Abstract
This study aims to address research questions related to the evolution of academic research in the field of construction engineering and management (CEM): (1) what are the mainstream research topics since 2000? (2) what are the emerging topics or techniques in CEM within the recent decades? and (3) what are potential CEM research areas in the near future? A scientometric analysis was conducted to review articles published in Journal of Construction Engineering and Management since 2000, follow by a qualitative discussion. This study revealed that project performance indicator–related topics (e.g., cost, scheduling, safety, productivity, and risk management) have been the ongoing mainstream issues over the last decades. Labor and personnel issues gained even more research attention in the last 10 years. Information and communication technologies [e.g., building information modeling (BIM)] applied in CEM has been gaining the momentum since 2009. A variety of quantitative methods have gained popularity in the CEM discipline, such as algorithms, statistics, fuzzy sets, and neural networks. The follow-up qualitative analysis led to the contributions of this review-based study in terms that (1) it provided an overview of the research topics in CEM since 2000 through a text-mining approach; and (2) it offered insights into emerging and near-future research areas, including BIM and data analytics applied in various construction issues (e.g., safety), as well as integrations of research themes (e.g., risk assessment in newly emerging project delivery methods).
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
Data generated or analyzed during the study are available from the corresponding author by request. Information about the Journal’s data-sharing policy can be found here: http://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001263.
References
Aboulezz, M. A. 2003. “Mapping the construction engineering and management discipline.” Master’s thesis, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Adeleye, T., M. Huang, Z. Huang, and L. Sun. 2013. “Predicting loss for large construction companies.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 139 (9): 1224–1236. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000696.
Allison, L., and J. Kaminsky. 2017. “Safety communication networks: Females in small work crews.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 143 (8): 04017050. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001344.
Ammar, M., T. Zayed, and O. Moselhi. 2013. “Fuzzy-based life-cycle cost model for decision making under subjectivity.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 139 (5): 556–563. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000576.
Barraza, G. A., and R. A. Bueno. 2007. “Probabilistic control of project performance using control limit curves.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 133 (12): 957–965. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2007)133:12(957).
Bastian, M., S. Heymann, and M. Jacomy. 2009. “Gephi: An open source software for exploring and manipulating networks.” In Proc., Int. AAAI Conf. on Weblogs and Social Media. Menlo Park, CA: Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence.
Beheiry, S. M. A., W. K. Chong, and C. T. Haas. 2006. “Examining the business impact of owner commitment to sustainability.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 132 (4): 384–392. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2006)132:4(384).
Bonham, D. R., P. M. Goodrum, R. Littlejohn, and M. A. Albattah. 2017. “Application of data mining techniques to quantify the relative influence of design and installation characteristics on labor productivity.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 143 (8): 04017052. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001347.
Bynum, P., R. R. A. Issa, and S. Olbina. 2013. “Building information modeling in support of sustainable design and construction.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 139 (1): 24–34. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000560.
Carter, G., and S. D. Smith. 2006. “Safety hazard identification on construction projects.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 132 (2): 197–205. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2006)132:2(197).
Chan, W. T., C. Chen, J. I. Messner, and D. K. H. Chua. 2005. “Interface management for China’s build-operate-transfer projects.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 131 (6): 645–655. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2005)131:6(645).
Chau, K. W., M. Anson, and J. P. Zhang. 2004. “Four-dimensional visualization of construction scheduling and site utilization.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 130 (4): 598–606. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2004)130:4(598).
Chen, C., 2016. “CiteSpace: Visualizing patterns and trends in scientific literature.” Accessed February 6, 2018. http://cluster.cis.drexel.edu/~cchen/citespace/.
Chen, Q., and R. Jin. 2013. “Multilevel safety culture and climate survey for assessing new safety Program.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 139 (7): 805–817. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000659.
Cho, C., K. Kim, J. Park, and Y. K. Cho. 2018. “Data-driven monitoring system for preventing the collapse of scaffolding structures.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 144 (8): 04018077. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001535.
Fang, D., Y. Chen, and L. Wong. 2006. “Safety climate in construction industry: A case study in Hong Kong.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 132 (6): 573–584. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2006)132:6(573).
Gerassis, S., J. E. Martín, J. T. García, A. Saavedra, and J. Taboada. 2017. “Bayesian decision tool for the analysis of occupational accidents in the construction of embankments.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 143 (2): 04016093. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001225.
Ham, N., S. Moon, J. H. Kim, and J. J. Kim. 2018. “Economic analysis of design errors in BIM-based high-rise construction projects: Case study of Haeundae L project.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 144 (6): 05018006. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001498.
Hammersley, M. 2001. “On ‘systematic’ reviews of research literatures: A ‘narrative’ response to Evans & Benefield.” Br. Educ. Res. J. 27 (5): 543–554. https://doi.org/10.1080/01411920120095726.
Hanna, A. S., C. K. Chang, J. A. Lackney, and K. T. Sullivan. 2007. “Impact of overmanning on mechanical and sheet metal labor productivity.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 133 (1): 22–28. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2007)133:1(22).
Jin, R., H. Yuan, and Q. Chen. 2019. “Science mapping approach to assisting the review of construction and demolition waste management research published between 2009 and 2018.” Resour. Conserv. Recycl. 140 (Jan): 175–188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2018.09.029.
Kale, S., and D. Arditi. 2005. “Diffusion of computer aided design technology in architectural design practice.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 131 (10): 1135–1141. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2005)131:10(1135).
Kamardeen, I., and R. Y. Sunindijo. 2017. “Personal characteristics moderate work stress in construction professionals.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 143 (10): 04017072. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001386.
Kang, Y., W. J. O’Brien, S. Thomas, and R. E. Chapman. 2008. “Impact of information technologies on performance: Cross study comparison.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 134 (11): 852–863. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2008)134:11(852).
