Big data analytics in the Sri Lankan construction industry: an assessment of the challenges and strategies

The increasing complexity of construction projects and the expansion of the construction sector has complicated the data management process by highlighting the need for proper data management tools in arranging and organising construction data. Specifically, countries with developing economies such as Sri Lanka require more advanced data management tools, since the construction sector is the backbone of their economies. In this context, this study aims to identify the challenges to the implementation of Big Data Analytics (BDA) in the Sri Lankan construction sector and the potential strategies which can be adopted in overcoming the challenges for the implementation. Accordingly, a qualitative approach was followed in achieving the aim of the study. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the existing body of knowledge related to the study area. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted for primary data collection with experts in the fields of construction and data analytics and the non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to select the experts for the data collection. Data were analysed using the content analysis method. Findings revealed that the requirement of large capital expenditure, resistance from industry professionals and lack of industry awareness are the major barriers to adopting BDA in the Sri Lankan construction sector. Eventually, it was revealed that conducting awareness sessions and educating the industry stakeholders will assist the strategic implementation of BDA in the Sri Lankan construction sector.