Application of smart technologies in construction project management

Chua, Kah Ling (2025) Application of smart technologies in construction project management. Final Year Project, UTAR.

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Abstract

The integration of smart technologies in construction project management has emerged as a transformative approach to optimising time, cost, and quality, addressing long-standing challenges in project efficiency and productivity. Malaysia’s National Construction Policy 2030 emphasises the adoption of digital technologies to modernise the sector, promoting automation and advanced data-driven solutions. This study examines the application of Building Information Modelling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and automation tools in enhancing project planning, resource allocation, communication, and risk mitigation. Moreover, existing literature has highlighted the growing application of smart technologies across multiple industries including healthcare, education, agriculture, and general construction, emphasizing their role in enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. Studies by Jakobsen et al. (2023), Khan et al. (2024), and Pandey et al. (2022) illustrate the broad potential of smart technologies in various sectors. Within construction, prior research (e.g., Carolina Hernández García et al., 2024; Nilimaa, 2023) has focused on the technological adoption at a general level, such as eco-friendly materials and safety systems. However, there is a noticeable gap in understanding how smart technologies specifically impact construction project management practices such as planning, scheduling, cost control, and quality assurance. Few studies provide empirical evidence directly linking smart technologies with measurable improvements in project performance. This study aims to fill that gap by focusing on how digital tools contribute to key project management functions within the Malaysian construction industry. A quantitative research approach is employed, using a structured questionnaire survey to gather insights from experienced industry professionals in Malaysia’s construction sector. The data is analysed through descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including reliability analysis, correlation tests, and factor analysis, to identify key factors influencing the effective adoption of smart technologies. A total of 110 responses were collected and analysed through descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including reliability analysis, correlation tests, and factor analysis, to identify key factors influencing the effective adoption of smart technologies. The findings reveal that smart technologies enhance project planning through improved scheduling, resource optimization, and stakeholder coordination. Cost reductions stem from minimized budget overruns, reduced material waste, and automation-driven productivity gains. Quality improves via automated defect detection, BIM-driven accuracy, and standardized workflows, while risk mitigation benefits from real-time safety monitoring and AI-driven analytics. However, challenges such as high initial investment costs, limited technical expertise, resistance to change, and the lack of standardized implementation frameworks hinder the widespread adoption of these technologies. Statistical analysis confirms a strong correlation between smart technology implementation and project performance, with cost, training, and organizational readiness as key influencing factors. The findings are expected to provide empirical insights into the impact of digital innovations on improving project performance, enabling practitioners to make informed decisions in adopting technology-driven solutions. Additionally, the study contributes to the development of strategic frameworks for integrating smart technologies into construction project management, aiding policymakers and industry leaders in overcoming implementation barriers. The research offers a practical roadmap for fostering more efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality construction practices, ensuring greater predictability and control over project outcomes. Keywords: Smart technologies, construction project management, time-cost quality, digital innovation, project performance

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