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1 – 10 of 11Samuel Adeniyi Adekunle, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Obuks Ejohwomu, Emmanuel Abiodun Adekunle and Wellington Didibhuku Thwala
The construction industry has been traditionally referred to as slow when it comes to technological transformation. This study aims to investigate and present a scorecard of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The construction industry has been traditionally referred to as slow when it comes to technological transformation. This study aims to investigate and present a scorecard of the construction industry in the past decade, the paper adopted Bibliometrics. The study identified the various digital transformation (DT) aspects in the construction industry and future research directions are also identified.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the aim of this research, an inductive approach was adopted through a grounded theory strategy. Secondary data was retrieved from the Scopus database and analysed using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer. The data was retrieved through specific keywords related to the study focus.
Findings
The study also proposed a balanced flow model for DT discussion in the construction industry. DT in the construction industry disrupts every aspect of the industry, albeit at different rates due to the existing barriers; hence, the study identified areas that require further research. It, thus, provides a theoretical and practical basis for researchers and practitioners alike.
Originality/value
The study reviewed the DT research discuss in the construction industry. It is worthy of note that this is the first study that analyses the DT of the construction industry in the past decade.
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Andrew Ebekozien, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Samuel Adeniyi Adekunle, John Aliu and Wellington Didibhuku Thwala
Studies show that the twenty-first-century construction industry needs reskilling and upskilling tools to train large numbers of the workforce for better-integrated project…
Abstract
Purpose
Studies show that the twenty-first-century construction industry needs reskilling and upskilling tools to train large numbers of the workforce for better-integrated project delivery. Evidence shows that digitisation via the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technology can play a critical role in reskilling and competency demand. Attempting to use digital technology may have had some challenges. Studies about the perceived hindrances facing Nigeria's built environment professionals (BEP) reskilling and upskilling needs in the workplace via 4IR technologies are scarce. Thus, the study investigated the perceived encumbrances facing Nigeria's BEP training needs and proffered measures to improve their performance in the workplace via 4IR technologies.
Design/methodology/approach
The researchers engaged BEP in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. Regarding the data collection, a qualitative research design was adopted. The study achieved saturation after 32 virtual interviews. A thematic analysis was adopted for the collected data.
Findings
The study shows that using 4IR for reskilling and upskilling will enhance integrated project delivery. But the level of usage in training needs is low. Findings identified the various ways reskilling and upskilling could be achieved. Also identified are the major built environment areas that require 4IR training. Findings highlighted possible encumbrances facing the use of 4IR technologies by Nigerian BEP for reskilling and upskilling needs in the workplace and proffered feasible measures to improve 4IR usage for training needs.
Research limitations/implications
The study is restricted to the perceived encumbrances and proffers measures to improve BEP reskilling and upskilling needs via 4IR technologies via a qualitative method. Future research is required to validate the findings and test the proposed framework that emerged from the study.
Practical implications
The study confirms that reskilling and upskilling measures are required at all skill levels and may lead to economic growth. The paper would advance Nigerian higher educational accreditation agencies and various BEP regulatory bodies to review the curriculum and incorporate 4IR as a component or module.
Originality/value
The thematic network analysis and proposed framework could be utilised to stimulate Nigeria's BEP reskilling and upskilling needs in the workplace via 4IR technologies. It would stir main stakeholders, especially government policymakers, to facilitate programmes to improve 4IR technologies usage.
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Samuel Adeniyi Adekunle, Opeyemi Oyeyipo, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa, Andrew Ebekozien, John Aliu and Obuks Augustine Ejohwomu
In the present technological revolution era, lack of skills and training has been a critical challenge. Beyond this, there is less attention paid to how these skills should be…
Abstract
Purpose
In the present technological revolution era, lack of skills and training has been a critical challenge. Beyond this, there is less attention paid to how these skills should be delivered. Critically so is that of building information modelling as it affects the adoptions in the construction industry, which has been referred to as a game changer in terms of efficiency and productivity.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative approach was adopted, and a structured questionnaire was distributed to construction industry professionals. A total of 183 responses were collected and analysed to identify the effective and practical approaches to building information modelling (BIM) training for the construction industry.
