Aliu, J and Oke, A E (2023) Construction in the digital age: Exploring the benefits of digital technologies. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 13(3), pp. 412-429. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this article was to identify and evaluate the benefits of adopting digital technologies (DTs) in the Nigerian construction industry, to ensure that construction projects are efficiently and effectively executed. Design/methodology/approach: A scoping literature review was conducted through which benefits of implementing DTs were identified, which helped in the formulation of a questionnaire survey. Data were obtained from construction professionals including architects, builders, engineers and quantity surveyors. Retrieved data were analyzed using several statistical tools such as percentages, frequencies, mean item scores and exploratory factor analyses. Findings: Based on the mean item score ranking results, the top five significant benefits of adopting DTs were increased operational efficiency, increased productivity, increased speed of executing tasks, seamless working methodology and accurate documentation of data. Findings from the factor analysis revealed six clusters of benefits namely an improved framework for operations, improved innovativeness, improved safety practices, increased competitive edge, greater accuracy and increased productivity. Practical implications: This study expands on the existing discussions surrounding the digital transformation of the construction sector in developing countries, particularly in Nigeria, a region where the awareness and implementation of smart and innovative technologies are still at an infant stage. Originality/value: Although several studies on the benefits of adopting DTs in the construction industry of developing countries exist, very few have been conducted in the Nigerian context. Thus, this is a significant knowledge gap that must be filled. Thus, the findings of this study can serve as a basis for construction organizations in Nigeria and similar countries seeking the digital transformation of their activities.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building information modeling; cyber-physical systems; digital technologies; fourth industrial revolution; Nigerian construction industry |
| Index terms: | productivity, engineer, literature review, transformation, accuracy, survey, Nigeria, documentation, builder, construction organization, efficiency, developing country, building information modelling, exploratory factor analysis, quantity surveying, construction industry, implementation, construction sector, digital technology, methodology, construction professional, construction project, architect, factor analysis, questionnaire |
| Subjects: | data analysis and analytics, contractual arrangements, business, organization, data collection methods, profession, computing systems, practitioner, information systems, statistical analysis, industry analysis, research methods, performance management, management, development economics, professional development, production management, Geography |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, International Construction, Quality Management, Roles and Professions, Procurement, Business Strategy, Information Management, Geographical Context, Project Management, Research Practice |
| 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