Built Environment Project and Asset Management

Shang, Gao; Low, Sui Pheng; Lim, Xin Ying Valen

2023 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-12-2022-0195

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and differing attitudes towards its adoption in the building and environment (B&E) industry has an impact upon whether companies can meet changing demand and remain relevant and competitive. The emergence of Industry 4.0 technologies, coupled with the repercussions of COVID-19, increases the urgency and opportunities offered that companies must react to, as disruptive technologies impact how project management (PM) professionals work and necessitate acquisition of new skills. This paper attempts to identify the drivers of and barriers to, as well as the general perception and receptiveness of local PM professionals towards, AI adoption in PM and thereby propose potential strategies and recommendations to drive AI adoption in PM.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs both quantitative and qualitative approaches to examine the findings gathered. A survey questionnaire was used as the primary method of gathering quantitative data from 60 local PM professionals. Statistical tests were performed to analyse the data. To substantiate and validate the findings, in-depth interviews with several experienced industry professionals were performed.FindingsIt is found that top drivers include support from top management and leadership, organisational readiness and the need for greater work productivity and efficiency. Top barriers were found to be the high cost of AI implementation and maintenance and the lack of top-down support and skilled employees trained in AI. These findings could be attributed to the present state of AI technologies being new and considerably underutilised in the industry. Hence, substantial top-down support with the right availability of resources and readiness, both in terms of cost and skilled employees, is paramount to kick-start AI implementation in PM.Originality/valueLittle research has been done on the use of AI in PM locally. AI's potential to improve the productivity and efficiency of PM processes in the B&E industry cannot be overlooked. An understanding of the drivers of, barriers to and attitudes towards AI adoption can facilitate more intentional and directed oversight of AI's strategic roll-out at both the governmental and corporate levels and thus mitigate potential challenges that may hinder the implementation process in the future.

Tanko, Bruno Lot; Essah, Emmanuel A.; Elijah, Olakunle; Zakka, Wyom Paul; Klufallah, Mustafa

2023 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-11-2022-0179

The Internet of Things has made the shift to the digital era possible, even though the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector has not embraced nor integrated it within the core functions compared to other sectors. The need to enhance sustainable construction with the adoption of Internet of Things in this sector cannot be overemphasized. However, the real-world applications of Internet of Things in smart buildings remain relatively unexplored in the AEC sector due to several issues related to deployment and energy-saving potentials. Given these challenges, this paper proposes to identify the present state of development and research in Internet of Things and smart buildings, identify Internet of Things clusters and applications in smart buildings.Design/methodology/approachBibliometric analyses of papers from 2010 to 2023 using the Scopus database and scientometric evaluations using the VosViewer software were undertaken. The proper search keyword was identified by using the phrases “ Internet of Things” and “Smart Building”. A total of 1158 documents in all, written by 3540 different writers, representing 2285 different institutions from 97 different countries were looked at. A metasynthesis was conducted and a system of Internet of Things applications in a smart building is illustrated.FindingsThe development of IoT and Smart Buildings is done in two phases: initiation (2010–2012) and development phase (2013–2023). The IoT clusters comprised Internet of things, energy efficiency, intelligent buildings, smart buildings and automation; while the most commonly used applications were analysed and established. The study also determined the productive journals, documents, authors and countries.Research limitations/implicationsDocuments published in the Scopus database from 2010 to 2023 were considered for the bibliometric analysis. Journal articles, conference papers, reviews, books and book chapters written in English language represent the inclusion criteria, while articles in press, conference reviews, letters, editorials, undefined sources and all medical and health publications were excluded.Practical implicationsThe results of this study will be used by construction stakeholders and policymakers to identify key themes and applications in IoT-enabled smart buildings and to guide future research in the policymaking process of asset management.Originality/valueThe study utilised bibliometric analysis, scientometrics and metasynthesis to investigate Internet of things applications in smart buildings. The study identified Internet of things clusters and applications for smart building design and construction.

