This study presents a comprehensive and systematic study on research related to change orders in construction projects, using an analytical approach to map the state of knowledge, identify gaps and emerging areas for future research.
This study employs the scientometric review method to set forth a research trajectory and prominent research themes in change order research. A total of 603 bibliographic records concerning change orders in construction were collected from SCOPUS, and science mapping tools were employed to establish, visualize and analyze networks of research themes and contributions through keyword co-occurrence analysis and direct citation analysis.
Findings indicate that research on change orders remains fragmented and is predominantly centered on impacts such as cost overruns, delays, disputes and labor productivity, often overlooking their attribute-level characteristics that influence project outcomes. Interdisciplinary perspectives, particularly legal, organizational and behavioral approaches, are also underexplored. A weak connection has been identified between change orders, change management and lean construction, despite their conceptual alignment. Although building information modeling appears as a central theme, its integration with formal change management processes is limited. Artificial intelligence applications in change order research remain scarce and are constrained by data unavailability.
This study provides valuable insights for researchers aiming to contribute to the literature on change orders and offers guidance for policymakers to support studies addressing change orders in construction projects.
