Ebekozien, A and Samsurijan, M S (2024) Incentivisation of digital technology takers in the construction industry. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 31(4), pp. 1373-1390. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: Studies showed that digital technology applications in the construction industry are low, especially in many developing nations. Construction incentivisation (CI) is one of the long-standing principles adopted to enhance project performance. There is a paucity of studies concerning CI to improve digital technology applications. Thus, this research investigated the relevance and perceived hindrances that may hinder the implementation of CI from promoting digital technologies and proffer ways to improve digital technology applications in the construction sector. Design/methodology/approach: In Nigeria’s context, this research is exploratory. Twenty-four semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria, with knowledgeable participants that indicated interest and were interviewed. The engaged interviewees were drawn from government agencies, academicians in construction consultancy, Internet and communication technology experts, construction contracting firms and construction consulting firms. The collected data were coded and analysed through a thematic method. Findings: Digitalisation of the industry via CI may face some hindrances. The perceived issues that may hinder CI implementation were classified into most severe, severe and fairly severe in Nigeria’s construction industry context. Findings proffer feasible policy solutions that can mitigate these issues and improve digital technology applications in the industry via the CI. Research limitations/implications: This study covered the relevance and perceived issues that may hinder the implementation of the CI to improve digital technology applications in the industry. Also, the study proffers policy solutions to enhance digital technology applications in the industry via the CI concept. Practical implications: Findings from this research will support and offer a valuable understanding of the relevance of the “incentivisation concept” to improve digital technology applications in the Nigerian-built environment. Other developing countries with low applications of digital technology in construction may consider the suggested policy solutions from this research. Also, this study will stir policymakers and construction practitioners to support policies tailored towards improving digital technology applications in construction. Originality/value: This research contributes by exploring the effectiveness of the CI concept and informing construction practitioners and policymakers on how to improve digital technology applications in the Nigerian construction industry.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction industry 4.0; construction technology; digital technology; fourth industrial revolution technologies; incentives; Nigeria |
| Index terms: | construction technology, implementation, internet, construction industry, effectiveness, built environment, project performance, Lagos, construction contracting firm, construction industry 4.0, Nigeria, incentivization, consultancy, Abuja, digital technology, construction sector, methodology, developing nation, construction practitioner, face, government agency, digitalization, developing country, interview |
| Subjects: | digital technology, psychology, contractual arrangements, risk assessment, data collection methods, organization, digital engineering, computing systems, infrastructure and transport systems, industry analysis, administrative law, performance management, research methods, Geography, project management theory and practice, professional development, development economics |
| Topics: | Procurement, Risk Management, Information Management, Research Practice, Project Management, Geographical Context, Business Strategy, Organizational Design, International Construction, Quality Management, Digital Applications, Urban Studies, Legal Issues |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here