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Article
Publication date: 29 April 2021

Sanjay Bhattacharya and K.S. Momaya

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) holds the potential to improve capabilities- and technology-based innovation, which will enable breakout for architectural, engineering…

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Abstract

Purpose

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) holds the potential to improve capabilities- and technology-based innovation, which will enable breakout for architectural, engineering, construction and operation and maintenance (AECO) companies, for international competitiveness. Though the top management of such companies is convinced on the utility of the applications, they are unsure on the strategy of implementing the same. The objective of this research is to suggest a strategy framework for digital transformation of the AECO value chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The nascent level of research on 4IR in construction necessitated the adoption of the integrative review methodology for the study. Extensive literature review of research on strategy and 4IR has been utilized to establish the validity of the first two pillars, namely “a strategy of simple rules in a complex environment; and deployment of dynamic capabilities.” The validation of a construct for the third pillar of “confluence of change and continuity forces” has been achieved via hypothesis testing of data obtained through a questionnaire survey.

Findings

The present study has integrated three diverse ideas of strategy, named as the pillars, to facilitate sustainable digital transformation. Within the third pillar, top three continuity forces which offer resistance to change are organization culture, existing delivery processes and networks, and existing standard operating procedures. On the other hand, the leading drivers of change are needs of competitiveness; global industry trends and the advent of new technologies/innovations.

Research limitations/implications

This provides a practical approach to operationalize digital transformation of the AECO at an organization level. The validation relied on opinion and perspectives of a sample frame in the Indian context, which was its limitation.

Originality/value

This paper suggests a strategy framework of three pillars to help address specific strategy dilemmas during implementation of digital transformation of particular organizations in AECO. The study contributes to both theory and practice by helping leaders of AECO companies, associations, policymakers and the academia to strategize transformations successfully.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 28 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2021

Sanjay Bhattacharya and Arup Chatterjee

This paper aims to propose an integrated framework for digital project-driven supply chains (PDSC) to address multiple objectives in Architecture, Engineering, Construction and…

1410

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an integrated framework for digital project-driven supply chains (PDSC) to address multiple objectives in Architecture, Engineering, Construction and, Operations and Maintenance (AECO) value chain. Additionally, the following sub-objectives were also to be addressed: to assess emerging themes of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies in AECO and to identify lacunae in existing project supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The research relies on qualitative approaches and mixed methodologies, for building theories based on domain expert interviews and questionnaire surveys administered on industry professionals. Hypothesis testing has been used to analyze data and identify significant 4IR technology applications and evolve a PDSC framework to address multiple objectives in the AECO context.

Findings

4IR technologies can completely revolutionize AECO supply chains and catapult the discipline into a completely new paradigm. The immense computing power unleashed can contribute to enhancing effectiveness in delivery. Technologies such as the Internet of Things, Internet of Services, Cloud Computing, Big Data, Smart Factory, 3 D-Printing, Cyber-Physical Systems or Embedded Systems, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Robotics hold immense future potential. The study proposes an integrated framework to address the multiple objectives of improved project delivery, increased productivity and cost savings, activity monitoring, reporting and agility, better workflow processes and reduction of wastage.

Research limitations/implications

The study offers ideas for complete integration of the AECO supply chain to deliver value to end customers. It, however, relies on opinions, perspectives and recollections of respondents, which is its limitation. Their opinion is expected to be influenced by their domain and project expertise.

Practical implications

In today’s global environment, information and data management is a meaningful intermediary in 4IR. It can be delivered with the aid of the cloud to collect, appraise and evaluate data efficiently; faster machine operations to manufacture quality goods at a lower cost; boost productivity; and competitiveness in AECO companies. Appropriate exchange of information and knowledge transfer will lead to innovation, effective communication in terms of frequency and quality of information; willingness to share information to improve overall performance; commitment to a common goal and mutual support; and continuous innovative effort.

