Assessment of Online Project Management Technology for Construction Projects and Organizations: A Benchmarking Exercise on Added Value

This paper summarizes a research study that seeks to validate and support statements that online project management (OPM) technology positively contribute to the return on investment of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry stakeholders and their projects. The paper starts with an introduction and continues with a comprehensive explanation of the best-suited evaluation method and data collection methods, which include nine comprehensive case studies, a survey, and over one hundred interviews. Hard benefits (tangible benefits) are a part of the research; however, a special focus is given to identification and measurement of soft benefits (quasi-tangible and intangible benefits), which are difficult to quantify and often hidden but whose value to the investors is enormous. The paper intends to capture different perspectives including those of private and public owners, contractors, and consultants. In addition, the paper explores the impact of these tools on the business processes and looks for evidence of increased and new values such as increased competitive advantage, improved market access, better customer relations, etc. The paper covers the project-level benefits as well as the benefits external to the project but internal to the organization(s). The benefits are documented and then measured utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods and are summarized in the context of this research paper