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1 – 3 of 3Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke, John Aliu, Patricia Fadamiro, Feyisetan Leo-Olagbaye, Paramjit Singh Jamir Singh and Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan
Global construction sector studies have significantly explored the impact of automation techniques, revealing their transformative potential. However, research on their…
Abstract
Purpose
Global construction sector studies have significantly explored the impact of automation techniques, revealing their transformative potential. However, research on their application within specific local contexts, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, is sparse. Nigeria presents a unique context marked by challenges such as skilled labor shortage, safety concerns and cost efficiency. Therefore, investigating the implementation of automation techniques in the Nigerian construction industry is crucial to address these challenges, bring transformative advancements and contribute to a more balanced global discourse on automation adoption. This study aims to fill this significant research gap.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed research method was deployed which combined both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. Two focus group discussions conducted with 23 experts from both industry and academic institutions (qualitative) yielded 17 drivers which were used to formulate a well-structured questionnaire (quantitative), which was disseminated to construction professionals. Collected data underwent analysis through various statistical techniques, including percentages, frequencies, mean item scores and exploratory factor analysis.
Findings
Principal component analysis (PCA) yielded four driver clusters namely: (1) performance-related drivers, (2) visualization and efficiency-related drivers, (3) technological and human-related drivers and (4) economic-related drivers.
Practical implications
The study provides empirical insights that can aid stakeholders, decision-makers, policymakers and the government in formulating strategies to promote automation techniques in the Nigerian construction industry and beyond.
Originality/value
This study's originality lies in its exploration of the untapped potential of automation techniques in the Nigerian construction industry, offering novel perspectives on how these technologies can address specific challenges such as skilled labor shortage, safety concerns and cost efficiency, thereby paving the way for transformative advancements in the sector.
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Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke, John Aliu, Patricia Fadamiro, Prince Akanni, Paramjit Singh Jamir Singh and Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan
This study aims to identify and evaluate the key strategies to promote the implementation of automation techniques with reference to the Nigerian construction industry.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify and evaluate the key strategies to promote the implementation of automation techniques with reference to the Nigerian construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Pragmatic philosophical thinking using a mixed-method approach (a combination of qualitative and quantitative) was adopted for this study. The qualitative strand of this research was achieved using a Delphi technique while a well-structured questionnaire conducted among 191 construction professionals was adopted to attain the quantitative strand. Obtained data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean item scores, Kruskal–Wallis H test and exploratory factor analysis (FA).
Findings
Results revealed that the “provision of funding and subsidies for automation techniques” “mandatory automation policies and regulations,” “creating incentives for adoption,” “formulation of programs to promote awareness” and “deploying gamification to boost employee performance” were the top five strategies to promote the adoption of automation techniques. FA revealed four principal clusters, namely, awareness and publicity programs, government regulations and standards, provision of education and training and awards and recognition.
Practical implications
This study provided a solid theoretical and empirical foundation that can be useful to construction industry stakeholders, decision-makers, policymakers and the government in mapping out strategies to promote the incorporation and deployment of automation and robotics in the construction industry.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first in developing countries and Nigeria to establish an ordered grouping structure of the strategies to promote the adoption of automation techniques.
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Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke, John Aliu, Patricia Fadamiro, Paramjit Singh Jamir Singh, Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan and Mahathir Yahaya
This study presents the results of an assessment of the barriers that can hinder the deployment of robotics and automation systems in developing countries through the lens of the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study presents the results of an assessment of the barriers that can hinder the deployment of robotics and automation systems in developing countries through the lens of the Nigerian construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
A scoping literature review was conducted through which barriers to the adoption of robotics and automation systems were identified, which helped in the formulation of a questionnaire survey. Data were obtained from construction professionals including architects, builders, engineers and quantity surveyors. Retrieved data were analyzed using percentages, frequencies, mean item scores and exploratory factor analysis.
Findings
Based on the mean scores, the top five barriers were the fragmented nature of the construction process, resistance by workers and unions, hesitation to adopt innovation, lack of capacity and expertise and lack of support from top-level managers. Through factor analysis, the barriers identified were categorized into four principal clusters namely, industry, human, economic and technical-related barriers.
Practical implications
This study provided a good theoretical and empirical foundation that can be useful to construction industry stakeholders, decision-makers, policymakers and the government in mapping out strategies to promote the incorporation and deployment of automation and robotics into the construction industry to attain the safety benefits they offer.
Originality/value
By identifying and evaluating the challenges that hinder the implementation of robotics and automation systems in the Nigerian construction industry, this study makes a significant contribution to knowledge in an area where limited studies exist.
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