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Article
Publication date: 10 March 2020

Appraisal of stakeholders' willingness to adopt construction 4.0 technologies for construction projects

Temidayo Oluwasola Osunsanmi, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke and Muredini Liphadzi

Construction 4.0 technology has the capabilities for improving the design, management, operations and decision making of construction projects. Therefore, this study aimed…

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Abstract

Purpose

Construction 4.0 technology has the capabilities for improving the design, management, operations and decision making of construction projects. Therefore, this study aimed at examining the willingness of construction professionals towards adopting construction 4.0 technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a survey design, and construction professionals in South Africa are assessed using a convenience sampling technique through a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was analysed with SPSS while statistical test like; mean score, t-test and principal component analysis was used to present the data.

Findings

The findings, from the analysis, revealed that the construction professionals are willing to adopt construction 4.0 technologies for construction project. However, the possibility of fully integrating the technologies into the construction industry is low. This is because the major technologies such as; Internet of things, robotics, human-computer interaction and cyber-physical systems that encourage smart construction site are rated as not important by the construction professionals.

Practical implications

It is believed that the findings emanating from this study will serve as an indicator for investors that are interested in procuring construction 4.0 technologies for the construction industry.

Originality/value

This paper presents a framework for the application of construction 4.0 technologies for the construction industry. It also contributes to the development of digitalising construction industry in South Africa.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 10 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-12-2018-0159
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

  • Construction 4.0
  • Digitalisation
  • Industry 4.0
  • Smart construction site
  • Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

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Article
Publication date: 17 December 2019

Future-ready project and facility management graduates in Singapore for industry 4.0: Transforming mindsets and competencies

Sui Pheng Low, Shang Gao and Eileen Wan Leng Ng

The disparity between employers’ expectations and the ability of graduates to meet them is an issue for employment. Industry 4.0, represented by technologies like big data…

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Abstract

Purpose

The disparity between employers’ expectations and the ability of graduates to meet them is an issue for employment. Industry 4.0, represented by technologies like big data and automation, permeate the construction industry, exacerbating the rift of changing expectations that future graduates must bridge. As sophisticated forms of technology emerge, the ways individuals work are also expected to change. Soft skills are needed to support, materialise, and enhance the workforce’s existing technical skills. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of Industry 4.0 on employability in the local construction industry from the viewpoint of employers and future graduates.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, quantitative followed by qualitative. The questionnaire survey crosschecked the needs and expectations of employers in the local construction industry, regarding these nine soft skills and the extent to which students currently possess them, to determine whether students from the construction industry are Industry 4.0-ready. Qualitative interviews were also conducted with employers in the construction industry and PFM students to further understand the disparity between the survey results of the two parties.

Findings

Gap analyses and t-test results found six significant divides in nine soft skills – resilience, curiosity, adaptability, entrepreneurial thinking, pursuing convictions and vision – showing a significant difference between the mean expectations of employers and the soft skills capabilities of graduate students. Future graduate students thus lack the soft skills needed by Industry 4.0. The reasons for this significant difference and the barriers to improving soft skills are explored through interviews with employers and future graduates. Three parties – government, educational institutions and industry – were identified as crucial partners in change.

Originality/value

Little has been researched about the future strategies and mindsets required by the workforce to prepare for the changes brought by Industry 4.0. Likewise, the government’s and companies’ one-sided focus on promoting skill-upgrading leaves many to wonder about the soft skills needed to stay competitive. Hence, it is timely to examine the readiness of Singapore’s future graduates in the construction industry in adapting to Industry 4.0’s requirements in terms of soft skills.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-08-2018-0322
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

  • Employability
  • SERVQUAL model
  • Construction industry
  • Soft skills
  • Industry 4.0
  • USEM model of employability key

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Article
Publication date: 8 October 2019

Development of Project Risk Management framework based on Industry 4.0 technologies

Santosh B. Rane, Prathamesh Ramkrishana Potdar and Suraj Rane

The purpose of this paper is to identify the risks involved in the construction project based on a literature survey (LS), to develop a project risk management (PRM…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the risks involved in the construction project based on a literature survey (LS), to develop a project risk management (PRM) framework based on Industry 4.0 technologies and to demonstrate the developed framework using Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive LS was carried out to know the different risks involved in the construction project and developed a PRM framework based on Industry 4.0 technologies to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of PRM. Heavy equipment and parameters were identified to demonstrate the developed framework based on IoT technology of Industry 4.0.