Findings
The study ranked the most significant approaches and also clustered the approaches in order to provide a better understanding of the approaches. Two clusters were divided through a factor analysis of the approaches. The two clusters focus on pedagogy attributes and assessment attributes.
Originality/value
This study provides insight into an area that researchers have given less attention to before now. It, therefore, provides a critical point of call for industry practitioners and stakeholders in this area, which has been a source of concern. It helps in advancing BIM diffusion through training and informing targeted policies for effective training for emerging technologies.
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Olushola Akinshipe, Matthew Ikuabe, Samuel Adeniyi Adekunle and Clinton Aigbavboa
It is no news that Chinese construction companies are highly motivated to invest in Africa in terms of infrastructure and construction. This influx from the beginning of the…
Abstract
Purpose
It is no news that Chinese construction companies are highly motivated to invest in Africa in terms of infrastructure and construction. This influx from the beginning of the millennium marked a game-changer for infrastructural development in most African countries. This study, therefore, explores how the partnership between China and Africa has impacted the construction industry in Africa with a focus on Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative approach was adapted for the study, which is descriptive in nature, and the primary participants of the study were core construction professionals within the Nigerian construction industry. Data was collected via a structured questionnaire, and multivariate statistics was used to analyse the data.
Findings
The study results revealed that the benefits accrued from Chinese participation in the African construction industry can be classified into three distinct categories: socio-economic development through construction, land transportation system development and construction industry development. The study further revealed that Chinese involvement has been most beneficial to the development of the land transportation system in Nigeria with more investment in the construction and maintenance of roads and railways.
Originality/value
The study will serve as a basis for making informed future decisions on Chinese participation in the Nigerian construction industry as it exposes the impacts of the relationship within the current system. The outcome of this study can be used to refocus the partnership to ensure the optimum development of the local construction industry. The government and other relevant agencies can use the findings from this study to ensure that there is sustainable growth in the local construction industry through Chinese participation.
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Samuel Adeniyi Adekunle, Clinton Ohis Aigbavboa and Obuks Augustine Ejohwomu
The implementation of BIM in the construction industry requires the coevolution of the various aspects of the BIM ecosystem. The human dimension is a very important dimension of…
Abstract
Purpose
The implementation of BIM in the construction industry requires the coevolution of the various aspects of the BIM ecosystem. The human dimension is a very important dimension of the ecosystem necessary for BIM implementation. It is imperative to study this aspect of the BIM ecosystem both from the employer perspective and employee availability to provide insights for stakeholders (job seekers, employers, students, researchers, policymakers, higher education institutions, career advisors and curriculum developers) interested in the labour market dynamics.
Design/methodology/approach
To understand the BIM actor roles through the employer lens and the actual BIM actors in the construction industry, this study employed data mining of job adverts from LinkedIn and Mncjobs website. Content analysis was employed to gain insights into the data collected. Also, through a quantitative approach, the existing BIM actor roles were identified.
Findings
The study identified the employers' expectations of BIM actors; however, it is noted that the BIM actor recruitment space is still a loose one as recruiters put out open advertisements to get a large pool of applicants. From the data analysed, it is concluded that the BIM actor role is not an entirely new profession. However, it simply exists as construction industry professionals with BIM tool skills. Also, the professional development route is not well defined yet.
Originality/value
This study presents a realistic angle to BIM actor roles hence enhancing BIM implementation from the human perspective. The findings present an insight into the preferred against the actual.