Originality/value

This paper suggests fresh perspectives to integrated digital project-driven supply chains propelled by 4IR technologies, with a purpose to deliver multiple project objectives and end-customer value addition.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2022

Xiaolong Xue, Xiliang Sun, Weirui Xue, Yaxin Wang and Longhui Liao

Conscious of the benefits building information modeling (BIM) has brought about to the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) industry, the Chinese…

Abstract

Purpose

Conscious of the benefits building information modeling (BIM) has brought about to the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) industry, the Chinese government has been driving BIM adoption. Nonetheless, its acceptance and proliferation in China remain stagnant. Most relevant literature focuses on BIM diffusion at the industry and organizational levels, but the impact of non-managerial practitioners executing BIM or the traditional drafting approach in day-to-day work tends to be disregarded. This study aims to extend theoretical models pertaining to technology acceptance to understand non-managerial practitioners’ perceptions toward working with BIM in China.

Design/methodology/approach

A new BIM acceptance model was proposed based on previous technology acceptance theories. After a pilot study, a survey was conducted with 153 non-managerial practitioners in the Chinese AECO industry.

Findings

Among factors impacting non-managerial practitioners’ BIM acceptance in China, performance expectancy and task-technology fit significantly and positively influence behavioral intention to accept BIM, while the impacts from effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions are not essential.

Research limitations/implications

Management strategies, such as improving non-managerial staff’s benefits and sense of BIM usefulness, selecting suitable tools to match with the staff’s tasks and promoting a middle-out approach in parallel with top-down interventions, are proposed for Chinese AECO organizations to enhance BIM acceptance.

Originality/value

Few studies have explored BIM acceptance from the perspective of non-managerial users in the Chinese AECO industry, especially using the theories related to technology acceptance. The BIM acceptance model developed in this study is different from those used in previous global studies in terms of influencing factors.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 November 2023

Sanjay Bhattacharya and Gautam Pant

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) holds the potential to significantly improve capabilities and performances for architectural, engineering, construction and operation and…

Abstract

Purpose

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) holds the potential to significantly improve capabilities and performances for architectural, engineering, construction and operation and maintenance (AECO) companies in India. The top management of such companies seems unsure and reluctant to implementation of the 4IR applications. The objective of this research is to identify the 4IR technology applications, which would have a significant impact on the operation of the AECO companies in India. Moreover, the paper further attempts to give a conceptual roadmap for the implementation of these 4IR technologies in the AECO value chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The nascent level of research in 4IR in construction necessitated the adoption of mixed methodologies in research. Hypothesis testing has been carried out on the quantitative data to ascertain the potential of 4IR technologies, which could significantly impact the AECO companies. Subsequently, qualitative research has been used to explore the reasons impacting the technology adoption and generate a possible road map for the implementation of the significant 4IR technology applications.

Findings

The AECO value chain is challenged due to its complexity, uncertainty, fragmented supply chains, myopic thinking and a culture reluctant to change. The study provides insights into the dilemmas of practitioners in the Indian context while exploring possible approaches to carry out the transformation in AECO.

Research limitations/implications

The study validation relied on the opinions, perspectives and recollections of respondents. The opinion of practicing professionals was limited to the Indian context.

Originality/value

The article may help leaders of AECO firms, industry associations, policymakers and academia to take steps in relevant directions to enable digital transformation.

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 October 2022

Thi-Thao-Nguyen Nguyen, Sy Tien Do, Viet Thanh Nguyen and Thu Anh Nguyen

This study aims to identify the enabling factors for Building Information Modeling (BIM) adoption in Vietnamese construction enterprises and uncover their interrelationships. This…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to identify the enabling factors for Building Information Modeling (BIM) adoption in Vietnamese construction enterprises and uncover their interrelationships. This will help stakeholders focus on controlling and allocating resources (time, personnel, and costs) appropriately to adopt BIM and differentiate themselves from fierce competition in the architectural, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study first identifies and evaluates 32 enabling factors for applying BIM in the Vietnamese construction industry according to the TOE extended framework. Afterwards, a hybrid questionnaire survey using a convenient sampling method is conducted to capture stakeholders' views. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique are then applied to identify the constructs of the enabling factors and their interrelationships.

