Bridging Governance Gaps in Construction through Integrated Management and Emerging Technologies

 INTRODUCTION: Digital transformation pressures are reshaping construction governance in the construction sector, as emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) analytics and on-site Augmented Reality (AR) visualization tools increasingly complement traditional project management practices.

Objectives

This study aims to diagnose governance gaps in a Portuguese construction firm, propose a Project Management Office (PMO) supported by Earned Value Management (EVM) and a structured lessons-learned system, and outline how AI-based forecasting and AR-based job-site visualization could be integrated into this governance framework.

Methods

A mixed-methods case study conducted within a construction company employed document analysis, employee surveys, and semi-structured interviews to map existing processes and identify inefficiencies in budgeting, procurement, and interdepartmental coordination.

Results

The analysis identified inconsistent cost tracking, limited schedule visibility, and ad hoc knowledge capture as key areas of concern. The proposed PMO framework standardizes workflows, the EVM module provides real-time performance metrics, and the lessons-learned repository institutionalizes continuous improvement. The findings also support the feasibility of future integration of AI-driven variance prediction and AR-based progress visualizations.

Conclusion

By integrating established governance practices with a clear pathway toward AI and AR augmentation, this study provides an adaptable framework for construction firms seeking to enhance collaboration, optimize resource utilization, and prepare for the next phase of digital transformation.