Assessing Information Complexity Through Bio-inspired Systems Thinking Approach

Abstract

generation, transfer, and management have been a key part of any industry. In the construction industry, information plays a very key role in the success of any project. Primary areas of information generation are either construction site or design office. However, key decisions are usually made in the project management office. Due to this, information transfer and decision implementation depend upon multiple interdependent factors. Due to the complexity of the information system, to understand the interdependencies and its effects, systems-thinking and system dynamics approach become an obvious choice. Nature has been dealing with such complex systems since its creation 4.5 billion years ago. It has perfected its system by evolution, resilience towards sudden changes, and extinction of unadaptable and outdated species that are no longer fit for the environment. Nature has been accommodating the changing factors and handling complexity forever. Humans have started to look at their natural counterparts for inspiration and solutions for their problems. This study aims to assess complexity in information management in the construction sector by providing a guideline, inspired by nature with a systems-thinking approach, using system dynamics as a tool.