The Impact of Data Governance on Data Management in the South African Construction Industry

The construction sector project, from start to finish, can be overwhelming because of the large amount of data produced. This data must be managed effectively to ensure the project’s successful completion. One key way to do this is through data governance (DG), an aspect often overlooked. This study aimed to assess how data governance affects data management in the South African construction industry. A quantitative research approach was used, collecting data from various construction professionals via a Google Forms survey distributed through platforms such as LinkedIn. Participants included quantity surveyors, architects, construction project managers, construction managers, and engineers working in firms based in South Africa’s Gauteng province. A simple random sampling technique was used to ensure equal representation. Out of 300 surveys sent out, 200 were completed and returned. The data was analysed using exploratory factor analysis, standard deviation, and mean item score. The concept of data governance is based on the Data Management Body of Knowledge, which stresses accountability for all data management activities. Findings indicated that data governance mainly influences data management through data maturity assessments and data policies. The study concluded that when these elements are well integrated into data management practices, they can greatly improve the effectiveness of construction project data management, especially when stakeholders are involved in the governance process. Therefore, it is recommended that data policies, such as the Protection of Personal Information Act, be incorporated into construction regulations and codes of practice.