Impact of Real-Time Information Management on the Timeliness of Construction Dispute Settlements C S KALUGALA MS22041616 A THESIS SUBMITTED TO SRI LANKA INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT December 2024 1 I certify that I have read this thesis and that, in my opinion it is fully adequate, in scope and in quality, as a thesis for the degree of Master of Science. Prof. Anuradha Jayakody (Supervisor) Approved for MSc. Research Project: MSc. Programme Co-ordinator, SLIIT Approved for MSc: Head of Graduate Studies, FoC, SLIIT 2 DECLARATION This is to certify that the work is entirely my own and not of any other person, unless explicitly acknowledged (including citation of published and unpublished sources). The work has not previously been submitted in any form to the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology or to any other institution for assessment for any other purpose. Sign: Chanuri Sachithma Kalugala Date: December 2024. 3 ABSTRACT Impact of Real-Time Information Management on the Timeliness of Construction Dispute Settlements Chanuri Sachithma Kalugala MSc. in Information Management Supervisor: Prof. Anuradha Jayakody December 2024 The construction industry's complexity, often involving numerous stakeholders, frequently leads to disputes that disrupt project timelines and escalate costs. Traditional dispute resolution methods are frequently hindered by delayed or incomplete information flows, limiting efficiency. This thesis explores the potential of Real-Time Information Management (RTIM) to enhance dispute resolution timeliness and effectiveness within the construction sector. RTIM offers immediate data-sharing capabilities through tools like digital project management software and Building Information Modeling (BIM), fostering rapid communication and decision-making. This study specifically investigates RTIM's impact on reducing dispute settlement times by addressing delays related to information fragmentation and procedural inefficiencies in traditional dispute processes. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining case studies and interviews, the research reveals that RTIM can significantly reduce the time required for dispute resolution by improving data accessibility and accuracy, thus enabling prompt, data-driven responses. The findings highlight the advantages of RTIM in mitigating delays, enhancing communication among stakeholders, and promoting transparency. However, challenges such as implementation costs and data security are noted as potential barriers. This study provides construction professionals and policymakers with insights into RTIM's role in modernizing dispute management practices, contributing to better project outcomes and streamlined operations. The research underscores RTIM's value in the digital transformation of construction project management and offers practical recommendations for effective RTIM integration in dispute management. Key words: Construction Disputes, Real-Time Information Management, Dispute Resolution Timeliness 4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT First and foremost, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Professor Anuradha Jayakody. His unwavering support and encouragement throughout this journey have been invaluable. Coming from a construction background, I initially questioned my ability to take on a thesis so deeply rooted in IT and data management. Yet, Professor Jayakody saw potential in me that I struggled to see in myself. He provided me the freedom to approach this research at my own pace, granting me the space and flexibility to delve into this complex topic thoughtfully and methodically. His confidence in my abilities kept me motivated and focused, enabling me to overcome my initial uncertainties and embrace the challenges of this project fully. I am also profoundly grateful to my mentor, Dr. Vajira Edirisinghe, who has been a constant source of guidance and support since my undergraduate days. From the very beginning of my academic career, she encouraged me to pursue further studies, eventually inspiring me to undertake a Master’s degree. Her commitment to my academic success has been both inspiring and humbling. I am also deeply appreciative of my colleagues and friends, whose support has been a tremendous source of strength throughout this journey. Their insights, encouragement, and constant motivation helped me navigate the highs and lows of this project. Whether through brainstorming sessions or simply offering a listening ear, their presence reminded me that I was never alone in this endeavour. Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to my family. Their unwavering love and support have been my foundation, especially during the moments when I felt overwhelmed or discouraged. Their patience and understanding allowed me to persevere through the most challenging phases of this thesis, reminding me to keep pushing forward even when the road seemed daunting. To everyone who contributed to this journey in ways big and small, thank you for believing in me and for standing by my side. This accomplishment is as much yours as it is mine. 5 Table of Contents DECLARATION........................................................................................................................ 2 ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................... 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ......................................................................................................... 4 List of figures ............................................................................................................................. 8 Chapter 1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 9 1.1 Background ................................................................................................................. 9 1.2 Research Problem ...................................................................................................... 10 1.3 Objectives .................................................................................................................. 