Conceptual framework to improve big data flow in a construction project

Big data management has not been well implemented in the construction industry. One of the barriers preventing a construction project from accessing the full capability of big data management is poor data flow. The aim of this study is to improve such a flow. The study developed a big data flow management framework to support building professionals to identify pitfalls in the data flow of a construction project. Based on a literature review, this framework was modelled in accordance with communication theory and concepts of data life cycle management. The framework was embedded with comprehensive big data management guidelines to achieve more effective big data management. The framework governs the project data flow across different project development stages and multidisciplinary teams of a construction project. Findings of this study will help reveal how the data flow within a project and identify any hidden pitfalls. Based on the identified pitfalls, appropriate mitigations can, therefore, be developed to improve the data flow of a project. Thus, this would pave the way to achieve more effective big data management, as well as project management as a whole.