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Article
Publication date: 18 April 2023

Avirag Bajpai, Subhas Chandra Misra and Dong-Young Kim

The purpose of this research article is to investigate the critical risk factors associated with the digitalization impact on the Indian construction industry, as these firm plans…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research article is to investigate the critical risk factors associated with the digitalization impact on the Indian construction industry, as these firm plans to implement digitalization in order to improve their construction management processes.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research article, risk factors and dimensions are taken from diverse industries and validated in the construction domain by industry and academic experts. Further, multi-criteria decision-making techniques are employed to assess the Indian construction sector scenario quantitatively. The interrelationship and weightage of risk factors and dimensions are determined by the Fuzzy Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory Analytic Network Process (DANP) method. However, the method Grey Technique for the Order of Prioritization by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is used to determine the ranking of each risk factor.

Findings

This study finds 14 critical risk factors along with four risk dimensions. Operational and financial dimensions are significant risk dimensions. Whereas the threat of high outlay and low yield is a significant risk factor in construction. Besides that, the interrelationship among risk factors, the weightage of each factor and the ranking of critical risk factors are also identified.

Research limitations/implications

This research article uses Fuzzy DANP and Grey TOPSIS techniques as exploratory research methods with a limited group of construction professionals from a leading Indian construction firm. Furthermore, comprehensive confirmatory research can also be performed with a large group of construction experts using advanced analytical techniques to validate the ranking of critical risk factors.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide insight into the knowledge of construction firms by emphasizing significant risk factors related to digitalization in construction operations. Another finding of this study shows that the risks associated with digitalization in construction are similar to those in manufacturing, where high outlay and low yield hold a significant role in the transformation process.

Originality/value

The research is unique since there have only been limited studies in the Indian construction scenario to analyze the significant risks associated with digitalization. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that the combination of Fuzzy DANP and Grey TOPSIS techniques may be used successfully to prioritize risks in construction digitalization, which is still in its early phases.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 29 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 December 2022

Avirag Bajpai and Subhas C. Misra

This study aims to identify and rank the key success factors linked with digitalization in the Indian construction sector. Because the construction firms in India are in the early…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to identify and rank the key success factors linked with digitalization in the Indian construction sector. Because the construction firms in India are in the early stages of implementing digitalization in their operations, it provides a framework from which they may focus on the effectiveness of digitalization.

Design/methodology/approach

This research study examines 12 success factors related to digitalization in construction, which are derived from various sectors. Furthermore, experts from the construction industry and academia have validated these factors with respect to the Indian construction sector. The multi-criteria decision-making techniques are further used to examine the interrelationship, ranking and weightage of digitalization success. Finally, the success factors are validated through a questionnaire-based empirical study followed by ranking using a t-test. The results from both approaches (company-specific and generalized) are compared and discussed.

Findings

This research identifies that selecting appropriate digital methods and techniques is a critical success factor as far as digitalization in the Indian construction scenario is concerned. Besides that, continuous monitoring and control in digital implementation significantly impact other factors.

Research limitations/implications

While similar results are obtained from approaches adopted in the study, a few success factors appear to differ in terms of their ranking position. Further studies can explore the finer details that can explain the behavior pattern. This study can also be extended by assessing the structural relationship among the identified factors that can throw more light on the dynamics of the continuation of digitalization in construction which can further help in formulating policies or digitalization rollout.

Practical implications

The outcome of this study sheds light on construction business knowledge by stressing key success elements connected to digitalization in construction processes in the Indian construction sector. Moreover, this study shows that the success of digitalization in construction is similar to that of transformation in the information technology industry, where adopting suitable digital methods and techniques plays a vital role in the transformation process.

Originality/value

Despite the multiple benefits of construction digitalization, limited research focuses on digitalization success factors, making this study unique. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that integrating Fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory and maximum mean de-entropy approaches may be used to successfully prioritize success factors in the nascent stage of construction digitalization.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 October 2021

Avirag Bajpai and Subhas C. Misra

This research paper aims to analyze the critical barriers to implementing digitalization in the Indian construction industry as Indian construction companies are lagging in the…

1629

Abstract

Purpose

This research paper aims to analyze the critical barriers to implementing digitalization in the Indian construction industry as Indian construction companies are lagging in the implementation of digital technologies in the work environment.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research paper, a qualitative research approach is adopted, and multiple detailed interviews are conducted with industry and academic experts. Further, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques are used to finalize the prioritization among various alternatives. The fuzzy-decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (Fuzzy-DEMATEL) and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) techniques are employed to find the exact relationship among the identified alternatives.