Findings

This paper demonstrates Industry 4.0 in the various stages of PRM. LS has identified 21 risks for a construction project. The demonstration of the PRM framework has identified the sudden breakdown of equipment and uncertainty of equipment as one of the critical risks associated with heavy equipment of construction project.

Research limitations/implications

The project complexity and features may add a few more risks in PRM.

Practical implications

The PRM framework based on Industry 4.0 technologies will increase the success rate of the project. It will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of PRM.

Originality/value

The developed framework is helpful for the effective PRM of construction projects. The demonstration of PRM framework using IoT technology provides a logical way to manage risk involved in heavy equipment used in a construction project.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-03-2019-0123
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

  • Internet of Things
  • Construction projects
  • Industry 4.0
  • Project risk management

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Article
Publication date: 22 December 2020

Developing a construction business model transformation canvas

Priyadarshini Das, Srinath Perera, Sepani Senaratne and Robert Osei-Kyei

Industry 4.0 is driving an incremental shift in paradigms for the construction industry. Current research in the built environment is limited to exploring the exponential…

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Abstract

Purpose

Industry 4.0 is driving an incremental shift in paradigms for the construction industry. Current research in the built environment is limited to exploring the exponential technological prowess of Industry 4.0 with very little work on its implications to the construction business model, strategy and competitive advantage. There arises a challenge for researchers to understand how appropriate technologies can be assembled to assist in achieving the goals of construction businesses. The overarching aim of this research is to develop a construction Business Model Transformation Canvas (BMTC) to map the transformation of construction enterprises in Industry 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was carried out by conducting an expert forum with academics from nine universities across Australia and New Zealand. The study employed purposive sampling, and the academics were selected in a strategic manner in order to provide data that are relevant to the research.

Findings

The research identifies that technology-based partnerships supporting strategy and capability building, platforms enabling enterprises to conceive, design, manufacture and assemble buildings and competition with stakeholders having superior capabilities not in building but in other areas of business are fundamental to Industry 4.0 transformation.

Originality/value

The results present state-of-the-art development of business model research in construction that intends to support the strategic planning of construction enterprises in Industry 4.0. This research is the first and only research that uses a business model canvas (BMC) for strategy-reformulation in incumbent construction enterprises to maintain a competitive advantage in Industry 4.0. Merits of the construction BMTC lie in its holistic approach, visual representation and simplicity.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-09-2020-0712
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

  • Industry 4.0
  • Business model canvas
  • Construction business model transformation
  • Smart construction
  • Modern construction
  • Offsite construction
  • Expert forum

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Article
Publication date: 30 November 2020

Assessment of the cybersecurity vulnerability of construction networks

Bharadwaj R.K. Mantha and Borja García de Soto

The aim of this study is o examine the advantages and disadvantages of different existing scoring systems in the cybersecurity domain and their applicability to the AEC…

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is o examine the advantages and disadvantages of different existing scoring systems in the cybersecurity domain and their applicability to the AEC industry and to systematically apply a scoring system to determine scores for some of the most significant construction participants.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a methodology that uses the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) to calculate scores and the likelihood of occurrence based on communication frequencies to ultimately determine risk categories for different paths in a construction network. As a proof of concept, the proposed methodology is implemented in a construction network from a real project found in the literature.

Findings

Results show that the proposed methodology could provide valuable information to assist project participants to assess the overall cybersecurity vulnerability of construction and assist during the vulnerability-management processes. For example, a project owner can use this information to get a better understanding of what to do to limit its vulnerability, which will lead to the overall improvement of the security of the construction network.

Research limitations/implications

It has to be noted that the scoring systems, the scores and categories adopted in the study need not necessarily be an exact representation of all the construction participants or networks. Therefore, caution should be exercised to avoid generalizing the results of this study.

Practical implications

The proposed methodology can provide valuable information and assist project participants to assess the overall cyber-vulnerability of construction projects and support the vulnerability-management processes. For example, a project owner can use this approach to get a better understanding of what to do to limit its cyber-vulnerability exposure, which will ultimately lead to the overall improvement of the construction network's security. This study will also help raise more awareness about the cybersecurity implications of the digitalization and automation of the AEC industry among practitioners and construction researchers.

