A conceptual model for measuring the maturity of an Intelligent Construction Environment

Abstract

ABSTRACT Construction projects can be regarded as complex sociotechnical systems composed of diverse and dynamically interacting elements. Digital Transformation advancements can support construction companies in creating an environment to cope with complexity and improve performance. Nevertheless, reaching these advantages involves understanding how transformed processes should be managed and measured, such as using maturity assessment tools. The construction industry lacks maturity models encompassing the sector’s main characteristics and focusing on its production context. Therefore, this work proposes a conceptual model for measuring the maturity of an Intelligent Construction Environment from a sociotechnical perspective. Thus, first, the concept of an Intelligent Construction Environment is introduced. Then, based on two empirical studies consisting of 17 interviews and 11 days of on-site data collection, as well as an extensive literature review, 19 measurement dimensions associated with 13 principles and five maturity levels are proposed. This work’s theoretical contributions encompass an in-depth understanding of how the construction industry can be positioned in the digital transformation path from a sociotechnical perspective. Main practical contributions include the proposition of maturity measurement dimensions for an Intelligent Construction Environment, which indicates the aspects construction managers should focus on throughout the digital transformation process of the production environment.