Tokede, Olubukola; Boggavarapu, Mani Kumar; Wamuziri, Sam

2023 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-07-2022-0103

Crucial transition of the Indian residential building sector into a low-emission economy require an in-depth understanding of the potentials for retrofitting the existing building stock. There are, however, limited studies that have recognised the interdependencies and trade-offs in the embodied energy and life cycle impact assessment of retrofit interventions. This research appraises the life cycle assessment and embodied energy output of a residential building in India to assess the environmental implications of selected retrofit scenarios.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilises a single case study building project in South India to assess the effectiveness and impact of three retrofit scenarios based on life cycle assessment (LCA) and embodied energy (EE) estimates. The LCA was conducted using SimaPro version 9.3 and with background data from Ecoinvent database version 3.81. The EE estimates were calculated using material coefficients from relevant databases in the published literature. Monte Carlo Simulation is then used to allow for uncertainties in the estimates for the scenarios.FindingsThe three key findings that materialized from the study are as follows: (1) the retrofitting of Indian residential buildings could achieve up to 20% reduction in the life cycle energy emissions, (2) the modification of the building envelope and upgrading of the building service systems could suffice in providing optimum operational energy savings, if the electricity from the grid is sourced from renewable plants, and (3) the production of LEDs and other building services systems has the highest environmental impacts across a suite of LCA indicators.Originality/valueThe retrofitting of residential buildings in India will lead to better and improved opportunities to meet the commitments in the Paris Climate Change Agreement and will lead to enhanced savings for building owners.

Kissi, Ernest; Babon-Ayeng, Prosper; Aigbavboa, Clinton; Duah, Daniel; Danquah-Smith, Eugene; Tannor, Reuben Agyei

2023 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-08-2022-0120

The adoption of green construction concepts in road infrastructure projects is an opportunity to minimise the carbon footprint while boosting the built environment's capacity to promote sustainability. Consequently, this study examines the components of green road construction practices in developing countries such as Ghana.Design/methodology/approachUsing a quantitative research method, four hypothesised constructs identified from the review of relevant literature were tested. The views of 144 quantity surveyors, civil engineers and project managers within Ghana's three road agencies were elicited using a structured close-ended questionnaire. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) based on the structural equation model (SEM) was adopted in analysing the data obtained.FindingsThe study's results reveal that the identified components: sustainable design, materials and resources, stormwater management and energy efficiency, significantly influence green road construction.Practical implicationsIt reveals the critical elements of sustainable road design and construction, aiding organisations, construction companies and legislators in making informed choices on road design and construction.Originality/valueResults from this study provide empirical evidence lacking in the literature about the main components of green road construction.

Coskun, Cansu; Dikmen, Irem; Birgonul, M. Talat

2023 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-10-2022-0153

Megaprojects are large-scale and long-term investments. Three pillars of sustainable construction objectives, namely, social, environmental and economic, should be integrated into megaproject risk management to ensure long-term success. A risk assessment method, Risk Assessment Method for Sustainable Construction Objectives in Megaprojects (RAMSCOM), was developed for this purpose.Design/methodology/approachRAMSCOM was developed based on the latest concepts and identifying relevant and critical sustainability objectives and risks through an extensive literature review. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Cross-Impact Analysis (CIA) were used to determine and quantify the threats regarding the importance of the sustainability objectives. The applicability of RAMSCOM was demonstrated on a real megaproject.FindingsThe findings revealed that sustainability risk assessment requires integration of economic, environmental, social objectives and analysis of cross-impacts of risk factors. Visualization of interrelated threats, vulnerabilities and objectives has a potential to support risk mitigation decisions to achieve sustainability goals.Research limitations/implicationsThe method has been developed based on the findings from a detailed literature survey on sustainability objectives and risks. RAMSCOM was tested on a single project with the assistance of three experts' views. Findings from the case project cannot be directly generalised for various megaprojects considering the unique nature of megaprojects.Practical implicationsDecision-makers can use RAMSCOM to assess sustainability risks in megaprojects and develop risk management plans for the most vulnerable and important sustainable objectives in a visual and quantified approach to ensure megaproject's sustainability in the long-term.Originality/valueThe theoretical contribution is a novel risk assessment method that integrates all dimensions of sustainability and quantifies the vulnerability of sustainability objectives considering their priorities, interrelations and risks. Sustainability dimensions, objectives and risks used in RAMSCOM can be useful for other researchers aiming to develop similar methods.