Findings

This study identifies 14 critical barriers from an extensive literature review and multiple interviews with industry professionals, and further driving and critical barriers are identified.

Research limitations/implications

In this research paper, an exploratory study with a limited number of respondents from a large Indian construction company is carried out. Further, a detailed longitudinal analysis can be done to assess the subjectivity of the participants with more advanced statistical tools. However, this research discusses several points pertaining to the implementation of digitalization in the construction industry. The research further identifies the critical barriers to digitalization in the Indian construction industry.

Practical implications

The finding of the study has two-pronged implications. First, it provides a road-map to the construction industry by highlighting the engagement of top management as the key focus area for successful digitalization. Second, the finding also shows similarity of the digitalization process to the adoption of process improvement techniques like lean and total quality management (TQM), wherein the top management plays a crucial role in ushering in the implementation of a disruptive change.

Originality/value

The research is unique in two ways. First, this is one of the very few attempts to understand digitalization in the Indian context. Second, the research also demonstrates that the combination of fuzzy DEMATEL and ISM techniques can be successfully employed in the emerging field of construction digitalization research.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 39 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2022

Avirag Bajpai and Subhas C. Misra

Indian construction firms are falling behind in the use of digital technology in the workplace, and this study aims to give a framework and assess the role of enablers in the…

Abstract

Purpose

Indian construction firms are falling behind in the use of digital technology in the workplace, and this study aims to give a framework and assess the role of enablers in the implementation and continuing digitalization of the Indian construction sector.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory qualitative research technique is used in this article, and multiple detailed interviews and surveys are done with professionals from the industry and academia. To conclude the significance and relevance of the different constructs and indicators, the partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach is used.

Findings

Barriers are essential enablers for effective implementation, while success factors are important drivers for the successful continuance of digitalization in the construction sector. However, stakeholders' perceived benefit has a substantial role in both implementation and continuance.

Research limitations/implications

In this research paper, the scope of this investigation for a generalized exploratory study is restricted to construction firms within India. Further, a rigorous longitudinal study may also be performed to examine the subjectivity of the responses in order to ensure digital continuation. This study identifies limited manifest indicators. Additional indications, however, may be included based on the other company's resources, structure and geographic location.

Practical implications

The study's findings have two implications. In the beginning, it gives a direction to the construction sector by highlighting the framework in which implementation and continuance both should have to be executed, and this is the critical area for the successful continuance of digitalization in construction. Second, the research shows that the digitalization process is similar to the adoption of innovation, in which the deployment and persistent use of the new technology are important for facilitating the transformation.

Originality/value

In two respects, the study is distinctive. To begin, this is one of the limited efforts to comprehend digitalization from the Indian perspective. Second, the study reveals that the PLS-SEM approach can be effectively used in the developing subject of the construction digitalization concept.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 May 2023

Andrew Ebekozien and Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa

The dynamic nature of the built environment and trending smart construction project complexities demand proactive needs tailored towards architecture, engineering and construction

Abstract

Purpose

The dynamic nature of the built environment and trending smart construction project complexities demand proactive needs tailored towards architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) education. It is a task for the built environment professionals (BEP) to prepare for the future, including the quantity surveying (QS) profession. Studies are scarce in preparing QS education from Nigeria’s stakeholders’ perspective regarding digital technology. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate how to improve QS education by continually updating curriculum digitalisation to meet the construction industry requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were sourced from elite virtual interviews across Nigeria. A total of 40 key stakeholders knowledgeable in QS education, advocating a future template for the advancement of QS education in higher institutions, were engaged, and saturation was achieved.

Findings

Findings show that improving QS education through continually updating curriculum digitalisation to meet industry requirements cannot be over-emphasised in the 21st-century-built environment industry. The outcomes of the results led to the conclusion that the current QS education curriculum was not meeting the expectations of other BEP stakeholders. Thus, for competitiveness in the future, the QS education curriculum needs to infuse more related-digital technology modules/courses to assist in the sustainability and relevance of the profession within the BEP.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focussed on improving Nigeria’s QS education using digital technologies via a qualitative approach. Future study is needed via a quantitative approach for broader coverage and validation.

