Mapping the Competencies for Implementing Sensing Technologies in the Construction Industry through Technology-Organization-Environment Framework

Contribution: This research category full paper contributes to the body of knowledge by identifying competencies in terms of knowledge, skills, and abilities that could potentially guide future investigations into how industry and academia perceive the essential competencies for implementing sensing technologies in the construction industry. The identified competencies provide valuable insights into the training required for both current and future workforces to meet the demands of sensing technology in the workplace. Additionally, they highlight the need for further investigation into learning technologies that can support the acquisition of these competencies. The study also expands the application of the Technology-Organization-Environment framework in the context of the competencies for implementing sensing technologies within the construction industry. Background: Data sensing technologies, such as laser scanners, radio frequency identification systems, cameras, and unmanned aerial vehicles, are increasingly being adopted in the construction industry to improve productivity, safety, and quality control of construction projects. The continuous adoption of these technologies necessitates a well-equipped workforce with the requisite competencies to sustain innovations in the industry. However, despite the importance of competent workforces in adopting sensing technologies in the construction industry, there is limited knowledge of the competencies for implementing these technologies. This study aims to fill this gap by identifying competencies in terms of knowledge, skills, and abilities required to implement sensing technologies in the construction industry through the lens of the Technology-Organization-Environment framework, thereby providing practical implications for the industry. Research Questions: (1) what are the applications of sensing technologies in the construction industry? and (2) what are the competencies requisite for implementing sensing technologies? Methodology: This study adopted a qualitative literature review to identify studies on sensing technologies' applications in the construction industry. Content analysis was used to extract competencies in terms of knowledge, skills, and abilities. The extraction was performed by examining the application of sensing technologies through the Technology-Organization-Environment framework, emphasizing the interplay of factors in the technological, organizational, and environmental contexts. Findings: The findings of this study showed the competencies encompassing nineteen knowledge, eight skills, and twelve abilities required to implement sensing technologies in the construction industry.