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Andrew Ebekozien, Clinton Aigbavboa, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala, Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan, Mohamed Ahmed Hafez Ahmed, John Aliu and Samuel Adeniyi Adekunle
Twenty-first century digitalisation birthed new methods of payment systems like the emergence of cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrency technologies have been identified as drivers for…
Abstract
Purpose
Twenty-first century digitalisation birthed new methods of payment systems like the emergence of cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrency technologies have been identified as drivers for crypto-smart contracts and procurements. Studies regarding the application of cryptocurrency technologies in the Nigerian built environment industry are uncommon. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the relevance of cryptocurrency technologies to the sector, examine the perceived barriers that may hinder cryptocurrency technologies implementation and propose measures to promote the applications.
Design/methodology/approach
The research conducted a virtual interview across Abuja and Lagos cities to appraise stakeholders’ perceptions. The interviewees were requested to proffer answers to the research questions. The study conducted 25 semi-structured interviews with knowledgeable stakeholders. The data were analysed, and findings were reported in themes.
Findings
Enhanced the era of smart contracts, increased liquidity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and new openings to raise more funds for capital-intensive construction projects emerged as the advantages where cryptocurrency technologies can benefit the sector if allowed to operate. Cryptocurrency technology applications are not without some anticipated hindrances. Risk of loss of investment/price instability, lack of intrinsic value, money laundering, attracting speculators, criminal activities/security issues, lack of clarity and awareness and lack of skills emerged as the frequently anticipated barriers that may hinder cryptocurrency technologies applications.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited to cryptocurrency technology applications in Nigeria’s built environment, and a qualitative method has been adopted.
Originality/value
Besides uncovering barriers hindering cryptocurrency technology usage via an unexplored mechanism, the study is one of the few studies to proffer measures to improve cryptocurrency technology usage in the built environment.
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Thabo Khafiso, Clinton Aigbavboa and Samuel Adeniyi Adekunle
This study aims to examine the challenges in the implementation of energy management systems in residential buildings to lower the running cost and achieve a better…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the challenges in the implementation of energy management systems in residential buildings to lower the running cost and achieve a better energy-efficient building.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a mixed research method. Quantitative data was gathered by issuing a research questionnaire to 20 Delphi experts, while qualitative data was acquired through a Systematic Literature Review. Data received was analyzed using the descriptive analysis method.
Findings
The findings revealed that the main barriers to incorporating energy management systems (EMSs) in residential buildings consist of a lack of awareness of energy management systems, lack of management commitment to energy management, lack of knowledge about energy management systems, lack of funds for energy management systems, resistance to energy management technology by the property owners and property managers, distrust and resistance to energy management technology by the property owners, high initial cost of energy management technologies, shortage of technicians for energy management technologies, the nonexistence of local manufacturers of energy management equipment, lack of incentives for efficient energy management and high repair costs of energy management technologies.
Research limitations/implications
The specific focus on residential buildings may limit the applicability of findings to commercial or industrial sectors. Further research is warranted to accommodate other energy-consuming sectors.
Practical implications
People’s perceptions, either wrong or correct, affect their ability to make an informed decision to adopt energy management systems, denying them the opportunity to reap the associated benefits. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the residential industry stakeholders and the government to increase educational opportunities for property owners, managers and property tenants on the importance of energy management systems.
Originality/value
This research presents the potential obstacles and problematic areas that residents may encounter while using these energy management systems. Consequently, they will be able to make a well-informed choice when installing energy management systems. Moreover, the research elucidates the identification of novel perspectives and also unexamined obstacles that impede the widespread use of energy management systems in residential buildings.
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John Aliu, Douglas Aghimien, Clinton Aigbavboa, Andrew Ebekozien, Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke, Samuel Adeniyi Adekunle, Opeoluwa Akinradewo and Olushola Akinshipe
As the world experiences a rapid rise in technological advances, the engineering profession will be required to become even more socially responsible and emotionally stable to be…
Abstract
Purpose
As the world experiences a rapid rise in technological advances, the engineering profession will be required to become even more socially responsible and emotionally stable to be able to display higher levels of empathy towards the society they serve. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the key emotional competencies (ECs) that engineers need to possess to thrive in the construction industry after graduation.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research approach was conducted with close-ended questionnaires developed and administered to built environment professionals such as architects, construction managers, construction project managers, engineers and quantity surveyors.