Practical implications

The research revealed the need for designing QS programmes to provide for industry demands with emphasis on digital technologies modules/courses. Nigeria’s QS education stakeholders have been stirred up to embrace the curriculum review and make the profession digitalised and relevant within the BEP. The built environment sector is trending towards digitalisation, and the QS programmes cannot afford to be behind.

Originality/value

This research identified the current gap regarding digitalisation of the curriculum. This study will stir QS educational providers and regulators to improve future programmes via digital technologies. It would encourage the use of digital technologies with the right enabling environment. The outcome would mitigate the gap and improve Nigeria’s QS education in the future.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2024

Mahmoud Ershadi and Fredelino Lijauco

In this paper, a systematic review of 284 articles published between 2015 and 2022 and a full-text thematic analysis of 70 selected articles was conducted to catalog and…

Abstract

Purpose

In this paper, a systematic review of 284 articles published between 2015 and 2022 and a full-text thematic analysis of 70 selected articles was conducted to catalog and synthesize factors in a framework. Thematic analysis subsequently revealed 18 selective codes under three groups of drivers, barriers, and outcomes. These three groups were explained by four key aspects including organization, stakeholders, infrastructure, and business environment that set a framework for the digitalization of construction. The study finally concluded digitalization strategies with a focus on support mechanisms, government incentives, regulations, the transition from manual labor to technicians, organizational technology culture, methodology development, and innovation processes. Such strategies provide insight into prioritizing resources towards smooth digital transformation in construction businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage methodology is adopted by undertaking a systematic literature review followed by thematic content analysis. This work concludes with an analysis of remaining research gaps and suggestions for potential future research.

Findings

In this paper, a systematic review of 284 articles published between 2015 and 2022 and a full-text thematic analysis of 70 selected articles was conducted to catalog and synthesize variables in a framework. Thematic analysis subsequently revealed a set of variables and factors describing construction digitalization under three groups of success factors, barriers, and outcomes. A critical content analysis of the representative studies was conducted to identify five future research trends as well as associated research gaps and directions on the topic.

Practical implications

This study contributes to practice by providing directions concerning the key strategies and priorities associated with the digitalization of construction businesses.

Originality/value

This ground-breaking research brings to light a classified set of factors that are important for the digitalization of construction businesses. The elicited framework contributes to the current body of knowledge by offering a unique conceptualization of both driving and adverse aspects for the seamless digital transformation of construction.

Details

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

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 24 August 2023

Andrew Ebekozien, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa and Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan

Studies showed that construction digitalisation could prevent or mitigate accidents rate on sites. Digitalisation applications may prevent or mitigate building project collapse…

Abstract

Purpose

Studies showed that construction digitalisation could prevent or mitigate accidents rate on sites. Digitalisation applications may prevent or mitigate building project collapse (BPC) but with some encumbrances, especially in developing countries. There is a paucity of research on digital technologies application to prevent or mitigate BPC in Nigeria. Thus, the research aims to explore the perceived barriers that may hinder digital technologies from preventing or mitigating building collapse and recommend measures to improve technology applications during development.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is exploratory because of the unexplored approach. The researchers collected data from knowledgeable participants in digitalisation and building collapse in Nigeria. The research employed a phenomenology approach and analysed collected data via a thematic approach. The study achieved saturation at the 29th interviewee.

Findings

Findings show that lax construction digitalisation implementation, absence of regulatory framework, lax policy, unsafe fieldworkers' behaviours, absence of basic infrastructure, government attitude, hesitation to implement and high technology budget, especially in developing countries, are threats to curbing building collapse menace via digitalisation. The study identified technologies relevant to preventing or mitigating building collapse. Also, it proffered measures to prevent or mitigate building collapse via improved digital technology applications during development.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the construction digitalisation literature, especially in developing countries, and investigates the perceived barriers that may hinder digital technologies usage in preventing or mitigating building collapse in Nigeria.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 13
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 30 June 2023

