Title: Big data adoption in public infrastructure projects - contrasting perceptions to conceptualise organisational tensions

Authors: Alejandro Romero-Torres; Julie Delisle; Monique Aubry

Addresses: School of Management, University of Quebec in Montreal, C.P. 8888, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montreal (Québec) H3C 3P8, Canada ' School of Management, University of Quebec in Montreal, C.P. 8888, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montreal (Québec) H3C 3P8, Canada ' School of Management, University of Quebec in Montreal, C.P. 8888, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montreal (Québec) H3C 3P8, Canada

Abstract: Research on projects has highlighted big data as a tool to better understand project characteristics and its dynamics. To maximise these benefits, organisations collaborate to create common big data repositories. However, public infrastructure projects do not seem to have adopted this technological innovation. Based on a pluralist perception of organisational effectiveness, this paper aims to explain how project actors' differing perceptions affect big data adoption. We identify and classify the perceived benefits and challenges related to adopting big data. Findings highlight that perceptions vary as a function of the organisation's position in public projects, but also of its organisational values. This research conceptualises perceptions of big data adoption, identifying three specific organisational tensions - learning, performing, and organising - all of which underlie an overarching belonging tension. This paper underscores the need for collaborative management of these tensions to fully leverage big data's potential, improve decision-making, and enhance project management practices.

Keywords: big data; public projects; technology adoption; organisational tensions; CVF framework.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPOM.2025.148688

International Journal of Project Organisation and Management, 2025 Vol.17 No.3, pp.231 - 252

Received: 13 Nov 2023
Accepted: 25 Jun 2024
Published online: 19 Sep 2025 *

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