THE IMPACT OF FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION TECHNOLOGIES ON PROJECT TIME, COST AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abstract

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) consists of new digital technologies that have led to transformative changes in several industries, including the construction industry. 4IR is envisaged to significantly affect project management processes with new technologies such as the Cyber Physical System that is able to promote real time monitoring of project site, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence to analyse and promote reliable outcomes through machine learning, and Smart Robotics to promote smart automation in work processes. Although 4IR technologies have great potential in enhancing performance in construction project management, the adoption status of these technologies remains low in Singapore’s construction industry. In order to drive the adoption of 4IR technologies, it is essential for industry key players and project managers to understand the impact of the technologies in project management such as the application and benefits of the technologies. In addition, as changes are inevitable with the adoption of new technologies, it is also essential to identify adequate skills to necessitate the technological transfers to fully explore the capacity of technologies. In project management, project time, cost and quality management are key in ensuring project success and smooth project delivery. As such, literature review was conducted to identify a list of applications, benefits, skills, challenges and strategies of 4IR technologies in project time, cost and quality management. A questionnaire was then developed based on the findings of the literature review to understand the perception of project managers on the impact of 4IR technologies in project time, cost and quality management. A total of 66 project managers in Singapore’s construction industry participated in this study. The responses were evaluated through statistical analysis such as Kruskal Wallis Test, Mann-Whitney U Test and Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient to determine if there were any significant differences in the perception among the different organisation sizes, experience of organisations and experience of respondents. Firstly, the findings demonstrate the top applications of 4IR technologies in project management which includes data collection for progress tracking, real time monitoring of construction progress and schedule estimation. The findings of the perceived top benefits from project managers includes improved project progress monitoring, improved data documentation and improved project schedule control which is consistent with the applications highlighted. Next, complex problem solving skills, leadership skills, judgement and decision making skills, and people management skills were identified as critical skills required for 4IR project management. Lastly, perceived top challenges includes the lack of a skilled workforce, technology complexity and high cost of adoption of technology. As such, strategies such as education & training, government incentives and distinct identification of process changes are being highlighted as key in overcoming the challenges. Two case studies on the application of 4IR technologies were also carried out to further substantiate the findings from the literature review and survey analysis. The findings from the survey analysis and case studies provides comprehensive information for key industry players such as the project managers to understand the potential application and benefits of 4IR technologies in project time, cost and quality management. The identification of skills required in 4IR project management can provide a better transition process of the adoption of new technologies in project management as project managers equipped with adequate skills can better adapt to the utilisation of technologies. In addition, the challenges and strategies identified helps organisations and government agencies in Singapore’s construction industry to better understand the key drivers and barriers in the adoption of 4IR technologies, so as to improve the adoption status and to drive adoption of 4IR technologies in construction project management.