PhD Research Program
AIKURA is built on rigorous academic research conducted at Curtin University, Perth.
2024 - 2027
3-year PhD program
Curtin University
Perth, Western Australia
Year 2 of 3
Candidacy confirmed
Research Objectives
Develop AI Framework for Procurement Decision Support
Create a comprehensive framework that integrates machine learning, natural language processing, and knowledge management to support procurement decisions in commercial construction projects.
Evaluate NLP Models for Construction Documents
Conduct comparative analysis of state-of-the-art NLP models for understanding construction specifications, identifying scope items, and extracting key requirements from tender documents.
Design Knowledge Capture System
Develop a system for capturing, storing, and retrieving organizational knowledge from past procurement decisions, enabling continuous learning and improvement.
Validate Through Industry Case Studies
Partner with Australian construction firms to validate the framework through real-world case studies, measuring improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and decision quality.
Research Methodology
The research employs a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative analysis of AI model performance with qualitative insights from industry practitioners. Key methodological components include:
- Literature review of AI applications in construction and procurement
- Development and training of domain-specific NLP models
- Prototype system development using iterative design principles
- Industry surveys and interviews with procurement professionals
- Case study validation with partner construction firms
- Quantitative evaluation of system accuracy and efficiency gains
Industry Collaboration
The research benefits from collaboration with construction industry partners who provide access to real project data, participate in system evaluation, and offer practical insights into procurement challenges. If your organization is interested in participating in this research, please get in touch.