Henry Okpo, Dubem Ikediashi and Afolabi Dania

The rate of project failure across the globe seems to reinforce poor performance as a norm. However, engagement with construction digitalisation (CD) represents a departure point…

Abstract

Purpose

The rate of project failure across the globe seems to reinforce poor performance as a norm. However, engagement with construction digitalisation (CD) represents a departure point for improving project performance. Amidst researchers' recent empirical engagement with CD, the knowledge of the relationship model between CD and project delivery (PD) is abysmal. As a result, developing a business case for CD in developing countries has been slow due to the dearth of empirical evidence. This paper aims to investigate the influence of digitalisation on project performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Anchored on cross-sectional survey research design using a questionnaire survey in which a total of 183 copies of structured questionnaires were randomly distributed to medium- and large-sized construction firms operating in Abuja, Nigeria's federal capital. A total of 126 valid responses were received giving an overall response rate of 68.8%. The responses were analysed using mean item score, principal component analysis and multiple linear regression.

Findings

Findings from the regression analysis reveal that digitalisation has varying levels of impact on PP measured using quality, time and cost. The relationship model with time performance is weak (r = 0.526, r2 = 0.277); on cost performance, the significant model is also weak (r = 0.502, r2 = 0.252) and moderate on quality (r = 0.663, r2 = 0.439). CD influences project cost, time and quality performance despite the weak relationship model. The results indicate that the most effective benchmark of CD is quality performance.

Originality/value

This study established the relationship between digitalisation and construction PD within the construction industry context, an area lacking research attention in emerging economies. This study is the first study in emerging economies that established the influence of digitalisation on construction PD statistically.

Details

Frontiers in Engineering and Built Environment, vol. 3 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2634-2499

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2023

Sambo Lyson Zulu, Ali Saad, Saheed Ajayi, Maria Unuigbe and Mohammed Dulaimi

Due to the practical complexity and fragmented nature of the construction industry, digitalisation, like other innovations, is not easily achieved. This study aims to explore…

Abstract

Purpose

Due to the practical complexity and fragmented nature of the construction industry, digitalisation, like other innovations, is not easily achieved. This study aims to explore organisational influences on digitalisation within construction firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses structured open-ended questions as a data collection tool for a qualitative investigation. The qualitative approach enabled participants to express their inputs and maximise the diversity of data, offering new insights and discussions that are distinct from previous works.

Findings

Construction professionals from 22 organisations provided their perspectives on digital transformation and their organisations. Under four constructs – structure, culture, leadership and internal processes, findings uncovered 16 determinants critical to digitalisation in construction firms. The study offers a theoretical perspective supported by empirical data to explore the complex dynamics and internal interactions of organisational influence on the uptake of digitalisation in the construction industry.

Originality/value

This paper offers arguments from a theoretical lens by applying the organisational influence model and capturing the variables under each construct in an exploratory manner to highlight the reasoning behind the low digital uptake in construction firms. This research aids academia and practice on the pressure points responsible for enhancing, or undermining, digital uptake in construction firms at an organisational level.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 June 2021

Douglas Aghimien, Clinton Aigbavboa, Tsholofelo Meno and Matthew Ikuabe

This study aims to present the result of an assessment of the risk of construction digitalisation with a view to sensitising and preparing construction organisations for…

1109

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to present the result of an assessment of the risk of construction digitalisation with a view to sensitising and preparing construction organisations for unforeseen issues that might arise in the course of their digital transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study took a post-positivist stance through a quantitative research approach. A survey of construction professionals actively involved in construction projects in South Africa was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The analysis of the data gathered was done using mean item scores, Kruskal–Wallis H test, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

EFA revealed five principal risk factors (human and financial, technological, legal and security, operations and socioeconomic risk factors) associated with the digitalisation of construction organisations. However, SEM revealed that four out of these risk components have significant direct relationships with some selected digitalisation outcomes. These significant risk factors are technology, legal and security issues, operations and socioeconomic issues.

Originality/value

This study provides practical insight into the risk inherent in construction digitalisation, and its result can help organisations seeking to be digitally transformed make informed decisions. Theoretically, the study reveals the risks associated with construction digitalisation – an aspect that has not gained significant attention in the current fourth industrial revolution discourse. Therefore, its findings can form a basis for future studies on the risk of digitalising construction organisations.

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