PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the applicability of cloud computing (CC) and the challenges that contribute to more successful projects with a major sustainable construction development.Design/methodology/approachThe previous studies provided information on CC implementation barriers, which were then evaluated by 104 construction stakeholders through a questionnaire survey. As a result, the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) approach was used to investigate these barriers. Furthermore, a partial least square structural equation model was used to build a model of these barriers (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe EFA results revealed that the above-noted factors are in a close relation with three key components, i.e. social, economic and communication. In addition, the proposed model results found the social barrier a key challenge to the implementation of CC.Research limitations/implicationsThe results from this study can help decision-makers to improve the approaches regarding data fragmentation that has great effects on the execution of all construction projects. The focus of the paper is to enhance the data fragmentation processes. In addition, the results would be useful to strengthen the sustainability of existing construction projects by enhancing the implementation of CC.Originality/valueThe novelty of this research work will provide a solid foundation for critically assessing and appreciating the different barriers affecting the adoption of CC.

Sustainability aspects should be adopted during all the decision-making stages of executing construction projects to gain maximum benefits without compromising the objective of such projects. Cloud computing has been a valuable tool for sustainable construction success in several countries over the last two decades. Cloud computing and its drivers have undoubtedly improved the sustainable success target of cost, quality, and time. However, cloud computing implementation in Nigeria’s construction industry is minimal. Consequently, the study aims to generate a decision support model to support a cloud computing implementation by looking into the relationship between cloud computing drivers and construction activities in Nigeria. This study’s data was obtained from previous literature and quantitatively augmented with a questionnaire survey. The data was obtained from questionnaires administered to one hundred and four construction practitioners in Lagos State. Thus, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to validate the questionnaire survey results. However, to assess and validate the factors (drivers) constructed and analyze the relationships between cloud computing drivers and construction activities, partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) method was used. An analysis of construction project activities was carried out through EFA, and it generated five main components: pre-contract stage, management, design and storage, estimation and communications, and finally, back-office activities. The study indicated that the implementation of cloud computing drivers had a significant impact on construction activities. The findings also revealed a weak relationship between cloud computing implementation and construction activities, with a 0.087 percent impact. Furthermore, the findings indicate that human satisfaction is the primary factor influencing cloud computing deployment, followed by organization, client acceptance, and industry-based factors. The significance of the findings can be used as a reference or standard for decision-makers to base their decisions on the cost efficiency of cloud computing and its capability to boost efficiency in the construction sector. This research contributes to current construction engineering management by enhancing knowledge of cloud computing implementation drivers and their implications on construction activities.

Building information modelling (BIM) in the last two decades has been one of the most positive inventions in the fields of architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. The BIM software gives a digital representation of how the building will be after construction. The digital model can be used at preliminary stage for planning and design, at construction stage for construction and at pre-completion stage for the building operation and maintenance. This model, helps the engineers, constructors and architects identify the likely problems that may occur through the generated model of the intended facility in a virtual environment. A total of “108” conference papers, referred journal articles and other academic sources were analysed based on their relevance and research focus. This article gives a review on the implementation of Building information modelling (BIM) over building life cycles with a view of addressing the challenges and future research prospects. The paper concludes by stating that most of the BIM research focuses mainly at the preliminary and construction stages.

The objective of this study is to model oil palm yield distributions and investigate the factors that influence oil palm yields in Peninsular Malaysia using remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS) techniques. Herein, we investigate six factors that influence oil palm yield in Peninsular Malaysia, including mean annual minimum and maximum temperatures, mean annual rainfall, average number of rainy days per year, average annual relative humidity, and elevation. In order to model oil palm yield in Peninsular Malaysia, a large yield dataset covering Peninsular Malaysia for 37 years (1983 to 2020), as well as related explanatory variables, were collected. Areal interpolation was used to model the average yield distribution across the study area. The findings of this study show that oil palm yields vary across Peninsular Malaysia. Due to favourable climate and elevation, southern and southwestern Peninsular Malaysia, including Johor, Pahang, Melaka, and Selangor, recorded the highest amount of yield.

The quality of products and services is fundamental to organizational performance and reputation. A construction project entails meeting the specification criteria and standards of quality, finishing the task on time, and within the specified budget. Construction projects have different quality dimensions, and each can be measured from a different perspective. An exploratory research approach was used to explore the eight quality dimensions within the construction industry's perspective by exploring the quality issues within the Malaysian construction industry. The findings indicate that a related quality dimension is conformance or the degree to which a product's design and operating characteristics meet established standards. Thus, the study's significant contribution is the exploration of the eight quality dimensions from the construction industry's perspective. Thus, it is essential to ensure that the project meets the users' needs, and the best way to do this is to involve the users in the quality planning process. This will help ensure the project is designed and built to meet their needs and expectations. In conclusion, considering all the quality dimensions when planning and executing a construction project is essential, and by prioritizing these quality dimensions, we can ensure that the buildings are built with quality.