Osuizugbo, Innocent Chigozie; Nnodu, Chinedu Valerie

2023 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-12-2022-0203

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is one of the best approaches to identifying, preventing, minimising, compensating for any unfavourable impacts on the environment and also encouraging sustainability. This paper aims to investigate the barriers to EIA implementation for construction projects in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a survey research technique. The snowball sampling approach was adopted to identify key stakeholders in EIA practice for the administration of questionnaire. A total of 187 questionnaires were administered and a response rate of 60% (113 questionnaires were adequately filled and returned) was achieved. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilised in analysing elicited data.FindingsThe results from data analysis showed that, “failure to influence the decision-making process/multiple conflicting decision-making”, “unstable regulatory regime”, “lack of available, accessible and fit-for purpose data”, “inadequate public knowledge of legal issues” and “poor provision of information” were the top most five barriers to EIA implementation for construction projects in Nigeria. Also, the results from the research show a statistically significant degree of agreement on the rankings by the groups of key stakeholders in EIA concerning the barriers to EIA implementation for construction projects.Originality/valueThis paper contributed to more effective EIA studies by drawing attentions to barriers to EIA implementation for construction projects. An understanding of these barriers can help key stakeholders in the construction industry of developing countries such as Nigeria to facilitate development of methods required in reducing barriers to EIA implementation in the construction sector.

Rotimi, Funmilayo Ebun; Rotimi, James Olabode Bamidele; Silva, C.W. Chathurani; Olatunji, Oluwole Alfred; Ramanayaka, Chamil Erik D.

2023 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-06-2022-0078

Migrant construction workers, significant in many developed economies, face several challenges, which place them at a higher risk of job dissatisfaction compared to locals. Therefore, this study investigates the determinants of job satisfaction amongst a specific group of migrant construction workers, who hold temporary work visas (TWVs) in New Zealand (NZ).Design/methodology/approachAn explanatory research approach was used to investigate the determinants of job satisfaction identified through the literature review. Data were collected through a structured survey administered to 200 Chinese migrants on TWVs (short stays) working on selected major projects in the Auckland region. Data analysis involved T-test and structural equation modelling (SEM) of 102 valid questionnaire responses.FindingsThe study highlights the importance of providing opportunities for knowledge advancement and career progression for migrant construction workers to improve their job satisfaction. The results found that Chinese migrant construction workers are generally satisfied with their jobs and would extend their stay if job opportunities are provided. The results confirm that remuneration and opportunities for knowledge advancement and career progression lead to increased job satisfaction, while loneliness decreases job satisfaction. The opportunities for knowledge advancement and career progression triggered more satisfaction than remuneration.Originality/valueThe research result provides a useful knowledge base for understanding the determinants of job satisfaction amongst Chinese migrant construction workers with TWVs. These findings have implications for employment management practices within the construction industry and could enhance immigration information policies and other recruitment agencies' approaches to sourcing overseas workers for the NZ construction industry.

Atapattu, Chinthaka Niroshan; Domingo, Niluka; Sutrisna, Monty

2023 Built Environment Project and Asset Management

doi: 10.1108/bepam-07-2022-0105

Cost overrun is one of the critical issues faced in construction projects, as nine out of ten projects will likely go over the budget. In particular, transportation infrastructure (TI) projects, such as roads and bridges, are vastly affected by cost overruns, which can delay the entire project. This research intends to identify the factors affecting the cost overruns in New Zealand (NZ) TI projects.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted using a questionnaire survey involving ninety-two participants experienced in infrastructure project estimation in NZ. Quantitative methods were used to analyse the data.FindingsFifty-three factors were identified through literature under ten categories. Based on the survey, ten significant factors were identified with a high grade of importance. The three most critical factors were “frequent design changes,” “poor planning and scheduling” and “inadequate tender documentation.” It was found that the cost overrun is primarily affected by the pre-contract stage causes.Research limitations/implicationsThe data were collected from professionals involved in NZTI projects. Therefore, the implications may be different for other contexts.Practical implicationsThe results will improve the current estimation practice by developing a new statistical model considering all the significant variables for NZTI projects.Originality/valueAlthough much research is done to identify these factors, they are only considered in a few statistical cost models. These new statistical models mainly focused on technical variable factors similar to the current standard estimation process. However, the results of this research, qualitative and quantitative factors, will be used for the future cost model.