Factors Inhibiting Digital Transformation of Indigenous Construction Firms in Nigeria

Despite the inherent benefits that digitalisation brings to businesses across sectors, indigenous construction firms in developing countries like Nigeria seem unprepared and reluctant to embrace the digital trend. Qualitative research technique was adopted through a case study approach and utilised interviews as the primary source of generating data among eight case companies in Abuja, Nigeria. Data generated were analysed using conversational analysis as a specific data analysis approach in thematic analysis. Findings revealed critical factors inhibiting digital transformation to be lack of funds, shortage of trained professionals, lack of technical know-how, and low level of awareness are the top four factors identified. The paper therefore concludes that overcoming these identified factors is a key to the survival of indigenous construction firms in a globally competitive market and the factors inhibiting the digital transformation of the construction industry in Nigeria are not just limited to one construction firm but could differ from other construction firms. The paper recommends effective partnership among key stakeholders of construction firms to work out an appropriate roadmap that would position the construction industry on the right track toward digital transformation

Barriers to BIM for facilities management adoption in Nigeria: a multivariate analysis

PurposeBuilding information modelling (BIM) has been established in the literature as a successful platform that creates an intelligent virtual model for processing data from conceptual design through construction to operational stage of a facility. However, its adoption for facilities management (FM) provision in Nigeria has been slow due to inherent barriers. The aim of this paper is to (1) assess and categorise using factor analysis BIM for FM barriers and (2) model the barriers using stakeholders' personal/professional attributes.Design/methodology/approachAnchored on quantitative research design, 205 copies of structured questionnaire were distributed to key stakeholders and facilities managers in Nigeria's three strategic cities while 135 valid responses were received giving a response rate of 65.8%. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics while multiple regression analysis was used to model the barriers. Kruskal Wallis test was used to test the only hypothesis postulated for the study.FindingsThe study established lack of awareness of BIM for FM, poor supporting infrastructure for Internet services, and lack of education and training as the top three rated barriers militating against adoption of BIM for FM in Nigeria while corruption, widespread mistakes and errors and cultural issues were established as the three least rated barriers. Besides, findings also established eight underlying factors that explained 23 barrier factors used for the study which were subsequently used to develop eight regression models. In effect, gender, professional affiliation, organisation, experience, education, expertise, BIM for FM project type, and location were found to statistically predict the 8 extracted factors driving perceived barriers of BIM for FM adoption in Nigeria.Practical implicationsThe study has provided a framework of barrier factors to help stakeholders identify specific barriers for which appropriate measures can be taken to ameliorate consequences of the perceived barriers. Meanwhile, an improved and rejuvenated advocacy on inherent benefits of BIM for facilities management by frontline stakeholders could potentially steer up interests and increased participation of stakeholders on BIM for FM.Originality/valueThe unique study developed the first ever regression model that links BIM for FM barriers to professional attributes of facilities management stakeholders in Nigeria