Bello, A O; Isa, R B; Afolabi, O P; Arogundade, S and Khan, A A (2025) Drivers for the implementation of circular economy in the Nigerian aeco industry: A structural equation modelling approach. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 23(3), pp. 953-972. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to investigate the drivers influencing the implementation of circular economy principles in the Nigerian architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) industry across diverse regions of Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research approach was adopted, using a structured questionnaire distributed to AECO professionals across four selected regions (North Central, North West, South-South and South West) in Nigeria. The data were analysed using Kruskal–Wallis test and structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings: The study findings show a robust consensus of opinions among the respondents across regions and professions. The SEM analysis establishes the significant influence of the hypothesized drivers, regulatory and institutional, supply chain collaboration, technological advancements, organizational support and business strategies on the successful implementation of circular economy principles in the Nigerian AECO industry. Research limitations/implications: The study is limited to specific regions and professions within Nigeria. Further limitation is the quantitative orientation of this study, which collects data using only a questionnaire. Practical implications: The findings imply that stakeholders can adopt a unified approach to promote circular economy principles in the AECO industry. By recognizing the common understanding of circular economy drivers, collaborative efforts can be streamlined to advance sustainability, resource efficiency and circularity in the industry. Originality/value: This study contributes to the nascent field of circular economy implementation in the Nigerian AECO industry. It offers a unique perspective by exploring variations in stakeholder opinions, providing insights into the nuanced understanding of circular economy drivers.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | aeco industry; circular economy; developing countries; drivers; government policies; sustainable development |
| Index terms: | implementation, resource efficiency, profession, government policy, Nigeria, circular economy, circularity, quantitative research, questionnaire, collaboration, variation, methodology, structural equation modelling, business strategy, sustainable development, developing country |
| Subjects: | contractual arrangements, public policy, sustainable materials, institututions, Geography, health safety and environment, sustainable design, development economics, research methods, data analysis and analytics, data collection methods, business, statistical analysis, contractual condition, management |
| Topics: | Procurement, Sustainability, Geographical Context, Health and Safety, Contract Administration, Organizational Design, International Construction, Governance, Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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