An exploratory study on expectations from AI-based automated scheduling

Dikmen, I. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6988-7557 and Cevikbas, M. (2025) An exploratory study on expectations from AI-based automated scheduling. In: 41st Annual ARCOM Conference, 3-5 Sep 2025, Dundee, UK, pp. 69-78. (ISBN: 9780995546394)

Abstract/Summary

Scheduling is a complex process that requires information from several sources, coordination between teams, and experience of using various methods and tools. Automated scheduling (AS) may facilitate the process and provide a potential solution for the skills gap experienced in the construction industry. In this paper, we will present initial findings from a funded research project about development of an AIbased AS tool for building projects. As a part of the needs analysis, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 construction professionals to identify challenges with the traditional scheduling process, requirements from, and potential concerns about an AI-based AS tool. Unavailability of data, procedural difficulties such as extracting information from several documents and poor communication between different disciplines were highlighted as the current challenges. Major expectations from the tool are primarily about automated analysis of various documents and better coordination of information exchange. Judgemental reasoning required for scheduling tasks and limited explainability of AI raise concerns about the performance of a fully automated tool and decreases trust.

Additional Information	In: Thomson, C (Ed.) and Neilson, C J (Ed.), Proceedings 41st Annual ARCOM Conference, 1-3 September 2025, Abertay University, Dundee, UK. Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 69-78.
Item Type	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
URI	https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/127048
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Science > School of the Built Environment > Construction Management and Engineering
Uncontrolled Keywords	artificial intelligence (AI), construction planning, digital technology, time
Additional Information	In: Thomson, C (Ed.) and Neilson, C J (Ed.), Proceedings 41st Annual ARCOM Conference, 1-3 September 2025, Abertay University, Dundee, UK. Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 69-78.
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