Silverio-Fernandez, M A; Renukappa, S and Suresh, S (2019) Evaluating critical success factors for implementing smart devices in the construction industry: An empirical study in the Dominican Republic. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 26(8), pp. 1625-1640. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: The decentralisation of information and high rate of mobile content access in the construction industry provides an ideal scenario for improvement of processes via the implementation of the paradigm of the Internet of Things (IoT). Smart devices are considered as the objects interconnected in the IoT; therefore, they play a fundamental role in the implementation of digital solutions during the execution of construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to assess the critical factors for a successful implementation of smart devices in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach: An empirical study was performed in the Dominican Republic. This country, located at the heart of the Caribbean, presents an economy that strongly relies on the construction industry. Following a systematic approach, a qualitative data collection and analysis was performed based on semi-structured interviews and content analysis to professionals of construction companies in the Dominican Republic, enquiring the concept of smart devices and critical success factors for implementing the devices in the industry. Findings: The key success factors obtained from the contestants were leadership, technology awareness, company size, usability of proposed solution, cost of implementation and interoperability. Originality/value: This paper provides information to clients of the construction sector regarding the benefits of embedding smart devices into their business activities. Furthermore, this study provides a better understanding of the key factors to be considered by construction organisations when embedding smart devices into their projects. This study also provides recommendations for distinct stakeholders of the construction sector, such as policy makers, clients and technology consultants. Policy makers should especially consider factors such as technology awareness and leadership to develop the right policies for the integration of the IoT in construction projects. Technology consultants should be aware of the latest case studies of successful implementation of smart devices and IoT systems in the world in order to adapt and implement smart devices and IoT in their projects.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | AEC sector; construction; construction industry; information systems; internet of things; interview; smart devices; strategic management; technology |
| Index terms: | interview, Caribbean, construction company, success factor, content analysis, usability, Dominican Republic, construction project, strategic management, integration, methodology, smart device, construction sector, critical success factor, information system, decentralization, case study, construction organization, critical factor, empirical study, paradigm, interoperability, internet, implementation, heart, construction industry |
| Subjects: | risk assessment, data collection methods, organization, user-centered design, control systems, computing systems, contractual arrangements, data analysis and analytics, innovation and technology management, health monitoring assessment and metrics, management, education and knowledge transfer, medical science and clinical practice, physical geography and landforms, research methods, Geography, production management, organizational analysis, industry analysis, political science, systems and processes, information systems |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Health and Safety, Research Practice, Project Management, Geographical Context, Engineering Principles, Risk Management, Procurement, Governance, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Organizational Design |
| 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