Chan, D W M; Olawumi, T O; Saka, A B and Ekundayo, D (2024) Comparative analysis of the barriers to smart sustainable practices adoption in the construction industry between Hong Kong and Nigeria. International Journal of Construction Management, 24(14), pp. 1499-1509. ISSN 1562-3599
Abstract
The deployment of digital systems has facilitated process improvement in building construction, including for green practices implementation. However, it has encountered several challenges that have limited its use and hindered the diffusion of sustainable practices. Hence, this study aims to identify and assess the major barriers to smart-sustainable practices (SSP) adoption and evaluate its likely impact. A quantitative research method using empirical questionnaire surveys to solicit stakeholders' perceptions in Hong Kong and Nigeria to understand whether there is a commonality in the identified barriers between the two contexts. The collated data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as mean and inferential statistics (factor analysis), while fuzzy synthetic evaluation was used to develop the predictive models. Using non-probability sampling techniques, 97 and 69 responses were gotten from respondents in Hong Kong and Nigeria, respectively. The results revealed that workforce expertise, hesitancy to change from working practices, technical know-how, and inadequate understanding of the SSP process as the most critical barriers to SSP diffusion in Hong Kong and Nigeria. Also, impact evaluation models were developed as a predictive tool to evaluate and respond to the impact of these barriers. It is recommended for industry practitioners and policymakers to collaborate to create local context-based guidelines for facilitating SSP diffusion and monitor its implementation.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | barrier; building information modelling; digital system; fuzzy synthetic evaluation; predictive tool; sustainability practices |
| Index terms: | fuzzy synthetic evaluation, process improvement, comparative analysis, survey, building construction, practitioner, questionnaire, sustainable practice, quantitative research, Hong Kong, building information modelling, Nigeria, working practice, sampling, factor analysis, construction industry, implementation, statistics |
| Subjects: | data analysis and analytics, contractual arrangements, data collection methods, mathematical modelling, practitioner, building construction, sustainable practices, industry analysis, decision-making and optimization, statistical analysis, information systems, management, Geography |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Organizational Design, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Business Strategy, Sustainability, Procurement, Construction Technology, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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