Digital Technologies for Quality Assurance in the Construction Industry: Current Trend and Future Research Directions towards Industry 4.0

Despite the growing rich and fragmented literature focusing on quality assurance (QA) and Industry 4.0, the implementation of associated individual digital technologies has not been fully evaluated and synthesised to achieve adequate QA in the construction industry; hence, it has received limited focus. This study, thus, aimed to organise, evaluate, and synthesise the current literature on individual digital technology applications in QA in the construction industry and propose future research directions. A literature review approach was adopted for this study along with Deming’s cycle framework to address four research questions: (1) What is the status of the state-of-the-art in the literature? (2) What digital technologies have been applied for QA in the construction industry? (3) Which areas in QA processes have experienced digital technology applications, and what are the applications? (4) What are the limitations of the existing studies and future research directions of digital technologies for QA in the construction industry? The findings showed an increasing trend of research on digital technology for QA in construction since 2017. This cuts across 23 countries with six different research methods published across 18 different publication sources. Four categories of digital technologies were revealed to have been adopted for QA in construction based on the functionality of the technologies: data collection technologies, decision-oriented technologies, collaborative technologies, and transparency and security-related technologies. Evaluation with Deming’s cycle framework revealed that digital technologies have a high level of application at the “do” phase, improving the quality management process during construction towards achieving pre-stated quality requirements. This includes mostly collaborative technologies, consisting of BIM technologies. Limitations of the existing studies were further identified, and this led to five research directions: interoperability of technology development, integrated digital technologies for QA of prefabricated and modular construction, integrated digital technologies for QA of cross-border construction logistics and supply chain, digital innovation for sustainable QA, and moving beyond the technical solution. The study showed a significant contribution to both academia and the industry in the built environment

Modelling the critical challenges of quality assurance of cross-border construction logistics and supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the construction industry, yet still, it is unclear from existing studies about the critical challenges imposed on quality assurance (QA), particularly Cross-border Construction Logistics and Supply Chain (Cb-CLSC). Thus, this study aims to identify and examine the critical challenges of QA of Cb-CLSC during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: The aim is achieved via an embedded mixed-method approach pragmatically involving a desk literature review and engaging 150 experts across the globe using expert surveys, and results confirmed by semi-structured interviews. The approach is based on Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) as its foundation. Findings: The study revealed ten critical challenges of QA, with the top four including “the shortage of raw construction material (C7)”, “design changes (C6)”, “collaboration and communication difficulties (C1)” and “changes in work practices (C10)”. However, examining the interrelationships among the critical challenges using ISM confirmed C7 and C10 as the most critical challenges. The study again revealed that the critical challenges are sensitive and capable of affecting themselves due to the nature of their interrelationship based on MICMAC analysis. Hence, being consistent with why all the challenges were considered critical amid the pandemic. Sentiment analysis revealed that the critical challenges have not been entirely negative but also positive by creating three areas of opportunities for improvement: technology adoption, worker management, and work process management. However, four areas of challenges in the QA include cost, raw material, time, and work process, including inspection, testing, auditing, communication, etc. Practical implication: The finding provides a convenient point of reference to researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and decision-makers on formulating policies to enhance the effectiveness of construction QA during the pandemic through to the post-pandemic era. Originality: The study enriches the extant literature on QA, Cb-CLSC, and the COVID-19 pandemic in the construction industry by identifying the critical challenges and examining the interrelationships among them. This provides a better understanding of how the construction QA has been affected by the pandemic and the opportunities created

Insights into The Push Factors of Innovation Adoption of Professional Services Firms: The Case of Ghanaian Quantity Surveying Firms (QSF)

Construction industry is a universal driver of an economy but it is largely affected by its reluctance to innovate. This paper aims to identify the drivers of innovation adoption in Ghanaian Quantity surveying firms by looking at related previous literatures. The study adopted Quantitative research approach with census sampling technique, where questionnaires were sent to and retrieved from the top management of Quantity Surveying firms in Ghana. The study then adopted the use of mean score ranking, and hypothesis (H) was tested to check the significance level of all the push factors using One Sample Wilcoxon Signed rank test. 29 out of 43 questionnaires were retrieved from the quantity surveying firms (QSFs) at a response rate of 67.44%. Mean score ranking analysis clearly display that technological capability has the power to drive innovations in Quantity surveying (QS) firms. One Sample Wilcoxon Signed rank test concluded that effective information gathering is not important to the Quantity Surveying firms because it had a significant level of 0.384, which is greater than 0.05. Therefore, this research study has discovered that, programmes promoting access to technology is the main driver of technological capability towards innovations in professional service firms. The finding of this study is valuable to the Quantity Surveying firms as well as the other professionals in the construction industry as well as innovation policy makers and stakeholders, as it will help invest in technological capabilities including programmes promoting access to technology with the aim of driving innovations in the professional service firms