Ke, Y., S. Wang, A. P. C. Chan, and E. Cheung. 2009. “Research trend of public-private partnership in construction journals.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 135 (10): 1076–1086. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2009)135:10(1076).
Kim, K., Y. Cho, and K. Kim. 2018. “BIM-driven automated decision support system for safety planning of temporary structures.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 144 (8): 04018072. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001519.
Lee, D. E., and D. Arditi. 2006. “Total quality performance of design/build firms using quality function deployment.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 132 (1): 49–57. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2006)132:1(49).
Lee, J. S. 2018. “Value engineering for defect prevention on building façade.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 144 (8): 04018069. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001500.
Lingard, H., K. Brown, L. Bradley, C. Bailey, and K. Townsend. 2007. “Improving employees’ work-life balance in the construction industry: Project alliance case study.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 133 (10): 807–815. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2007)133:10(807).
Liu, J., and M. Lu. 2018. “Constraint programming approach to optimizing project schedules under material logistics and crew availability constraints.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 144 (7): 04018049. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001507.
Mahalingam, A. 2010. “PPP experiences in Indian cities: Barriers, enablers, and the way forward.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 136 (4): 419–429. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000130.
Mani, N., K. P. Kisi, E. M. Rojas, and E. T. Foster. 2017. “Estimating construction labor productivity frontier: Pilot study.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 143 (10): 04017077. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001390.
Mazher, K. M., A. P. C. Chan, H. Zahoor, M. I. Khan, and E. E. Ameyaw. 2018. “Fuzzy integral-based risk-assessment approach for public-private partnership infrastructure projects.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 144 (12): 04018111. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001573.
Moussourakis, J., and C. Haksever. 2004. “Flexible model for time/cost tradeoff problem.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 130 (3): 307–314. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2004)130:3(307).
Nassar, K. M., H. G. Gunnarsson, and M. Y. Hegab. 2005a. “Using Weibull analysis for evaluation of cost and schedule performance.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 131 (12): 1257–1262. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2005)131:12(1257).
Nassar, K. M., W. M. Nassar, and M. Y. Hegab. 2005b. “Evaluating cost overruns of asphalt paving project using statistical process control methods.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 131 (11): 1173–1178. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2005)131:11(1173).
Park, J. Y., and Z. Nagy. 2018. “Comprehensive analysis of the relationship between thermal comfort and building control research: A data-driven literature review.” Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev. 82 (Part 3): 2664–2679. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.09.102.
Pietroforte, R., and T. P. Stefani. 2004. “ASCE journal of construction engineering and management: Review of the years 1983-2000.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 130 (3): 440–448. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2004)130:3(440).
Russell, J. S., A. Hanna, L. C. Bank, and A. Shapira. 2007. “Education in construction engineering and management built on tradition: Blueprint for tomorrow.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 133 (9): 661–668. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2007)133:9(661).
Said, H. M. M., and G. Lucko. 2016. “Float types in construction spatial scheduling.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 142 (12): 04016077. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001202.
Senouci, A. B., and N. N. Eldin. 2004. “Use of genetic algorithms in resource scheduling of construction projects.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 130 (6): 869–877. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2004)130:6(869).
Shrestha, A., T. K. Chan, A. A. Aibinu, C. Chen, and I. Martek. 2018. “Risk allocation inefficiencies in Chinese PPP water projects.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 144 (4): 04018013. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001457.
Song, J., H. Zhang, and W. Dong. 2016. “A review of emerging trends in global PPP research, analysis and visualization.” Scientometrics 107 (3): 1111–1147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-016-1918-1.
Spielholz, P., G. Davis, and J. Griffith. 2006. “Physical risk factors and controls for musculoskeletal disorders in construction trades.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 107 (3): 1111–1147. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2006)132:10(1059).
van Eck, N. J., and L. Waltman. 2010. “Software survey: VOSviewer, a computer program for bibliometric mapping.” Scientometrics 84 (2): 523–538. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-009-0146-3.
van Eck, N. J., and L. Waltman. 2014. “Visualizing bibliometric networks.” In Measuring scholarly impact: Methods and practice, edited by Y. Ding, R. Rousseau, and D. Wolfram, 285–320. Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer.
van Eck, N. J., and L. Waltman. 2017. “VOSviewer manual: Manual for VOSviewer version 1.6.6.” Accessed November 18, 2018. www.vosviewer.com.
Wu, W., G. Mayo, T. L. McCuen, R. R. A. Issa, and D. K. Smith. 2018. “Building information modeling body of knowledge. II: Consensus building and use cases.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 144 (8): 04018066. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001536.
Xia, B., A. P. C. Chan, and J. F. Y. Yeung. 2011. “Developing a fuzzy multicriteria decision-making model for selecting design-build operational variations.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 137 (12): 1176–1184. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000381s.
Zhang, S., F. Pan, C. Wang, and Y. Sun. 2017. “BIM-based collaboration platform for the management of EPC projects in hydropower engineering.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 143 (12): 04017087. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001403.
Zhao, T., W. Liu, L. Zhang, and W. Zhou. 2018. “Cluster analysis of risk factors from near-miss and accident reports in tunneling excavation.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 144 (6): 04018040. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001493.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Copyright
©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 1, 2018
Accepted: Jan 22, 2019
Published online: Jun 13, 2019
Published in print: Aug 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Nov 13, 2019
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Analysis (by type)
- Business management
- Colleges and universities
- Construction engineering
- Construction management
- Construction methods
- Data analysis
- Education
- Engineering fundamentals
- Field tests
- Management methods
- Methodology (by type)
- Practice and Profession
- Quality control
- Quantitative analysis
- Research methods (by type)
- Tests (by type)
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.