Adoption of cloud computing tools for sustainable construction: a structural equation modelling approach

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the cloud computing (CC) methods and tools towards the achievement of construction project sustainability in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach Data were obtained from the literature, complemented by a quantitative method using a questionnaire distributed among 104 respondents comprising mainly construction professionals in Nigeria. Subsequently, data were analysed using the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) method. In addition, the partial least square structural modelling was used to generate a model for the adoption of CC tools for sustainable construction. Findings EFA results indicated that the CC implementation tools could be categorised into four significant constructs: platform, communication, software and data storage. Results obtained from the model showed that platform tools were the most crucial tools for implementing CC in the construction industry. Practical implications The findings from this study are essential to the pursuit of perception of methods and tools connected to the vagueness of CC for future employees. In addition, the identified CC tools are expected to enhance the success of construction projects. Originality/value The novelty of this research work will be a benchmark or board for decision-makers to quality by adopting CC methods and tools in Nigeria’s construction projects to achieve their sustainable projects.

Construction in the digital age: exploring the benefits of digital technologies

“…Based on the latent similarities in the rotated variables and high Cronbach's alpha value shown in Table 5, this cluster is renamed "improved framework for operations". These findings align with the submissions of Abioye et al (2021), Oke et al (2022aOke et al ( , 2022b, Abuwarda et al (2022), and Aghimien et al (2022aAghimien et al ( , 2022b) who all studied how DTs such as AI, Big Data, BIM, additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing, smart wearable technologies and several other innovative tools can improve the operations of construction activities. Specifically, BIM which provides the digital representation of buildings has been found to improve decisionmaking on-site, enhance on-site collaborations and communications, mitigate risks and reduce costs (Akinradewo et al, 2021).…”

“…In a similar vein, through AI, construction organizations are now able to track the real-time interactions of workers and machinery during the construction process, thus, helping to eliminate errors and addressing any potential risks that might arise (Oke et al. , 2022a, 2022b). The second cluster accounts for 14.511% of the total variance explained and contains four variables – improved innovativeness in executing tasks, improved customer–client relationship, dispute resolution and cost reduction.…”

“…According to Oke et al. (2022a, 2022b), cloud computing has been found to provide real-time tracking capabilities which can provide prompt data on the purchasing and usage of materials as well as real-time reports and dashboards to provide updates. Thus, cloud computing can enable construction professionals to upload and access files and data anywhere and anytime which enhances the flexibility and communication between professional teams.…”

“…Another technology that can improve the productivity of construction operations is cloud computing which uses a network of remote servers hosted in the cloud to store, process and access real-time data using Internet technologies. According to Oke et al (2022aOke et al ( , 2022b, cloud computing has been found to provide real-time tracking capabilities which can provide prompt data on the purchasing and usage of materials as well as real-time reports and dashboards to provide updates. Thus, cloud computing can enable construction professionals to upload and access files and data anywhere and anytime which enhances the flexibility and communication between professional teams.…”

Determining the stationary barriers to the implementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in an emerging construction industry

“…They could be subdivided by profession or occupation as follows: Quantity (where 5 = extremely high, 4 = high, 3 = average, 2 = small and 1 = no or very small). This scale was adopted in some previous research (Oke et al, 2022;Kineber et al, 2020b).…”