Evaluating Software Ecosystems in Large-Scale Commercial Construction Projects and Implications for Construction Management Education

10 pages•Published: July 23, 2025

Abstract

This paper examines the software ecosystems used by construction field personnel for daily tasks, with a focus on perspectives from both subcontractors and general contractors on large-scale commercial construction projects. The study analyzed current software ecosystems, associated hardware, and firm interconnections, collecting data from one case study of a large-scale construction project in Nashville, Tennessee. Through a survey questionnaire, insights were gathered on the essential software functionalities for on-site tasks, stakeholder communication, and current training formats. The study involved 23 participants who collectively provided 109 responses, representing an average of 6 years of experience in diverse job-site roles. The findings reveal that ProCore® is the predominant software used to enhance communication and coordination between general contractors and subcontractors. Tablets emerged as the most popular on-site hardware, reflecting a shift toward mobile, flexible digital solutions. However, the study also uncovered a significant reliance on informal training methods, such as on-the-job training, highlighting a gap in structured training opportunities. The paper offers actionable recommendations for construction management curricula to address this gap.

Keyphrases: construction 4.0, construction education, construction field software ecosystems, digital transformation, software interoperability

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference, vol 6, pages 411-420.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/cB5T
	https://doi.org/10.29007/nvd9

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2025:Evaluating_Software_Ecosystems_Large,
  author    = {Shadi Alathamneh and Wesley Collins},
  title     = {Evaluating Software Ecosystems in Large-Scale Commercial Construction Projects and Implications for Construction Management Education},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {6},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/cB5T},
  doi       = {10.29007/nvd9},
  pages     = {411-420},
  year      = {2025}}

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