ORCID Profile
0000-0001-7157-5344
Current Organisation
University of Adelaide
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Publisher: Emerald
Date: 20-07-2023
DOI: 10.1108/ECAM-01-2023-0012
Abstract: A novel facet of the construction industry's (CI) digital transformation relates to the rise of smart contracts, and the contribution of blockchain technology in this domain appears to be nascent but rapidly gaining traction. Although the benefits of digitalisation for technologically less enthusiastic CI are irrefutable, the adoption of smart contracts has been found to be low pertaining to industry professionals' behavioural factors stimulated by technological perception. The challenge undertook by this study, therefore, is to develop a knowledge framework for blockchain-enabled smart contract adoption in the CI. From a methodological perspective, this study employed a qualitative approach that involved semi-structured interviews with ten (10) highly experienced CI practitioners involved in digital innovations for data collection. Directed content analysis was performed using NVivo 12 software, which enabled the creation of preliminary open codes. Subsequently, these open codes were grouped into similar categories to develop axial codes. Finally, the study presented final themes along with their corresponding descriptions. Notably, research findings expanded the current body of knowledge on perceived attributes and their measurement items to determine the perception of innovation adoption in CI, where a total of nine (9) perceived attributes were associated with thirty-two (32) measurement items. The measurement items were seen as having an extensive impact on the CI professionals' decision to adopt blockchain-enabled smart contracts. With ensuing implications, this study represents one of the first to present a knowledge framework exclusively customised for blockchain-enabled smart contracts, laying the groundwork for effective technological adoption by CI professionals.
Publisher: Building Economics and Management Research Unit (BEMRU), University of Moratuwa
Date: 24-06-2022
DOI: 10.31705/WCS.2022.72
Abstract: The construction industry is one of the leading economic sectors in any country yet is renowned for its reluctance to adopt novel innovations. Meanwhile, research has found that the decision of any industry on the adoption or rejection of innovations depends on its positive or negative perception, which is stipulated by industry professionals’ knowledge. Therefore, this research aims to disclose how the professionals’ knowledge affects successful innovation adoption specific to the construction industry. A qualitatively based extensive literature synthesis has been conducted concerning three concepts to provide a holistic view of innovation decisions. Namely, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Technology-Organisation-Environment framework (TOE), and Diffusion of Innovation theory (DOI). The findings revealed that the "existing knowledge" of professionals was a key factor in innovation decisions. Accordingly, five main perceived attributes (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability) have been identified through Roger’s innovation-decision model, and decisively common measurement items have been documented under each perceived attribute that comprehensively endorses the "existing knowledge" of construction professionals. Furthermore, this contemporary study found that all the recognised measurement items extensively affect innovation-decision. In the absence of a pragmatic decision framework, this article provides a clear impression for both technology developers and their users/stakeholders on crucial elements of innovation adoption that have been concerned via decision makers' technological perception.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 29-07-2023
DOI: 10.3390/SU151511730
Abstract: Modular construction (MC) has gained attention due to its potential for fast construction, reduced construction waste, and lower environmental impact while having several other issues on stimulating sustainability. The circular economy (CE) focuses on better resource management through a closed-loop system. Even though MC enhances sustainable practice, several pitfalls barricade sustainability in MC (high initial investment, design consideration, and technology challenges). Nevertheless, the synergy between CE and MC has not been investigated in past studies to address the issues in MC to achieve sustainability. This study investigates the integration of CE principles in MC to enhance sustainability. This study used a qualitative approach via the Delphi technique by conducting three semi-structured expert interview rounds with the use of a purposive s ling method. The collected data were analysed using manual content analysis. This study identified nine notable issues in MC to achieve sustainability, and all CE 9-R (rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, recycle, and recover) principles could address those identified issues. Accordingly, thirty implementation strategies were recognised to fill the gap between the problems in MC and the potential of CE principles to solve the issues. The results provide insights for construction practitioners, policymakers, and researchers on integrating CE principles into MC processes to achieve sustainability goals. Ultimately, this study highlights the significance of a holistic approach by theoretically combining MC and CE principles as a benchmark for future studies. As a contribution, CE strives to make the planet a safe place to live by combatting resource depletion.
No related grants have been discovered for Umesha Weerapperuma.