INFLUENCE OF DIGITALISATION ON CONSTRUCTION PROJECT DELIVERY: A REVIEW

Abstract

The construction industry in developed and developing countries has been said to be under-digitized with organisations failing to realize the full potential and adoption of digitalisation as a driver for growth and efficiency in the industry. The delay in project delivery, cost inefficiencies, uninformed decision making, poor quality and poor performance in terms of productivity have been characterised as a result of absence of adequate digital expertise and technological adoption within the construction industry. Thus, this study reviewed selected literature on influence of digitalisation on construction project delivery and challenges faced in the Nigeria construction industry, intending to establish the current adoption level, highlights some significant challenges and suggests ways to mitigate the challenges. Findings of the study revealed that digitalisation have a substantial influence on construction project delivery. Also, the review revealed that the use of digitalisation in construction project delivery in Nigeria is still very low. With sets of challenges such as legal issues and regulations, cultural issues, lack of awareness, security, higher initial costs, project uniqueness, resistance, robotics, institutional and informational sharing. Thus, the study suggests rigorous awareness, especially among the concerned professionals and stakeholders, establishing digital knowledge, basic skills and training from grassroots, usually from the tertiary institutions and related professional bodies, and enacting government policy that will encourage and enforced the adoption and implementation of digital technology in the Nigeria construction industry.