Insurable and non-insurable risks in complex project deals: case of the Ghanaian construction industry

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the insurable risks that impacted the operations on complex construction projects in developing countries using Ghana as a case study. Design/methodology/approach In this study, structured questionnaires were used to collect relevant information from the top management of construction and insurance firms in Ghana, comprising 50 industry professionals. The study adopted the χ2 and independent samples’ t test to interpret the responses from participants. Findings The study revealed the major risks that severely impacted the operations on complex construction projects, including strikes and labour disputes, long waiting time for approval of test samples, damages to property during construction, delay in payment to contractor for work done, poor construction method, pressure to deliver project on an accelerated schedule, labour shortage, permits delayed or take longer than expected, inaccurate materials estimating, change in weather pattern, low productivity of subcontractors and inadequate contractor experience. Practical implications The study is expected to contribute to increase in the awareness of the insurable risks and policies that project participants are exposed to, which will serve as a decision-making tool for contract formation. Originality/value This study assists in managing construction and insurance firms to note the major risk in managing a complex construction project. In addition to knowing the major risks identified, the study investigates the insurable risk by managing both construction and insurance firms

Underlying Indicators For Measuring Smartness Of Buildings In The Construction Industry

Purpose: The introduction of the Smart Buildings Technology (SBT) concept (which incorporates elements of the Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) concept) could be a measure in ensuring efficient energy consumption and high performance in buildings. Smart buildings provide solutions to improve building efficiency, and reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions and concomitant energy costs. In order to adopt SBT in the construction industry, it is important to identify the indicators of smartness of buildings, even though such may differ from region to region or even country to country. However, there have been inefficient studies identifying the indicators of smartness of buildings, especially in developing countries such as Ghana. This study investigates the underlying indicators for measuring the smartness of buildings in the construction industry. Methodology: An overarching post-positivist and empirical epistemological design was adopted for this research to analyse primary quantitative data. Data was collected via a structured questionnaire survey with 227 respondents including project managers and construction design teams in Ghana. The mean ranking analysis and one sample t-test were employed to analyse the data. Findings: Research findings revealed that the level of knowledge of smart building indicators is averagely high in the Ghanaian construction industry. With regards to the indicators of smart building, ‘sensors implementation to manage light level, air quality, temperature, fire alarm and smoke detector’ is regards as the most significant measure of smart buildings in the Ghanaian construction industry. Also, ‘remote implementation monitors building conditions and occupancy’, ‘implementation of any software that can talk to legacy equipment from many different manufactures’ and ‘data analytic’ are statistically insignificant in measuring smartness of buildings. Practical Implication: Practically, policy makers and practitioners can use the study’s results as blueprint guidance to appreciate and utilise the idea of smartness of buildings because it can improve building performance therefore, promoting the adoption of SBTs. To the body of knowledge, this study has identified the significant indicators for measuring the smartness of buildings, which can further influence SBTs adoption. Originality: Using the results, a model consisting of significant indicators for measuring building smartness was developed to help improve building performance. Recommendation: The study recommends future research to evaluate the awareness level of Smart Building Technologies (SBTs) by construction professionals and identify barriers to its adoption

Critical drivers for the adoption of wearable sensing technologies (WSTs) for construction safety monitoring in Ghana: A Fuzzy Synthetic Analysis

Purpose: The construction industry is one of the most hazardous working environments globally. Studies reveal that wearable sensing technologies (WSTs) have practical applications in construction occupational health and safety management. In the global south, the adoption of WSTs in construction has been slow with few studies investigating the critical drivers for its adoption. The study therefore bridges this gap by investigating the factors driving WSTs adoption in Ghana where investments in such technologies can massively enhance health and safety through effective safety monitoring. Design/Methodology: To meet the objectives of this study, research data was drawn from 210 construction professionals. Purposive sampling technique was used to select construction professionals in Ghana and data was collected with the use of well-structured questionnaires. The study adopted the Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation Model (FSEM) to determine the significance of the critical drivers for the adoption of WSTs. Findings: According to the findings, perceived value, technical know-how, security, top management support, competitive pressure, and trading partner readiness obtained a high model index of 4.154, 4.079, 3.895, 3.953, 3.971, and 3.969, respectively, as critical drivers for WSTs adoption in Ghana. Among the three broad factors, technological factors recorded the highest index of 3.971, followed by environmental factors and organizational factors with a model index of 3.938 and 3.916 respectively. Implications: Theoretically, findings are consistent with studies conducted in developed countries, particularly with regard to the perceived value of WSTs as a key driver in its adoption in the construction industry. This study also contributes to the subject of WSTs adoption and, in the case of emerging countries. Practically, findings from the study can be useful to technology developers in planning strategies to promote WSTs in the global south. To enhance construction health and safety in Ghana, policymakers can draw from the findings to create conducive conditions for worker acceptance of WSTs. Originality/Value: Studies investigating the driving factors for WSTs adoption have mainly centered on developed countries. This study addresses this subject in Ghana where studies on WSTs application in construction process is uncommon. It also uniquely explores the critical drivers for WSTs adoption using the Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation Model

