Oke, A E; Kineber, A F; Al-Bukhari, I; Famakin, I and Kingsley, C (2023) Exploring the benefits of cloud computing for sustainable construction in Nigeria. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 21(4), pp. 973-990. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose: Cloud computing is one of the digitalization principles used in some sectors like banking, health and construction industry. This paper aims to examine the benefits of applying cloud computing for construction sustainability in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach: The cloud computing benefits-related data were retrieved from previous studies and complemented with a questionnaire survey to obtain data from stakeholders involved in the execution of construction projects in Lagos State, Nigeria, through a convenient sampling technique. In addition, the relative importance index (RII) technique was used to investigate the acquired data. At the same time, analysis was accomplished using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Findings indicated that numerous benefits could be derived by adopting cloud computing in the Nigerian construction industry. Findings: The findings from RII analysis showed the significant benefits of data storage ubiquity (i.e. location independence), high situational awareness, team collaboration, compatibility with advanced production facilities and improved project planning. Furthermore, the analysis of these benefits was conducted using EFA for the four construction maxims: construction productivity, back-office activities, design management and billing. Originality/value: This research illustrated the benefits of cloud computing in achieving a successful construction project. Besides, these findings are not only useful for achieving sustainable construction in Nigeria but also applicable to many developing countries.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | cloud computing; efa; fourth industrial revolution; information communication technology; innovation; project success; sustainable construction; technology management |
| Index terms: | project success, Nigeria, Lagos State, fourth industrial revolution, sampling, construction industry, construction productivity, exploratory factor analysis, developing country, data storage, sustainable construction, technology management, cloud computing, digitalization, team collaboration, relative importance index, survey, banking, design management, methodology, construction project, questionnaire, project planning |
| Subjects: | data management, industry analysis, statistical analysis, digital infrastructure, collaborative management, research methods, Geography, production management, design process, sustainable construction, project management theory and practice, development economics, digital technology, operations management, technology adoption, economic analysis, risk assessment, data collection methods, control systems, innovation studies |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Geographical Context, Project Management, Research Practice, Risk Management, Sustainability, Design Practice, Digital Applications, International Construction |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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