Unearthing the outcome of construction digitalisation – a South African perspective

Abstract

For most construction organisations in developing countries like South Africa, embracing digitalisation is constrained by the absence of evidence pointing to the outcome features of using digital technologies. This study, therefore, set out to unearth the potential outcomes of construction digitalisation by drawing from the perspective of construction professionals in diverse construction-related organisations across South Africa. The study adopted a post-positivism philosophical stance using quantitative research conducted through a questionnaire survey. Data were analysed using mean item score, Kruskal-Wallis H-Test and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). With good internal consistency, construct validity, and acceptable fit indices, CFA confirmed that an organisation's ability to deliver projects within the agreed schedule, quality and cost is improved with digitalisation, with better digital uptake and transformation achieved in the process. This implies that for a construction industry like South Africa, characterised by poor project performance due to the slow adoption of technological advancement, embracing construction digitalisation is a must in this current era of the fourth industrial revolution.

Keywords: Construction digitalisation, Fourth industrial revolution, Digital transformation

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1003095