Exploration of Latent Barriers Inhibiting Project Management Processes in Adopting Smart Building Technologies (SBTs) In the Developing Countries

Purpose: Whilst smart building technologies (SBTs) implementation ensures sustainability, their adoption is hampered by latent barriers, especially in project management processes. These latent barriers must be addressed in order to facilitate the successful and widespread adoption of SBTs. This study explores the significant latent barriers inhibiting the project management processes in adopting SBTs in developing countries. Methodology: A positivist research philosophy couched within a deductive approach was adopted to undertake a quantitative questionnaire survey of 227 project management and design team participants. Descriptive and inferential analytical tools (including a one sample T-test and exploratory factor analysis) were then adopted to interpret data collected. Findings: The results reveal that the “high cost of smart sustainable materials and equipment” is the major significant barrier hindering the adoption of SBTs in developing countries. Latent barriers were: “structure and time-related barriers”, “construction-related barriers” and “human, policy and cost-related barriers.” Originality: The study contributes novel insights into the prevailing nascent discourse on SBTs from the perspectives of construction project managers and design teams in developing countries, particularly. Furthermore, this is the first study that ascertains the significant barriers inhibiting project management processes in adopting SBTs in developing countries

Assessing the Level of Awareness of Smart Building Technologies (SBTs) in the Developing Countries

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the awareness level of SBTs among construction professionals in developing countries such as Ghana, and identify the key factors that have the significant capability of influencing the awareness level significantly. Methodology: Data was collected through questionnaire survey from 227 construction design team and project managers in the Ghanaian construction industry. Descriptive analysis and multivariate analysis using multiple regression were employed to analyse the data. Findings: Averagely low level of SBTs awareness was observed to exist among professionals in the construction industry of Ghana. The study further revealed “training programs” by organizations and “individual knowledge” as the key factors capable of significantly influencing the level of SBTs awareness in the construction industry of developing countries, particularly Ghana. Practical Implication: This paper identified training programs by organizations and individual knowledge as the two key factors having significant capability of influencing the SBTs awareness in the construction industry of developing countries such Ghana. The two factors can be incorporated in policy making process via considerations to help create SBTs awareness, such as encouragement of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) towards smart building concept in relation to construction sustainability. Originality: This study conceptualizes from a systematic professional perspective and provides empirical evidence on the key significant factors capable of influencing the awareness of SBTs in the developing countries such as Ghana

Assessing the Policy Provisions and Institutional Behavioural Factors Influencing Rail Infrastructure Financing in Developing Countries

Purpose: Financing rail infrastructure development in developing countries has hitherto received scant academic attention, especially in empirical developments. This research study assesses the policy provisions and institutional behavioral factors influencing rail infrastructure financing in developing countries such as Ghana. Methodology: An empirical and positivist epistemological lens was adopted using triangulation between deductive and inductive approaches to test three hypothesis. Methods adopted included questionnaire survey and interviews to gather primary data, and inferential statistics such as Bivariate Linear Regression Analysis. Findings: Factors identified that inhibit rail infrastructure development in developing countries include: ineffective monitoring and evaluation, a largely neglected rail sector and archaic financing posture. Based upon the findings, prescriptive guidance on financing future rail infrastructure for policymakers and governments is delineated. Originality: This novel research identifies a number of interventions, that if implemented, will engender socio-economic and regional inter-trade integration and prosperity to the sub-region of West Africa

The Strategic Benefits of Innovation Adoption in Construction Consultancy Firms: The Role of Quantity Surveyors

There is a need for consultancy firms to understand the worth of innovation adoption. The aim of this paper is to explore strategic benefits of innovation adoption in construction consultancy firms. The study adopted the census sampling technique via Quantitative Approach. Mean Score Ranking Analysis was employed to evaluate the benefits of the innovation adoption, and the level of agreement was established using Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance. Findings on the strategic benefits of adopting innovation in the construction services firms were: improvement of services and product quality, increase in technical capability, new processes, revenue growth, improvement of human resources, market penetration and growth, increase in organizational effectiveness, improvement of processes, improvement of client satisfaction, new services, improvement of organisational structure, intellectual property, short-term and long-term profitability as well as a better company image. The factor, “clients’ satisfaction” was found to be the most important strategic benefit of adopting innovation in consultancy firms. The key contribution of the paper to the body of knowledge is manifested in the discovery that clients’ satisfaction is the main concern of Quantity Surveying firms. Theoretically, the study Sought to provide a theoretical understanding of innovation adoption in construction consultancy firms by creating awareness on the clients’ satisfaction