CitA BIM Gathering 2021, September 21st – 23rd 2021
Innovation and Transformation of Multi-Project Management practices in the AEC sector in Ireland Barry Kirrane1, Esther Quinn2, Dr David Collery3 1 2
Dept of Engineering and Design, Institute of Technology, Sligo, County Sligo
Dept. of Business & Social Sciences, Institute of Technology, Sligo, County Sligo 3
Dept of Engineering and Design, Institute of Technology, Sligo, County Sligo
E-mail: 1barrykirrane@hotmail.com, 2Quinn.Esther@itsligo.ie, 3Collery.David@itsligo.ie Abstract ̶ Projects are becoming increasingly complex and data-heavy within the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector and the need to analyse workflows and streamline processes in order to be more efficient is key to organisations being more competitive. The adoption of digital tools, automation, information sharing and communication technology has been envisaged as the main concept of the fourth Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0, due mainly to demand in the industries to increase efficiency. Ultimately Big Data and Knowledge/Information Management collection within AEC organisations is used to leverage better decision-making, increase productivity, and reduce costs across all levels of a multi-project environments. The research aim was to examine the current extent to which the AEC organisations use digitalised data and the critical drivers to innovation. A mixed-method research through qualitative and quantitative data collection was adopted for the purpose of this exploratory research, examining the perceptions of innovation and transformation to digitalisation and the use of Big Data within multi-project organisations in the AEC sector in Ireland. The organisational culture within AEC organisations has led to resistance in the adoption of digital tools due to them being poorly understood by senior management. Digital transformation needs to form part of the strategic plan of organisations. The construction companies have demonstrated their investments in the adoption of digital tools to streamline processes in comparison to other organisations in the AEC sector. The relationship between digital adoption and performance is widely unknown at the moment in the AEC sector, and strong leadership is required within the industry to drive digital adoption. This will lead to the creation of better processes, enabling organisations to be more efficient, reducing risks, and increasing quality for clients. Keywords ̶ Multi-Project Management, Digitisation, Big Data, Knowledge Management, Information sharing
I INTRODUCTION AEC is a project-driven industry; each project is unique and requires particular forms of professional inputs and management. Each project can generate a wide range of knowledge and data stemming from the complexities and nature of the project. This constitutes a classic learning cycle and streams of knowledge transfer within organisations [1]. Deloitte, a leading professional services organisation, has recognized the evolution in the Project Portfolio Management sphere, suggesting that “Digital disruption has resulted in profound changes to organizations and continues to do so. As the disciplines of technology and business have become more closely interconnected, each has profited from the practices and priorities of the
other” [2]. The objective of the research is to gain a level of understanding with regards to multi project management and to establish if software tools are being implemented in AEC organisations. Many companies in the AEC sector have multiple projects ongoing at the same time. Projects are becoming increasingly complex and data-heavy and the need to streamline processes to be more efficient is key to being more competitive. The evergrowing digitalisation will propel companies to pursue efficiencies in the AEC sector. The relationship between digital adoption and performance is widely unknown at the moment and strong leadership is required in the industry to drive digital adoption. This research objective is to examine data culture and how data can enable knowledge management and influence better
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