Findings

The study extracts six constructs that could have a significant impact on the adoption of BIM in construction enterprises, namely: technical feasibility (TF), human resources and management (HRM), company business vision (CBV), political environment (PE), economic viability (EV), and legal aspects (LA). Based on eleven proposed hypotheses, the analysis results confirm nine hypotheses and show that the HRM, TF, and CBV have the strongest effects on managers in evaluating the factors for BIM.

Originality/value

The results of the study fill the gap in knowledge by discovering the interrelationships among the enabling factors for BIM adoption in construction enterprises. The results might support the construction enterprises and their stakeholders in increasing the application of BIM, and digital transformation in construction industry.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 24 May 2023

Jorge Bacca-Acosta, Melva Inés Gómez-Caicedo, Mercedes Gaitán-Angulo, Paula Robayo-Acuña, Janitza Ariza-Salazar, Álvaro Luis Mercado Suárez and Nelson Orlando Alarcón Villamil

This study aims to examine how the adoption of digital technologies affects the business competitiveness of countries in Latin American and European countries.

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine how the adoption of digital technologies affects the business competitiveness of countries in Latin American and European countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a structural model based on factors representing the pillars of the Global Competitiveness Index: financial system, adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT), skills, labor market, product market, macroeconomic stability, business dynamism and gross domestic product (GDP) purchasing power parity (PPP) as a percentage of the total world value. The authors considered 17 Latin American and 28 European countries. The model was analyzed by partial least squares-structural equation modeling.

Findings

ICT adoption in Latin American countries is a strong predictor of business dynamism (66% of the variance), skills (81% of the variance), product market (75% of the variance), labor market (42% of the variance) and financial system (49% of the variance). Similarly, ICT adoption in European countries is a strong predictor of business dynamism (35.6% of the variance), skills (72.2% of the variance), product market (51.6% of the variance), labor market (81.7% of the variance, but with a negative path coefficient) and financial system (38% of the variance).

Practical implications

Latin American countries should create policies to build skills to increase ICT adoption, and improve business and labor market dynamism. A theoretical implication is that the authors propose two structural models based on the GCI that best explains competitiveness in Europe and Latin America.

Originality/value

Using GCI data, the authors present empirical evidence on the predictors of competitiveness across 17 Latin American and 28 European countries with a special focus on the adoption of digital technologies.

Details

Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal , vol. 33 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 March 2022

Sanjay Bhattacharya and Ankur Mathur

The construction industry worldwide is looking for overall efficiency in the entire project life cycle. Lean construction and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are together, key…

Abstract

Purpose

The construction industry worldwide is looking for overall efficiency in the entire project life cycle. Lean construction and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are together, key constituents in this quest. This study looks to reinforce the contribution of BIM to deliver applied lean principles to enhance productivity and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts mixed methodologies of Ethnographic Action Research (EAR) and crisp set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (csQCA). The mosaic of case studies provides a descriptive and instrumental approach. While a descriptive approach investigates the interventions and phenomenon relating BIM to Lean, an instrumental approach constitutes exemplars of the interrelated phenomenon of BIM and Lean.

Findings

The themes of Elimination of Waste, Kaizen, Respecting the Human Elements, Poke-a-Yoke and Jidoka are contributed to the maximum by BIM. All the case studies discussed evidence of the contribution to Lean, as they enhance end-customer value.

Research limitations/implications

The contribution of BIM towards Lean could encourage collaborations amongst stakeholders for mutual benefits. BIM could enhance decision making, predictive simulation, risk analysis, etc. with many other exciting possibilities of delivering productivity and performance. The study is limited by the insights offered by the individual cases.

