Aghimien, D O; Aigbavboa, C; Edwards, D J; Mahamadu, A M; Olomolaiye, P; Nash, H and Onyia, M (2022) A fuzzy synthetic evaluation of the challenges of smart city development in developing countries. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 11(3), pp. 405-421. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
Purpose: This study presents a fuzzy synthetic evaluation of the challenges of smart city realisation in developing countries, using Nigeria as a case study. By defining and delineating the problems faced by the country, more viable directions to attaining smart city development can be achieved. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted a post-positivist philosophical stance with a deductive approach. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from built environment professionals involved in the delivery of Nigerian public infrastructures. Six dimensions of the challenges of smart cities were identified from literature and explored. They are governance, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal issues. Data gathered were analysed using Cronbach alpha test for reliability, Shapiro-Wilks test for normality, Kruskal-Wallis H-test for consistency and fuzzy synthetic evaluation test for the synthetic evaluation of the challenges of smart city attainment. Findings: The findings revealed that all six assessed dimensions have a significant impact on the attainment of smart cities in Nigeria. More specifically, issues relating to environmental, technological, social and legal challenges are more prominent. Originality/value: The fuzzy synthetic approach adopted provides a clear, practical insight on the issues that need to be addressed before the smart city development can be attained within developing countries.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction industry; industry 4.0; information technology; smart city development; smart technology; urban development |
| Index terms: | dimension, construction industry, urban development, built environment, smart city, Nigeria, legal issue, industry 4.0, governance, public infrastructure, case study, information technology, methodology, questionnaire, developing country, fuzzy synthetic evaluation |
| Subjects: | business, data collection methods, computing systems, urban sustainability, health monitoring assessment and metrics, technology adoption, legal systems, research methods, development economics, urban design, Geography, decision-making and optimization, infrastructure and transport systems, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Governance, Engineering Principles, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Health and Safety, International Construction, Urban Studies, Digital Applications, Legal Issues |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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