Baghaei, M (2024) Developing a framework and understanding the key influencing factors for the implementation of the internet of things (IoT) in the UK construction sector. PhD thesis, University of Salford, UK.
Abstract
The construction industry can be identified as one of the least digitized industries in the world, drastically underperforming less in terms of profitability, productivity, reliability, efficiency, and safety in comparison to the global economy than its average potential. Plus, the fact that the UK construction industry is usually criticized for being fragmented, wasteful, reluctant to innovate, and ineffective at utilizing proper knowledge throughout the industry. For this reason, advanced technology referred to as “Smart Construction” is increasingly being used in the construction industry to increase decision-making and improve productivity. Actually, smart construction by employing construction resources such as devices, components, machinery, and people aimed to transform digital technologies in the construction industry.So, for implementing smart construction by utilizing digital tools and techniques, Industry 4.0 or the fourth industrial revolution has been created to convert the construction industry in the direction of further digitally developed trades. Following Industry 4.0 and digital transformation concepts, numerous aspects of the construction phase have changed as a result of Industry 4.0 technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud-computing, Cyber-physical systems, Automation, 3D printing, Robotics, and so on. Internet of things (IoT) as a crucial part of the industry 4.0 technologies has a significant role in advancing the possibilities of smart construction concepts in a variety of construction phases.This research seeks to evaluate the role of the internet of things (IoT) in enhancing the performance of the UK construction industry. Furthermore, in terms of modern construction methods such as smart assembly, offsite construction, and lean philosophy, this research seeks to develop the framework, presents the applications of IoT, and identifies the emerging benefits and drawbacks of IoT applications in the UK construction sector. The developed framework will be useful for stakeholders to adopt and understand the impact of the fourth industrial revolution technologies such as IoT applications in the UK construction sector. Also, in order to accomplish the aim, objectives, and explore the research questions that are set to this research, qualitative method approach is adopted in this research. Qualitative data collected through 38 semi-structured interviews from construction professionals involved in the digital transformation of the UK construction sector. Internal and external drivers for implementing the Internet of Things (IoT) were found. In addition, the challenges recognised from the numerous areas of IoT applications adoption in the UK construction sector, classifying into three groups including technological, cultural, and economic. Also, the key influencing factors for implementing the Internet of Things (IoT) were identified including cost, usability, leadership, technology awareness, staff training, and company size. Finally, a framework developed by analysing the data and evaluated through the UK construction sector.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Aziz, Z |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | UK; automation; computing; construction phase; leadership; offsite construction; philosophy; productivity; reliability; safety; training |
| Index terms: | construction professional, profitability, fourth industrial revolution, robotics, implementation, internet, construction industry, automation, construction phase, industry 4.0, efficiency, influencing factor, productivity, transformation, decision-making, computing, digital technology, construction sector, interview, 3D printing, usability, qualitative method, construction method, philosophy |
| Subjects: | decision analysis, philosophical studies, industry analysis, management, performance management, professional development, technology adoption, project delivery, data collection methods, risk assessment, business, user-centered design, research design and methodology, computing systems, building construction, automation and robotics, contractual arrangements, economic analysis, manufacturing |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Project Management, Procurement, Risk Management, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Site Management, Research Practice, Information Management, Business Strategy |
| 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