Social implications

Given the amount of digitized services and tools used in the AEC industry, cybersecurity is increasingly becoming critical for society in general. In some cases, (e.g. critical infrastructure) incidents could have significant economic and societal or public safety implications. Therefore, proper consideration and action from the AEC research community and industry are needed.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first attempt to measure and assess the cybersecurity of individual participants and the construction network as a whole by using the Common Vulnerability Scoring System.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-06-2020-0400
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

  • Construction network
  • CVSS
  • Cybersecurity
  • Risk management
  • Security score
  • Vulnerability assessment
  • Vulnerability metrics

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Article
Publication date: 26 May 2020

Industry 4.0 deployment in the construction industry: a bibliometric literature review and UK-based case study

Chris Newman, David Edwards, Igor Martek, Joseph Lai, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala and Iain Rillie

Industry 4.0 is predicted to be a game-changer, revolutionizing commercial and manufacturing practices through improved knowledge utilization and efficiencies. The…

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Abstract

Purpose

Industry 4.0 is predicted to be a game-changer, revolutionizing commercial and manufacturing practices through improved knowledge utilization and efficiencies. The barriers however, are significant, and the construction industry remains notoriously slow to take up innovations. This study reviews the research work in Industry 4.0 as it relates to construction, and examines a leading UK-based construction firm to ascertain the prognosis for Industry 4.0 roll-out in terms of the impediments and opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

A multistage mixed philosophies and methods approach was adopted for this study. First, an interpretivist epistemological lens was used to synthesise extant literature as a means of contextualizing the present study. Second, an empirical case study using a post-positivist stance and inductive reasoning was conducted to explore practitioner acceptance of Industry 4.0 in the UK construction context.

Findings

Findings from the literature review indicate studies in Industry 4.0 to be a relatively new phenomenon, with developed countries and Germany in particular leading in the field. The range of opportunities are many, but so too are the barriers to enablement. Findings from the case study provide real-world corroboration of the review; practitioners are sanguine about Industry 4.0's potential to reinvigorate the construction industry, but also note that implementation remains curtailed by residual managerial practices dependent on ‘human interaction’. At present, much of the focus of industry practitioners is on the implementation of building information modelling (BIM), often at the expense of other more advanced technologies within Industry 4.0.

Originality/value

Research in Industry 4.0 is limited, with the emphasis being on technology application. This paper, by contrast, maps the totality of work carried out so far and presents an assessment of Industry 4.0's progression, potential and degree of uptake within the UK construction industry.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-02-2020-0016
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

  • Construction industry
  • Industry 4.0
  • Case study
  • Bibliometric analysis
  • Content analysis
  • Advanced technologies

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Article
Publication date: 7 September 2020

Attributable indicators for measuring the level of greenness of cities in developing countries: lessons from Ghana

De-Graft Owusu-Manu, Caleb Debrah, Eric Oduro-Ofori, David John Edwards and Prince Antwi-Afari

The advances in green city growth are widely discussed in extant literature. The benefits of green cities to urban development in recent discussions of sustainability and…

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Abstract

Purpose

The advances in green city growth are widely discussed in extant literature. The benefits of green cities to urban development in recent discussions of sustainability and sustainable development are well documented and cannot be overemphasised. Although a growing study on green building development in developing countries has been advanced in literature, there is a paucity of studies that explore green cities in developing countries. Moreover, evidence of studies that have focussed on green cities development in Ghana is lacking. Because of this identified knowledge gap, the purpose of this study is to establish the indicators/attributes for measuring the level of greenness of cities in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the indicators/attributes for measuring the level of greenness of cities in developing countries. This study has adopted the pragmatism as its undergirding research philosophy and the deductive research approach. In terms of methodological choice, quantitative research strategy was used to collect data from experts in sustainable urban development. The primary data retrieved from this study was analysed using descriptive statistics, relative importance index and one-sample t-test. The reliability and validity of this study were measured with the Cronbach’s alpha test.

Findings

This study established eight indicators for measuring green city development: air quality, water, sanitation, land use, health and safety, transportation, energy and building and construction. It was discovered that the development of green cities should enhance air quality, improve water production and supply, improve management in sanitation, promote mixed and integrative land use, maintain the health and safety of city dwellers, reduce the demand for transportation and formalise public transport, adopt renewable and efficient energy technologies and promote sustainable construction and green buildings. These indicators are key to policymaking and implementation of green cities development.

Research limitations/implications

This study focusses primarily on Ghana; however, the findings of this study do not limit the generalisability, as it can be used as an example for other developing countries.

Practical implications

Theoretically, this study adopted quantitative indicators that are reproducible in another geographical context. This study contributively adds to the discourse on sustainability, especially in Ghana, and can be a source of reference to motivate others to conduct further research in related areas. The outcomes of this study will help the local government, policymakers, city stakeholders and industry expertise to gain insights of the overall indicators that underpin green city development.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to posit in literature the foremost appraisal of green city indicators adaptive in Ghana, which could motivate other developing countries to develop their own green cities.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-06-2020-0257
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

  • Sustainable development
  • Ghana
  • Attributes
  • Indicators
  • Sustainable cities
  • Green cities

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Article
Publication date: 29 July 2019

The application of an ANP-Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model to assess lean construction management performance

X.K. Li, X.M. Wang and L. Lei

The purpose of this paper is to propose a method for assessing the lean construction management performance (LCMP) of engineering projects using the analytic network…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a method for assessing the lean construction management performance (LCMP) of engineering projects using the analytic network process-fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (ANP-FCE) model.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review and questionnaire surveys were used to achieve an evaluation index system for LCMP. The data needed to calculate the weights of the indices were derived from questionnaire surveys. The ANP and the Super Decisions (SD) software were used to calculate the weights of the indices and verify the validity of the weights. The FCE was adopted to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of LCMP, and the validity of the evaluation results was verified by applying the validity degree of maximum membership principle. The applicability of the method for evaluating LCMP was validated by empirical research.

Findings

The proposed method for assessing the LCMP using the ANP-FCE model is validated to be feasible. Decision makers can easily identify the strengths and weaknesses of lean construction (LC) management of the evaluated project from the evaluation results.

Research limitations/implications

Some subjectivity may exist in the assessment process due to questionnaire surveys, and only one case has been studied to validate the applicability of the method. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to increase the number of LC experts and cases over the world to make the proposed method more standard.

Practical implications

The research is expected to propose an assessment method of LCMP for construction enterprises, provide a reference to develop assessment standards for LCMP for building associations or governments and help decision makers know the improving path of LC management.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature by summarizing the commonly used lean management tools for quality, cost, time, safety and organization in practice, and proposing a novel approach for assessing the LCMP of engineering projects. The study is useful for researchers, project managers and decision makers engaged in LC.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-01-2019-0020
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

  • Engineering project
  • Lean construction management performance
  • ANP-Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation

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Article
Publication date: 4 September 2020

Analysis of the South African construction industry business environment

Luqman Oyekunle Oyewobi, Abimbola Windapo, James Olabode Bamidele Rotimi and Richard Jimoh

The study aims to identify and examine the construction organisational environments and its dimensions that have an impact on the performance of contracting companies in…

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Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to identify and examine the construction organisational environments and its dimensions that have an impact on the performance of contracting companies in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The study reports the result of quantitative research that obtained data from 72 construction organisations registered with the South African construction industry development board via a questionnaire survey. Descriptive statistics, non-parametric and exploratory principal component analysis were used to summarise forms of correlations among observed variables and to reduce a large number of observed variables to a smaller number of factors that provide an operational definition for the underlying dimension.

Findings

This study identified six exogenous and three endogenous environmental factors that have a varying degree of impact on construction organisation performance. Four dimensions of the environment were also examined, and environmental complexity has the highest variance explained which implies that the complexity of the construction business environment significantly influences the performance of construction firms.

Research limitations/implications

This paper studies the environment of the South African construction industry using cross-sectional data in exploratory research. A confirmatory study should be conducted using a longitudinal panel design with a larger sample in similar future research.

Practical implications

The study offers practical implications to construction organisation owners operating in the South African construction industry to understand the need to acquire market and environmental data and process them in a way that will reduce its uncertainty when making strategic decisions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the current discourse on organisations’ business environments to better understand their influences on organisational performance.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management , vol. 18 no. 4
Type: Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JFM-05-2020-0033
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

  • South Africa
  • Business environment
  • Construction industry
  • Construction organisation

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Book part
Publication date: 21 May 2005

Estimation and Empirical Results

M. McAleer, Daniel Slottje and Pei Syn Wee

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Abstract

Details

Patent Activity and Technical Change in US Industries
Type: Book
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/S0573-8555(2005)0000272009
ISBN: 978-0-44451-858-3

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