International Journal of Construction Management

International Journal of Construction Management invites research papers on the above theme for inclusion in a “special issue” to be published in 2021. The special edition will be edited by Dr. Robert Osei-Kyei from Western Sydney University, Associate Prof Nicholas Chileshe from University of South Australia and Prof. Albert P.C. Chan from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Aims & Scope

The fourth industrial revolution or “industry 4.0” has seen the Architectural Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry come in line with more digitally developed industries. The AEC industry is now adapting to the current technological revolution where AEC firms have started to integrate various forms of technologies (including artificial intelligence, robotics, Internet of Things and associated paradigms, 3D printing and autonomous vehicles) into their daily management processes and activities. Although, the technological advancement seen in the AEC industry is good and will see to the rapid growth of the industry, the relevant teaching pedagogical strategies and learning approaches required to train and prepare future construction professionals to fit within the new evolution have not be extensively explored or holistically looked at. Further, with the rapid technological advancement in the construction industry, new skill sets will be required, whereas others will remain obsolete. Also, the ethical issues associated with the new technological scenario could impede the effective transition of the AEC industry into the new technological era.

This Special Issue aims to provide a medium to consolidate and disseminate the current inherent issues related to teaching and learning, skills development and ethical challenges in the AEC industry in the fourth industrial revolution. This special issue will be helpful for academics leading  AEC programs/courses in developing  flexible, platform-independent curriculum model and associated teaching resources for Industry 4.0 skills sets, and provide useful guidance (i.e desirable skills sets and ethics for Industry 4.0) for practitioners based on the emergent research findings.

Topics for papers

Submission types such as case studies, original research contribution, systematic reviews, conceptual papers, experimental and original research contributions are welcomed.  Topics may include but are not limited to:

• Technology education literacy and practice
• Curriculum development
• Blended learning models
• Massive open online course
• Cross disciplinary teaching and learning in the digital age
• E-learning models
• Use of learning pods
• Case-based teaching
• Contemporary pedagogies in construction education
• Work Integrated Learning and Teaching
• Skills sets development
• Skill requirements for Industry/Construction 4.0
• Emerging roles in Construction 4.0
• Ethical challenges in the Industry/Construction 4.0
• Data Privacy
• Data bias 
• Data modifications

Guest editors

Dr. Robert Osei-Kyei (r.osei-kyei@westernsydney.edu.au), Lecturer and Academic Course Advisor, School of Built Environment, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia

Associate Prof. Nicholas Chileshe (nicholas.chileshe@unisa.edu.au), Deputy Director: Natural and Built Environments Research Centre, School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia, Adelaide

Prof. Albert P.C. Chan (albert.chan@polyu.edu.hk), Chair Professor and Head, Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnnic University, Hong Kong

Information to contributors

Papers will then undergo a double-blind review process with engaging multiple reviewers. All queries should be addressed to the guest editors. 

Key dates

Paper submission deadline: 31 March 2021
Expected Publication: Early May 2021