Oke, A. E.; Adekunye, O. J.; Adeosun, F. E.; Aliu, J.; Akanni, P. O.; Aghimien, D. and Aigbavboa, C. O. (2026) Assessment of the challenges of integrating cyber-physical systems in Nigerian construction. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 33(4), pp. 3146-3163. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – The internet's revolutionary impact on communication, information access and business transactions exemplifies how technology can reshape human behaviour. Similarly, cyber-physical systems (CPSs) hold immense potential to transform our interaction and control of the physical environment. This study investigates the challenges hindering the adoption of CPSs in Nigeria's construction industry, aiming to pave the way for a more sustainable future in construction. Design/methodology/approach – This study examined challenges related to CPSs in Nigerian sustainable construction projects. Data were gathered through a literature review and a questionnaire survey of Lagos-based construction professionals (architects, quantity surveyors, engineers and builders). Statistical methods were used to analyse the data. Mean and standard deviation determined respondents' opinions' central tendency and variability. The data's suitability for factor analysis was confirmed through Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett's sphericity tests, indicating strong correlations between variables. Factor analysis subsequently identified key challenges hindering CPSs implementation in Nigerian construction. Findings – The mean and standard deviation analysis findings indicated that the most significant challenges of CPSs for sustainable construction projects in Nigeria are lack of awareness, inadequate public–private partnership, professional complacencies, data overload and lack of capital. In addition, the analysis was also conducted using factor analysis, which includes five groupings: financial inhibition, management barrier, geopolitical inhibition, national security and lack of awareness. Originality/value – This study recommended that the challenges listed in this study should be considered and worked on through financial, political and professional support of CPSs for sustainable construction projects, such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) programmes and national awareness programmes.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building information modelling; construction digitalisation; construction technology; cyber-physical systems; digital technology; project performance; sustainable construction |
| Index terms: | factor analysis, project performance, sustainable development goal, statistical method, architect, Lagos, construction professional, construction technology, variability, construction industry, internet, interaction, implementation, quantity surveying, building information modelling, Nigeria, partnership, sustainable construction project, deviation, engineer, questionnaire, methodology, suitability, digital technology, digitalization, sustainable construction, builder, human behaviour, programme, survey, literature review |
| Subjects: | industry analysis, design criteria, statistical analysis, information systems, project controls, partnership management, project management theory and practice, professional development, data analysis and analytics, financial and cost management, computing systems, profession, data collection methods, behavioral psychology, Geography, sustainable design, sustainable construction, research methods, contractual arrangements, digital technology, practitioner, health behaviours and lifestyles, digital engineering |
| Topics: | Project Management, Geographical Context, Sustainability, Procurement, Cost Management, Information Management, Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Stakeholder Management, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Time Control |
| 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