Digital technology-enabled AEC project management: practical use cases, deployment patterns and emerging trends
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
ISSN: 0969-9988
Article publication date: 26 March 2024
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.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Paul Han and Yasmine Mustafa for their assistance in case study design and data collection. The authors acknowledge the funding support from the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and the University of Auckland Joint Doctoral Scholarship and the funding from the Building Research Association of New Zealand (No: LR12069).
Citation
Chen, X., Chang-Richards, A.Y., Ling, F.Y.Y., Yiu, T.W., Pelosi, A. and Yang, N. (2024), "Digital technology-enabled AEC project management: practical use cases, deployment patterns and emerging trends", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-09-2023-0962
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited