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Article
Publication date: 7 February 2022

Ernest Kissi, Clinton Aigbavboa and Ewald Kuoribo

The momentous contribution of innovative technologies has made a significant impact in several sectors globally. However, the construction industry is undoubtedly lagging when it…

1457

Abstract

Purpose

The momentous contribution of innovative technologies has made a significant impact in several sectors globally. However, the construction industry is undoubtedly lagging when it comes to technology usage. Thus, this study aims to explore the various emerging technologies in the construction industry while noticing stakeholders’ challenges and strategies in its use.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a pragmatism research philosophy together with a quantitative research strategy in determining emerging technologies in the construction industry while noticing stakeholder challenges and strategies. Data were obtained from a total of 80 construction stakeholders through a structured questionnaire survey. The analysis was done with descriptive statistics using mean score ranking and a one-sample t-test.

Findings

Each emerging technology challenge was analysed and compared to see how pressing the challenges were as well as the aligned strategies. A key indication of this study is that the familiarity of the various emerging technologies was based on how many occasions one had an encounter with the technology.

Practical implications

The discussion’s findings contribute to a better knowledge to construction stakeholders on the challenges and strategies for rising technology adoption and implementation competencies.

Originality/value

The study reckoned stakeholders’ challenges on the emerging technologies in the construction industry context and recommended strategies to balloon the adoption of these emerging technologies in a developing country setting.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. 23 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 September 2019

Chukwuma Nnaji, John Gambatese, Ali Karakhan and Chinweike Eseonu

Existing literature suggests that construction worker safety could be optimized using emerging technologies. However, the application of safety technologies in the construction

1377

Abstract

Purpose

Existing literature suggests that construction worker safety could be optimized using emerging technologies. However, the application of safety technologies in the construction industry is limited. One reason for the constrained adoption of safety technologies is the lack of empirical information for mitigating the risk of a failed adoption. The purpose of this paper is to fill the research gap through identifying key factors that predict successful adoption of safety technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 26 key technology adoption predictors were identified and classified using a combination of literature review and an expert panel. The level of influence for each identified safety technology adoption predictor was assessed and ranked using the Relative Importance Index. Analysis of variance was performed as well to assess the potential difference in perceived level of importance for the predictors when the study participants were clustered according to work experience and company size.

Findings

Statistical analysis indicates that 12 out of the 26 predictors identified are highly influential regarding technology adoption decision-making in construction. Technology reliability, effectiveness and durability were ranked as the most influential predictors. The participants who work for small companies and who had less than ten years of experience rated individual- and technology-related predictors significantly lower than the experienced participants working for medium and large companies.

Practical implications

The present study provides construction researchers and practitioners with valuable information regarding safety technology predictors and their magnitude, both of which are essential elements of a successful safety technology adoption process. Improved technology adoption can enhance workplace safety and minimize worker injuries, providing substantial benefits to the construction industry.

Originality/value

This study contributes to technology adoption knowledge by identifying and quantifying the influential predictors of safety technologies in relation to different organizational contexts. The study informs the need to develop an integrated conceptual model for safety technology adoption.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 26 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 September 2021

Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap, Karen Pei Han Lee and Chen Wang

High rate of accidents continue to plague the construction industry. The advancements in safety technologies can ameliorate construction health and safety (H&S). This paper aims…

1517

Abstract

Purpose

High rate of accidents continue to plague the construction industry. The advancements in safety technologies can ameliorate construction health and safety (H&S). This paper aims to explore the use of emerging technologies as an effective solution for improving safety in construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a detailed literature review, a questionnaire survey was developed encompassing ten technologies for safety management and ten safety enablers using technologies in construction. A total of 133 responses were gathered from Malaysian construction practitioners. The collected quantitative data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analyses to determine the meaningful relationships between the variables.

Findings

Findings revealed that the most effective emerging technologies for safety management are: building information modelling (BIM), wearable safety technologies and robotics and automation (R&A). The leading safety enablers are related to improve hazard identification, reinforce safety planning, enhance safety inspection, enhance safety monitoring and supervision and raise safety awareness.

Practical implications

Safety is immensely essential in transforming the construction industry into a robustly developed industry with high safety and quality standards. The adoption of safety technologies in construction projects can drive the industry towards the path of Construction 4.0.

Originality/value

The construction industry has historically been slow to adopt new technology. This study contributes to advancing the body of knowledge in the area of incorporating emerging technologies to further construction safety science and management in the context of the developing world. By taking cognisance of the pertinent emerging technologies for safety management and the safety enablers involved, construction safety can be enhanced using integrated technological solutions.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 21 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 March 2016

Samad M. E. Sepasgozar, Martin Loosemore and Steven R. Davis

The purpose of this paper is to present a critical review of research in information and equipment technology adoption in the construction industry. The study also aims to…

2804

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a critical review of research in information and equipment technology adoption in the construction industry. The study also aims to formulate a conceptual framework of the different stages in the adoption process identify gaps in the existing literature and to provide a holistic picture of contemporary research in technology adoption in construction research literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A generic framework is initially proposed containing the fundamental concepts of “pre-adoption”, “adoption” and “post-adoption”. The review separates the literature according to three key perspectives: “socio-economic”; “managerial”; and “psychological”. The applicability of the existing approaches to the construction context is discussed, and then a new conceptual framework for construction is developed.

Findings

Significant gaps in the understanding of construction technology adoption are identified that provide an interesting agenda for future research. A Construction Technology Adoption Framework is presented, which draws together all of sub-processes involved in technology adoption. This framework covers key activities of both the vendor and the customer.

Research limitations/implications

The study has been restricted to information technologies and construction equipment technology. Other construction technologies, such as formwork systems, have not been examined.

Practical implications

The new framework provides a direction for research into the technology adoption process including key sub-processes and potential research areas. The framework also assists vendors to influence customers’ decision-making processes, and guides new customers in setting up their own decision procedures.

Originality/value

This paper departs from earlier research by focusing on information and equipment technology adoption rather than innovation adoption in general. In addition, this paper considers both sides of the adoption equation (vendor and customer), which is in contrast to previous binary studies which considered one side or the other. It delineates the boundaries of different concepts such as diffusion, adoption, acceptance and implementation, which have been interchangeably used in previous studies. This paper introduces the concept of dissemination to construction, which has previously been investigated in other industries.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 23 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1994

GEORGE OFORI

Construction industries in developing countries face many problems. One of these is the low level of their technological development. This paper considers how a national technology

Abstract

Construction industries in developing countries face many problems. One of these is the low level of their technological development. This paper considers how a national technology policy can help improve the situation. After a brief discussion of technology and its development, construction technology development is considered. The nature of, and potential benefits from, technology policies are discussed. Ghana's experience and that of other countries in construction technology development are outlined. Courses of action for achieving progress are then indicated.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2021

Xichen Chen, Alice Yan Chang-Richards, Antony Pelosi, Yaodong Jia, Xuesong Shen, Mohsin K. Siddiqui and Nan Yang

With interest in modern construction methods and new technologies on the rise, construction companies globally are increasingly looking at how to embrace new ideas and engage with…

8582

Abstract

Purpose

With interest in modern construction methods and new technologies on the rise, construction companies globally are increasingly looking at how to embrace new ideas and engage with new approaches to do things better. A significant amount of work has been carried out investigating the use of individual technologies in the construction sector. However, there is no holistic understanding of the new and emerging technologies that have had proven benefits for construction projects. To fill this gap, this paper aims to provide a landscape of technologies that have been implemented in the construction industry and the benefits associated with their implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review approach and PRISMA guidelines were used. A total of 175 articles published between 2001 and 2020 were identified and thoroughly reviewed.

Findings

The results show that a total of 26 technologies were identified from the literature, and these can be categorised into five groups in terms of their functionality in construction process, namely: (1) data acquisition, (2) analytics, (3) visualisation, (4) communication and (5) design and construction automation. Digital technologies, especially for data acquisition and visualisation, generally appear to underpin and enable innovation in many aspects of construction. Improvements in work efficiency, health and safety, productivity, quality and sustainability have been cited as being the primary benefits of using these technologies. Of these, building information modelling (BIM) appears to be the single most commonly used technology thus far. With the development of computer technology, BIM has constantly been used in combination with other technologies/tools such as unmanned aerial vehicles/systems (unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)/UAS), geographic information systems (GIS), light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and multidimensional modelling to realise a specifically defined benefit.

Practical implications

The findings from this review would help construction practitioners identify the types of technologies that can be implemented in different stages of construction projects to achieve desired outcomes, and thus, make appropriate decisions on technology investment and adoption. This review also suggests that to reap the full potential that these technologies offer, aside from construction companies changing their culture and business models, corresponding changes in the construction sector’s operating systems related to building regulation, education and training, as well as contracting and procurement are required.

Originality/value

This paper undertakes a comprehensive systematic review of studies on technology implementation in the construction sector published between 2001 and 2020. It is the first attempt internationally to provide a holistic picture of technologies that have been studied and implemented in construction projects.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 29 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 March 2021

Ali Raza Khoso, Aminah Md Yusof, Changsaar Chai and Muhammad Aslam Laghari

The emergence of massive modern technology construction projects is seen to be a real occurrence in Pakistan’s construction industry, which in turn demands a better and systematic…

Abstract

Purpose

The emergence of massive modern technology construction projects is seen to be a real occurrence in Pakistan’s construction industry, which in turn demands a better and systematic way of undertaking the project. Hence, this requires capable contractors to perform the task. A plethora of research studies are carried in the past three decades on the identification of evaluation criteria of contractor’s selection, but the road of modern technology construction projects is still unpaved.

Design/methodology/approach

This study strives for the most essential but exhaustive criteria, especially for modern technology construction projects in Pakistan. A pilot survey followed by an exhaustive questionnaire survey was carried out alongside with one-on-one interactions with professional experts serving in various public organizations under public procurement department. A total of 87 attributes were analyzed, correlated, rotated and weighted using exploratory factor analysis for identification of evaluation criteria.

Findings

The study finds that for modern technology construction projects basic format of contractor’s selection attributes is not extensive. Henceforth, the most robust, comprehensive and precise assessment is required for such modern technology construction projects. Consequently, four inimitable sets of evaluation criteria groups are designed keeping in view the growing demands of public projects around the globe.

Research limitations/implications

The research work added a novel contribution in this research area which is in quest of resolutions from the past three decades. This research opens the novel avenues in the future in terms of designing the evaluation criteria while keeping the project demands and scope in mind.

Social implications

The research is a blueprint for the construction organizations and other authorities especially to those agencies involved in the modern construction technology projects. This eye-opening work will further stimulate the clients to focus on not only the designing phase but also the execution part of such advanced construction projects which turn in the successful project outcome.

Originality/value

The larger number of past studies addressed so for from the last couple of decades is very useful to a certain extend for instance for small to medium-sized traditional construction projects. This research delineates the future to call upon the most alarming future issues and consequences of selecting the traditional contractors for their advanced projects. Being premier research in this realm, the study filled the gap of evaluating the contractors inimitably compared to what was practiced in the past.

Details

Journal of Public Procurement, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1535-0118

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 April 2024

Hazwani Shafei, Rahimi A. Rahman, Yong Siang Lee and Che Khairil Izam Che Ibrahim

Amid rapid technological progress, the construction industry is embracing Construction 4.0, redefining work practices through emerging technologies. However, the implications of…

Abstract

Purpose

Amid rapid technological progress, the construction industry is embracing Construction 4.0, redefining work practices through emerging technologies. However, the implications of Construction 4.0 technologies to enhancing well-being are still poorly understood. Particularly, the challenge lies in selecting technologies that critically contribute to well-being enhancement. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the implications of Construction 4.0 technologies to enhancing well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

A list of Construction 4.0 technologies was identified from a national strategic plan on Construction 4.0, using Malaysia as a case study. Fourteen construction industry experts were selected to evaluate the implications of Construction 4.0 technologies on well-being using fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The expert judgment was measured using linguistic variables that were transformed into fuzzy values. Then, the collected data was analyzed using the following analyses: fuzzy TOPSIS, Pareto, normalization, sensitivity, ranking performance and correlation.

Findings

Six Construction 4.0 technologies are critical to enhancing well-being: cloud & real-time collaboration, big data & predictive analytics, Internet of Things, building information modeling, autonomous construction and augmented reality & virtualization. In addition, artificial intelligence and advanced building materials are recommended to be implemented simultaneously as a very strong correlation exists between them.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies in a comprehensive understanding of the implications of Construction 4.0 technologies to enhancing well-being. The findings can assist researchers, industry practitioners and policymakers in making well-informed decisions to select Construction 4.0 technologies when targeting the enhancement of the overall well-being of the local construction industry.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 February 2024

Laura Gutierrez-Bucheli, Jian Tsen Goh, Ali Rashidi, Duncan Maxwell, Ross Digby, Yihai Fang, Henry Pook and Mehrdad Arashpour

In the realm of construction education, the investigation of immersive learning and extended reality (XR) technologies has experienced a surge in recent times. Nevertheless, there…

Abstract

Purpose

In the realm of construction education, the investigation of immersive learning and extended reality (XR) technologies has experienced a surge in recent times. Nevertheless, there remains a notable lack of comprehension surrounding the most efficient ways to integrate these technologies into tailored teaching approaches for vocational construction training. This research study aims to pinpoint the key factors that construction vocational education and training (VET) providers must consider when introducing XR technologies into their training schemes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted an in-depth literature review to develop an initial framework to summarise training, technology and institutional factors influencing the educational-technology integration of XR technologies in VET. In addition, this study utilised a Delphi technique, including semi-structured group discussions and two rounds of online follow-up questionnaires, to capture VET experts’ judgements on the importance of decision-making criteria.

Findings

This study has identified the critical factors to be considered in the VET sector when adopting XR technologies. Findings revealed institutional factors were the most important criteria for participants, followed by training and technology factors.

Research limitations/implications

The current decision-making process focuses on selecting XR technologies rather than evaluating their performance after implementation. Therefore, more research is needed to monitor the implementation of this technology in curricula from a senior management perspective. This will help to understand the cost and value factors related to the value proposition of XR technologies in courses.

Practical implications

To ensure the success and long-term viability of the technology-curriculum interface, it is important to consider factors such as the availability of technical and educational support, data security and cost-effectiveness. It is also crucial to focus on ease of use and content development that emphasises instruction to create engaging content for learners.

Originality/value

The potential impact of this study is underpinned by two facts: (1) it constitutes the first effort made in the field to comprehensively elicit VET expert judgements in relation to XR technologies, and (2) it offers decision-making criteria that are at play in seeking to take advantage of high-cost technologies that are rapidly evolving. While there is no simple checklist for XR implementation, this study takes a step further to identify significant factors influencing XR integration in vocational construction training.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 January 2024

Zaid Alwashah, Ghaleb J. Sweis, Husam Abu Hajar, Waleed Abu-Khader and Rateb J. Sweis

This study aims to examine the challenges facing the construction industry practitioners toward adopting digital construction technologies in the Jordanian construction industry.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the challenges facing the construction industry practitioners toward adopting digital construction technologies in the Jordanian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative methods were used by reviewing the related literature to include 16 challenges that face the Jordanian construction industry in adopting digital construction. A questionnaire was used to achieve the desired study objectives for 373 respondents from various institutions and companies. The questionnaire was analyzed with SPSS using statistical tests such as mean score, Kruskal–Wallis H test and factor analysis.

Findings

After collecting the quantitative data, the study showed that the most challenges facing construction industry practitioners toward adopting digital construction techniques are lack of qualified workers, high requirement for computing equipment’s, high initial cost of bringing these technologies to the market and construction firms low investment in research and development. These challenges faced by respondents were divided into three main factors, namely, construction’s nature, financial constraints and poor management support.

Originality/value

This study provides information and statistics on the challenges that face individuals or companies toward adopting digital construction techniques in Jordan. It proposes recommendations and proper practical implantation strategies to overcome the challenges.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

11 – 20 of over 85000