Gledson, B (2022) Enhanced model of the innovation-decision process, for modular-technological-process innovations in construction. Construction Innovation, 22(4), pp. 1085-1103. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to establish an enhanced model of the innovation-decision process (IDP), specifically for construction. As context, innovation diffusion theory (IDT) is concerned with explaining how some innovations successfully stick whilst others fail to propagate. Because theoretical models provide abstracted representations of systems/phenomena, established IDT models can help decision-making units with innovation-related sense-marking and problem-solving. However, these occasionally fail or require enhancement to represent phenomena more successfully. This is apparent whenever middle-range theory seems ill-fitted to the complexity of construction. Design/methodology/approach: Qualitative research via 13 semi-structured interviews occurred, with participants recruited via convenience and purposive sampling strategies. The study forms part of a broader mixed-method study (n = 246) informed by a research philosophy of pragmatism, investigating the applicability of classic IDT to the adoption of four-dimensional (4D) building information modelling (4D BIM) by the UK construction sector. Findings: This diffusion study resulted in the adaptation of an existing IDP model, ensuring a better contextual fit. Classified more specifically as a modular-technological-process innovation, 4D BIM with its potential to provide construction planning improvements is used as a vehicle to show why, for construction, an existing model required theoretical extensions involving additional stages, decision-action points and outcomes. Research limitations/implications: This model can assist construction industry actors with future adoption/rejection decisions around modular-technological-process innovations. It also aids the understanding of scholars and researchers, through its various enhancements and by reinforcing the importance of existing diffusion concepts of compatibility and trialability, for these innovation types. Originality/value: An enhanced model of the IDP, specifically for construction, is established. This construction-centric contribution to IDT will be of interest to construction scholars and to practitioners.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | 4D BIM; BIM; construction scheduling; diffusion; innovation; planning and management |
| Index terms: | pragmatism, complexity, construction sector, practitioner, methodology, qualitative research, decision-making, philosophy, strategy, innovation diffusion, interview, construction planning, purposive sampling, construction industry, trialability, decision process, adaptation, construction scheduling, building information modelling |
| Subjects: | research methods, management, sociology, decision analysis, project controls, systems engineering, philosophical concept, information systems, philosophical studies, industry analysis, research design and methodology, user focus, data collection methods, practitioner, innovation studies, construction planning |
| Topics: | Design Practice, Digital Applications, Site Management, Time Control, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Business Strategy, Roles and Professions, Risk Management |
| 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