Originality/value

The study provides insights into potential developments and research. It is expected to encourage reflective professional practice triggered by innovative thinking for the gainful utilization of BIM to deliver Lean.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 72 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 May 2020

Basak Keskin, Baris Salman and Beliz Ozorhon

The purpose of this paper is to systematically analyse how building information modelling (BIM) transforms complex infrastructure settings (i.e. airports) around digital…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically analyse how building information modelling (BIM) transforms complex infrastructure settings (i.e. airports) around digital technologies by enhancing connectivity and collaboration between major stakeholders and construction technology solutions. The objectives include understanding each project party's perspective for BIM implementation to align their motivations and connectivity along project's supply chain network and how BIM drives construction technology ecosystem uses for a more integrative and collaborative project delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts qualitative data collection and analysis methods comprising semi-structured interviews, thematic analysis and an explanatory case study of a large-hub airport project.

Findings

The study findings show that enabling BIM implementation leads to streamlining construction technology ecosystem uses that increase connectivity within project parties' processes. Airports – as hosting high-value assets – can fast realize value of synergistic activities throughout project delivery by harnessing significant amount of siloed data created by each major party.

Originality/value

The study provides a structured analysis of how complex project settings leverage construction technology uses through their core BIM processes by highlighting multi-party approaches from an ecosystem perspective. This study also contributes to the body of knowledge and practice by presenting a transferrable and scalable approach for leveraging connected construction technology in a large-scale project involving fragmented processes managed by a large number of stakeholders.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 April 2020

Wai Yee Betty Chiu and Joseph H.K. Lai

Mandating the use of building information modelling (BIM) in building projects has sprawled, but the uptake of BIM in building services engineering (BSE) remains sluggish. The…

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Abstract

Purpose

Mandating the use of building information modelling (BIM) in building projects has sprawled, but the uptake of BIM in building services engineering (BSE) remains sluggish. The purpose of this paper is to explore how to achieve wider adoption of BIM in BSE.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an extensive literature review, the benefits of, barriers to and measures conducive to, using BIM for BSE were identified and classified. Built upon the review and a focus group meeting, a questionnaire was devised for an industry-wide survey in Hong Kong and the survey data were processed by statistical analyses.

Findings

On the ranking of the benefits, strong agreements existed between the BSE and non-BSE respondent groups; yet no significant agreement was found between the two groups on the rankings of the barriers or the conducive measures. The top conducive measure, according to the BSE group, is “Allow enough time in project programme for BIM model development”.

Research limitations/implications

The data collection and analysis methods of this study may be used for similar BIM studies in other places.

Practical implications

The priority of the conducive measures, which aid policy or decision makers in formulating how to get BIM effectively implemented in BSE, are useful information in the pursuit of a more productive and sustainable built environment.

Originality/value

This BIM study is specifically on BSE rather than the other disciplines (e.g. architecture, structural engineering) that have been widely studied.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 27 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 12 February 2024

Lerato Aghimien, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa and Douglas Aghimien

The current era of the fourth industrial revolution has attracted significant research on the use of digital technologies in improving construction project delivery. However, less…

Abstract

The current era of the fourth industrial revolution has attracted significant research on the use of digital technologies in improving construction project delivery. However, less emphasis has been placed on how these digital tools will influence the management of the construction workforce. To this end, using a review of existing works, this chapter explores the fourth industrial revolution and its associated technologies that can positively impact the management of the construction workforce when implemented. Also, the possible challenges that might truncate the successful deployment of digital technologies for effective workforce management were explored. The chapter submitted that implementing workforce management-specific digital platforms and other digital technologies designed for project delivery can aid effective workforce management within construction organisations. Technologies such as cloud computing, the Internet of Things, big data analytics, robotics and automation, and artificial intelligence, among others, offer significant benefits to the effective workforce management of construction organisations. However, several challenges, such as resistance to change due to fear of job loss, cost of investment in digital tools, organisational structure and culture, must be carefully considered as they might affect the successful use of digital tools and by extension, impact the success of workforce management in the organisations.

Details

Construction Workforce Management in the Fourth Industrial Revolution Era
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-019-3

Keywords

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