McNamara, A J and Sepasgozar, S M E (2020) Developing a theoretical framework for intelligent contract acceptance. Construction Innovation, 20(3), pp. 421-445. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose: This paper aims to develop a novel theoretical technology acceptance model, namely, for predicting acceptance of the trending technology of intelligent contracts (iContracts) in construction, which aims to integrate the data from emerging cyber-physical systems being introduced to the sector through the industry 4.0 revolution. This model includes main dimensions and critical contributing factors to assess the readiness for the iContract concept within the construction contract environment. Design/methodology/approach: Through an extensive literature review, the structure of a unique theoretical technology acceptance model for iContract implementation, within construction, was developed iContract acceptance model (iCAM). Relevant themes were assessed through the lens of the technology acceptance model framework and the four accepted dimensions of the technology readiness index (TRI) concept. The main components of the model were examined with selected practitioners, with relevant experience and understanding of the iContract concept, with thematic mapping of the discussions correlated back to 12 specific iContract contributing constructs of the four adapted TRI dimensions. Findings: The paper contributes to the body of knowledge by proposing a novel iCAM for a trending technology based on the specific requirements of iContract adoption. The interviews show that while the desire to digitalise the contractual environment exists, the readiness of the sector for such a disruptive change is unknown. Practical implications: The findings and proposed conceptual iCAM offers a lens for the further development of the iContract concept by assisting practitioners to forecast digital readiness of the contract process in construction. Originality/value: This study offers a unique and theoretical framework, in an embryonic field, for predicting the success of iContract implementation within construction organisations through the digital, industry 4.0 and revolution.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | automation; blockchain; construction; digitalisation; intelligent contract; readiness; TAM; tri |
| Index terms: | body of knowledge, methodology, mapping, practitioner, literature review, interview, digitalization, dimension, automation, implementation, blockchain, technology acceptance model, construction contract, construction organization, industry 4.0 |
| Subjects: | digital technology, health monitoring assessment and metrics, contractual arrangements, knowledge management, data analysis and analytics, technology adoption, organization, contract type, data collection methods, computing systems, practitioner, research methods, spatial and geospatial analysis, acoustic properties, automation and robotics |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Information Management, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Health and Safety, Business Strategy, Procurement, Roles and Professions |
| 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