THE IMPACT OF AUGMENTED REALITY AND VIRTUAL REALITY ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

Abstract

In order to improve Singapore’s construction sector productivity and work processes, BCA has been promoting the adoption of technologies such as AR/VR, by providing several avenues of support such as grants and constructing the Centre for Lean and Virtual Construction to educate stakeholders. The Centre for Lean and Virtual Construction allows the various stakeholders to experiment on these technologies first-hand before deciding to adopt them. Other countries have started to adopt AR/VR in their respective construction industries, and results have shown drastic improvements in project management performance, such as reducing cost, time, improving quality, communications, safety, and many other factors. By introducing these technologies, it will certainly impact project management performance and PMBOK areas. It is crucial that project managers understand how these state-of-the-art technologies work, how they are being adopted and applied, as well as how it impacts project management performance and PMBOK. This research study aims to find out how AR/VR can be applied in the construction industry, with the assessment of its effect on project management performance and impact on PMBOK. Literature reviews and case studies are the main research methodologies in this research study. Literature reviews are firstly being conducted to define and gather information on AR/VR, the application and adoption in construction, and the influence on project management performance and PMBOK. Two primary case studies, Gammon Construction and Bechtel are being scrutinized in this research study. It was discovered that AR/VR are commonly being used in safety training programmes, visualisation purposes, communications, and to aid with the design process. AR/VR also significantly impacts four factors in project management performance: cost, quality, time and safety. For PMBOK areas, time, cost, risks, communications, and quality management are affected positively. The findings from this research study present useful information for project managers and organizations that intend to adopt these technologies in Singapore’s construction industry, allowing them to plan and analyse on the cost-benefits of implementing AR/VR in their work processes. They can also observe how other organizations namely Gammon and Bechtel have adopted and applied AR/VR in their projects. From these case studies, the project managers and respective organizations can gain valuable knowledge, learn and look to improve on their existing systems. With the findings from this research study, they can also manage the project through PMBOK more effectively and efficiently and understand how AR/VR will impact their overall project management performance. The research study proves that AR/VR helps to streamline work processes, improve on overall project performance, cultivate a safer and more efficient work site, as well as to allow for clearer communications in all sectors. It also shows positive impact on project management performance as project cost, duration, accident rate, quality has improved from the implementation of AR/VR.