data integration; knowledge graph; ontology; semantic interoperability |
| Index terms: | decision-making, paving, construction project management, interoperability, project knowledge, construction project, fragmentation, project management, decision support, construction project delivery, research paper, project data, validation, integration, project control, ontology, validity, publication |
| Subjects: | project controls, professional development, systems and processes, organizational analysis, education and knowledge transfer, control systems, production management, data collection methods, decision analysis, project management theory and practice, transportation engineering, research dissemination and communication, business, knowledge management, evaluation and assessment methods |
| Topics: | Time Control, Project Management, Information Management, Organizational Design, Risk Management, Digital Applications, Research Practice, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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