Assessing the readiness for digital technologies adoption for enhancing productivity in the Sri Lankan construction industry

Abstract

The Construction Industry (CI) is a vital sector that continually seeks to enhance productivity and profitability, facing distinct challenges compared to other industries. Amidst global trends emphasising the integration of digital technologies for improved productivity, the CI's adoption of such innovation technologies lags in a global perspective. The study recognises that digital transformation is vital to significant productivity gains in the construction industry. However, in the Sri Lankan context, a comprehensive study has not yet been done to develop a tool to assess the Sri Lankan construction industry's readiness towards digitalisation. This research paper addresses this gap by developing a readiness model and a self-assessment tool to measure the organisational readiness of Sri Lankan construction industry to adopt digital technologies in a holistic approach. This study employs a multi-dimensional approach by amalgamating the Technology-Organisation-Environment framework and the Readiness for Workforce Strategic Change Management framework, effectively addressing the complexities of digital technology adoption within organisations. A rigorous literature survey identified 15 readiness indicators spanning Environment, Technology, Organisation, Leadership, and Workforce dimensions to evaluate the construction industry's readiness. The research employs a mixed-methods approach involving a literature survey, pilot questionnaire, comprehensive questionnaire, and robust data analysis techniques, including descriptive, factor, and Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation analyses. The outcomes reveal a nuanced understanding of critical indicators, categorised into two groups named ELPA (Environment, Leadership, Workforce Attitude, and Organisational Performance) and TOK (Technology, Organisation, and Technical Knowledge). The study's primary contributions include the development of an organisational readiness model and a selfassessment tool, facilitating self-evaluation by construction organisations. The developed readiness model integrates these dimensions through weighted indicators, providing a holistic assessment of readiness. The self-assessment tool operationalises the model, enabling practitioners to gauge readiness by assessing each indicator's relevance towards digitalisation. The model is underpinned by Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation, ensuring objectivity and addressing subjective judgments. The assessment tool is precious for its practical applicability, offering a user-friendly approach for organisations to identify their strengths and weaknesses towards digital technology adoption at the organisational level. Ultimately, this research sheds light on the readiness landscape of the Sri Lankan construction industry, paving the way for strategic interventions and informed decision-making towards digitalisation. By aligning strategic plans based on the results obtained from the developed readiness model, organisations can drive their digital transformation journey, harnessing the potential of digital technologies to boost construction industry performance, bridge productivity gaps, and contribute to the economic growth of Sri Lanka.