Findings
The results showed that the ability to display a positive outlook on life, understand one's emotional triggers, ability to display resilience in hard times, control one's emotions and ability to show compassion to others were the highest-ranked ECs. Further analysis revealed four clusters such as self-awareness, empathy, self-regulation and self-motivation.
Practical implications
Practical guidance for higher education institutions is offered in terms of revamping and revisiting their engineering education curricula to develop these ECs to produce emotionally sound engineers for the ever-changing world of work.
Originality/value
As the world of work becomes increasingly dynamic and diverse, engineers will be required to possess empathy, social skills and high levels of ECs to be able to seamlessly interact with fellow professionals as well as the society they serve.
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Okharedia Goodheart Akhimien and Simon Ayo Adekunle
The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between cultural distance and psychological adjustment of expatriates in Nigeria and perceived social supports…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between cultural distance and psychological adjustment of expatriates in Nigeria and perceived social supports moderating the relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a cross-sectional survey research design. Data were collected through 236 validly filled questionnaires by expatriates working in different industries in Nigeria. The research variables were measured using appropriate validated scales developed by different experts. Data collected were analyzed using frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to establish the relationships among the variables.
Findings
The study found that the distance between expatriates’ home and Nigeria on each of the dimensions of cultural values: power distance, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance cultural value, long-term orientation and indulgence negatively influence the psychological adjustment of the expatriates in Nigeria. The study demonstrated that the larger the distance between expatriates’ home and Nigeria's cultural values, the larger the difficulties in the psychological adjustment of expatriates in the country.
Practical implications
This study provides useful insights and a better understanding to both present and future global human resource practitioners, multinational organizations, international institutions and local organizations operating in Nigeria with a global mindset on the cultural profiles of expatriates that are critical to adjust to working, social interactions and living environments in Nigeria.
Originality/value
It provides practical guidance to global human resource practitioners and employers on dimensions of cultural values distance between Nigeria and the home countries of expatriates that should be considered when deciding on, searching for, selecting, recruiting and relocating expatriates to work and live in Nigeria.
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Matthew Ikuabe, Clinton Aigbavboa, Chimay Anumba, Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke and Samuel Adekunle
Incorporating digital technologies such cyber-physical systems (CPS) for facilities management (FM) functions is fast gaining attention. However, the rudiments for the effective…
Abstract
Purpose
Incorporating digital technologies such cyber-physical systems (CPS) for facilities management (FM) functions is fast gaining attention. However, the rudiments for the effective espousal of such an innovative technology for the delivery of FM tasks have not received scholarly attention. In FM, the business environment is a vital component in achieving organisations’ stipulated objectives. Hence, this study aims to assess the influence of business environment factors in the adoption of CPS for FM activities.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was adopted for the study using the Delphi technique. Experts were selected through a well-defined process that involved certain criteria. The opinions of the selected experts were gotten in two iterations that were subjected to analysis using statistics of measure for central tendency, and interquartile deviation to ascertain consensus among the experts, while Mann–Whitney U test was deployed in checking the difference in the views of the experts.
Findings
The results from the study indicated that eight business environment factors were of very high significance in determining the espousal of CPS for FM, while the other eight factors proved to be high significance. Also, there was no significant difference in the opinions of experts from academic institutions and professional practice.
Practical implications
The findings from the study would provide insight to organisations saddled with FM activities on the prevailing business environment factors that would be influential in adopting a digital technology such as CPS.
Originality/value
The study contributes immensely to the body of knowledge in the quest for digital transformation in FM delivery. It unveils the significant business environment factors that are influential in the drive for incorporating new innovations such as CPS for FM functions.
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