Assessing Information Complexity and its Influence on Construction Quality Using Systems Thinking Approach

Abstract

Construction sites are information-intensive environments. Huge amounts of information need to be communicated among various stakeholders during all phases of the construction lifecycle. The challenges faced in the transfer or exchange of information and data on construction projects have, however, led to information complexity. Above all, the success of any construction project relies upon the quality performance. Due to this complexity of information flow, the quality of construction projects has greatly suffered. To overcome this challenge, this paper investigates the causative relation between information complexity and construction quality by focusing on the factors that lead to information complexity on construction sites and describes how they subsequently influence the quality of construction. To demonstrate and address this complexity, qualitative systems thinking approach was used. This approach made use of six causal loop diagrams (CLDs) to provide an understanding of the information-flow mechanisms that influence project quality performance. The study finds ineffective communication, unclear details, changes in contract, information delays, unpleasant relationship between stakeholders and project complexity as the most critical factors. The CLDs were prioritized based on their strength and speed of influence in the system. This technique highlights the reinforcing loops which can help stakeholders to adopt proactive or reactive approaches in their projects by improving information flow or developing quality control measures respectively.