Journal of Information Technology in Construction
Journal of Information Technology in Construction
ITcon Vol. 31, pg. 614-631, http://www.itcon.org/2026/27
Instantaneous project controls as a source of innovation in design and construction: Exploring cumulative and transformative changes in complex systems development
| DOI: | 10.36680/j.itcon.2026.027 | |
| submitted: | August 2025 | |
| published: | May 2026 | |
| editor(s): | Bosché F | |
| authors: | Amin Abbaszadegan, Ph.D. Candidate
Del E. Webb School of Construction, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University aabbasz1@asu.edu David Grau, Ph.D., PE, Sundt Construction Professor of Alternative Delivery Methods and Sustainable Development Del E. Webb School of Construction, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5530-1626 david.grau@asu.edu W. Edward Back, Ph.D. Professor, Deptartment of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, The University of Alabama eback@eng.ua.edu | |
| summary: | Construction relies on rapid, reliable information sharing among distributed teams to enable project success. This article presents an empirical exploration of eleven organizations that serve as early adopters of advanced information technologies for instantaneous, i.e., real-time or near real-time, project controls and reporting capabilities. The study employed a grounded theory approach, in which analyses informed subsequent steps. Constructs were coded from the transcription of interviews with corporate managers affiliated with owner, contractor, software developer, and manufacturing organizations. Contextual and processual findings were leveraged to support a theoretical model that captured the changes and implementation steps for successful technology diffusion. The study also defined the drivers that demand and justify an instantaneous or frequent reporting capability in the design and construction sector. Results offer actionable insights. Organizations can more effectively adopt advanced project controls by proactively planning and embracing necessary organizational changes. Researchers should consider both contextual and processual factors to support effective exploration of technology integration in construction. | |
| keywords: | information technologies, technology adoption, real time, project controls, innovation | |
| full text: | (PDF file, 0.569 MB) | |
| citation: | Abbaszadegan, A., Grau, D., & Back, W. E. (2026). Instantaneous project controls as a source of innovation in design and construction: Exploring cumulative and transformative changes in complex systems development. Journal of Information Technology in Construction (ITcon), 31, 614-631. https://doi.org/10.36680/j.itcon.2026.027 | |
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