Evaluating the awareness and use of predictive analytics in construction project planning

The construction industry is starting to adopt predictive analytics to improve decision-making and optimize project outcomes. This research aims to investigate the perception and utilization of predictive analytics within construction project scheduling and planning. For this, a quantitative research design was implemented, utilizing structured questionnaires to collect data from multi-sector construction practitioners. The results indicated a moderate to high level of awareness, with 65% of the respondents aware of the tools. However, the actual utilization of predictive analytics was quite low at 15%. This was attributed to several factors, including a lack of requisite skills, high implementation costs, and entrenched organizational inertia. Nonetheless, 75% of respondents indicated a high willingness to adopt predictive analytics given favorable change management conditions. This research indicated that there is still a lack of proactive educational programs to foster comprehensive predictive analytics within construction project planning. Proposed strategies include the creation of comprehensive training courses tailored to construction industry needs, gradual and staged strategies for adoption, and proactive advocacy at policy-making levels to reduce utilization barriers. These findings underscore the need for strategic initiatives to bridge the gap between awareness and implementation of predictive analytics in construction planning.