Critical Factors Influencing Adoption of Blockchain-Enabled Smart Contracts in Construction Projects

Construction projects are premised upon contractual arrangements, and contracts constitute the basis of their success. A contract enables execution of work and transfer of payments, tracking of key performance indicators, and facilitation of collaboration among project stakeholders. Historically, construction projects have faced critical challenges due to poor alignment between clients’ expectations, contract terms, and contractor performance. The advent of advanced digital technologies under the concept of Industry 4.0 has the potential to benefit construction projects through application of blockchain-enabled smart contracts. However, the adoption of smart contracts in construction projects is in its early stages, and the factors that will influence its adoption remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore and establish the critical factors influencing adoption of smart contracts in construction contractual arrangements. This study administered an international questionnaire survey among experienced construction practitioners with involvement in smart contract initiatives and activities. The results obtained from descriptive statistics and fuzzy set-based analysis show that trialability, relative advantage, competitive advantage, and compatibility of smart contracts are the important predictors of the adoption of such contracts. The findings suggest that practitioners share a view that technological characteristics of blockchain-enabled smart contracts are critical to their adoption, regarding the technology’s perceived practicality in improving effectiveness and efficiency of construction projects. This study contributes to technology diffusion research in construction and highlights drivers that require practitioners’ and industry leaders’ attention to ensure successful adoption of smart contracts for cost-effective delivery of construction projects

Exploring the role of traditional authorities in managing the public as stakeholders on PPP projects : a case study

Previous research indicates that involving representatives of the public in stakeholder management increases the likelihood of obtaining successful outcomes when managing the public as stakeholders on PPP projects. Relatively little is however known about the exact roles played by traditional authorities, who are powerful public representatives and significantly influence the public and the stakeholder management process on PPP projects worldwide. A case study of a PPP was conducted to explore this question. Through a thematic analysis of data collected from multiple sources, four main roles of traditional authorities were identified: mediation; project monitoring; community representation; and custody management of community culture and physical resources. These roles and their associated outcomes make traditional authorities a crucial link between project executors and the public during stakeholder management. This study provides a step towards developing strategies for collaborating with traditional authorities for better stakeholder management of the public on PPP projects

Strategies for effective management of unsolicited public-private partnership proposals

Over the years, there has been an increasing trend in the use of unsolicited proposals for public-private partnership (PPP) project implementation. However, most unsolicited PPPs are often characterized as controversial and offer poor value for money. This paper aims to investigate the strategies for effective management of unsolicited proposals for PPP implementation. In addition, the commonly used and most suitable tendering methods for managing unsolicited PPP proposals are explored. Results reveal seven critical strategies for managing unsolicited PPP proposals: existence of well-structured and clear policy guidelines for unsolicited proposals; thorough assessment of value for money, innovation, cost, and risks of proposals; employment of highly skilled and competent staff during evaluations of proposals; competitive, fair, and transparent tendering process; extensive public consultation and stakeholder engagement; comprehensive evaluation of the impact of unsolicited proposals on sector/national policy; and adequate protection of intellectual property rights of the original proponent. Furthermore, regular procurement and best and final offer are the commonly used and most suitable tendering methods. The research outputs inform policymakers and private proponents of the key measures required in achieving value for money and wider social benefits for unsolicited PPPs