10 1.4 Significance of the Study .......................................................................................... 11 1.5 Definition of Key Terms............................................................................................ 12 1.6 Structure of the Thesis ............................................................................................... 13 Chapter 2 Literature Review............................................................................................... 14 2.1 Overview of Real-Time Information Management (RTIM) in Construction ............... 14 2.1.1 Definition and Evolution of RTIM ........................................................................ 14 2.1.2 Applications of RTIM in Construction .............................................................. 19 2.1.3 Challenges and Limitations of RTIM Implementation ...................................... 24 2.2 Construction Dispute Resolution Methods ............................................................... 31 2.2.1 Common Causes of Disputes in Construction Projects ..................................... 31 2.2.2 Emerging Dispute Resolution Techniques in Construction ............................... 39 2.3 Real-Time Information Management in Dispute Resolution .................................... 45 2.3.2 Preventing Dispute Escalation with Real-Time Data ........................................ 48 2.3.3 Limitations and Barriers to RTIM Adoption in Dispute Resolution .................. 49 2.4 Gaps in the Literature ................................................................................................ 52 2.4.3 Gaps in Cross-Industry Research ....................................................................... 56 2.5 Chapter Summary ...................................................................................................... 57 Chapter 3 Research Design and Methodology ................................................................... 60 6 3.1 Research Philosophy and Approach .......................................................................... 60 3.2 Research Strategy ...................................................................................................... 60 3.3 Data Collection Methods ........................................................................................... 60 3.3.1 Questionnaire Structure ..................................................................................... 61 3.4 Data Analysis Techniques ......................................................................................... 62 3.4.1 Triangulation for Enhanced Validity .................................................................. 62 3.4.2 Data Visualization .............................................................................................. 62 3.4.3 Research Concept Hypotheses Model ............................................................... 63 3.4.4 Hypotheses Model ............................................................................................. 64 Chapter 4 Findings and Analysis ........................................................................................ 65 4.1 Tools and Techniques for Quantitative Data Analysis .............................................. 65 4.2 Data Processing ......................................................................................................... 65 4.3 Quantitative Data Analysis and Interpretation .......................................................... 66 4.4 Tools and Techniques for Qualitative Data Analysis ................................................ 66 4.4.1 Presentation of Themes and Sub-Themes with Illustrative Quotes ................... 67 4.5 Motivations for Adoption .......................................................................................... 71 4.6 Challenges Identified................................................................................................. 72 4.7 Adoption Strategies ................................................................................................... 73 Chapter 5 Discussion .......................................................................................................... 75 5.1 Interpretation of Findings .......................................................................................... 75 5.1.1 Qualitative Findings ........................................................................................... 75 5.1.2 Qualitative Findings ........................................................................................... 79 5.1.3 Comparison of Qualitative and Quantitative Findings ...................................... 83 5.2 Implications for Practice ........................................................................................... 84 5.3 Theoretical Implications ............................................................................................ 87 Chapter 6 Conclusion and Recommendations .................................................................... 89 6.1 Summary of Key Findings ........................................................................................ 89 7 6.2 Practical Recommendations ...................................................................................... 90 6.3 Limitations of the Study ............................................................................................ 92 6.4 Future Research Directions ....................................................................................... 93 Chapter 7 References .......................................................................................................... 94 8 List of figures Figure 1 - Conceptual Diagram................................................................................................ 64 Figure 2 - RTIM Usage in the Construction Industry .............................................................. 80 Figure 3 - Reduction in Dispute Resolution Timeline ............................................................. 81 Figure 4 - RTIM Budget Allocation in Construction Projects ................................................. 82