A maturity measurement system (MMS) for digital transformation of construction projects in the execution phase based on a sociotechnical approach

Abstract

This work aims to propose a Maturity Measurement System (MMS) for digital transformation during the construction phase, grounded in a sociotechnical approach. It addresses the lack of a tool composed of maturity indicators to position construction projects, specifically during the execution phase, on the digital transformation path. The research strategy adopted is Design Science Research (DSR). The research process encompassed a comprehensive literature review, two empirical studies, focus group sessions, Delphi rounds, multiple iterative discussion stages, data analysis and artifact refinement. The study culminated in a measurement system comprising 15 social, technical and operational indicators, 75 assessment criteria and 5 maturity levels. The main limitation of this study is that the proposed MMS has been evaluated only through simulation and has not yet been implemented in real-world contexts. In addition, the cascading effects among dimensions and assessment criteria still require further investigation. This study proposes a measurement tool that enables construction companies to position themselves, set future directions, identify targets and propose changes to their evolution. In addition, this work proposes standardized metrics for industry-wide benchmarking. This paper's main theoretical contribution is the proposition of maturity levels, measurement dimensions and assessment criteria for digital transformation in construction, grounded in Industry 4.0 and 5.0 principles and developed through a sociotechnical approach that advances theory beyond a strictly technology-centric standpoint. The theoretical foundation built in this study can serve as a “blueprint” in the construction management domain, providing a framework for the future development of maturity models for digital transformation in the construction phase. Compared to existing maturity models, the originality of this research lies in its focus on the production level (execution phase). The use of a sociotechnical approach is another distinctive feature and integrating Industry 5.0 concepts into a maturity assessment tool represents an additional innovation introduced by this study. Furthermore, the incorporation of objective, metric-based evaluation criteria addresses limitations of previous models that relied on subjective perceptions. In addition, the model supports maturity assessments at the dimension, subsystem and overall levels, enabling the identification of specific areas requiring improvement. The proposed MMS also allows the assessment criteria to be updated over time, enabling adaptation to future industrial revolutions and transformations.