Institutional-Repository, University of Moratuwa
Welcome to the University of Moratuwa Digital Repository, which houses postgraduate theses and dissertations, research articles presented at conferences by faculties and departments, university-published journal articles and research publications authored by academic staff. This online repository stores, preserves and distributes the University's scholarly work. This service allows University members to share their research with a larger audience.
 Research Publications |  Thesis & Dissertation |  E- Books |
 UoM Journal Publications |  UoM Conference Proceedings |  Articles published in Scimago's Q1 journals |  UoM Research Reports |  Other Articles authored by UoM staff |
Recent Submissions
item: Conference-Full-text
A Review of Building Information Modelling (BIM) research in New Zealand academia from 2010-2025
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Rahman, MA; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
Over the past decade, Building Information Modelling (BIM) has become a focal point for both academia and the global construction industry. A vast body of international literature exists, exploring the benefits and challenges of BIM while supporting its adoption within local contexts. Similarly, BIM has gained significant traction within the New Zealand construction industry over the last 15 years; however, academic research specifically tailored to the New Zealand context remains an emerging field. This paper aims to identify and synthesize existing research on BIM within New Zealand academia to evaluate the nature of these publications and the contributions of various institutions. To achieve this, a systematic review was conducted using online databases (such as Scopus and ScienceDirect), complemented by a manual review of New Zealand-based BIM researcher profiles. After the analysis, this study identified 97 articles published during the period of 2010-2025 and divided the articles in six key themes. This study also provides deep insights into the current state of BIM research in New Zealand and serves as a baseline for academia and government to develop effective strategies for future research initiatives.
item: Conference-Full-text
A Systematic review to investigate the root causes for variations in infrastructure developments
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Kithulgodage, SE; Kulatunga, U; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
Infrastructure development projects play a critical role in economic and societal advancement. However, they are frequently affected by variations that influence project cost, time, and performance. Given the limited knowledge about the root causes and impacts specific to infrastructure developments, a systematic literature review conducted using a mixed method approach. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. Relevant publications from Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases between 2019 and 2023 were identified using a structured search strategy based on the PICO framework. Following screening and eligibility assessment, fourteen peer-reviewed studies were selected for detailed analysis. The findings reveal that variations arise from interconnected financial, technical, administrative, environmental, institutional, and human-related factors. Key root causes include insufficient budget allocation, regulatory and policy changes, design deficiencies, unforeseen site conditions, material supply disruptions, and coordination failures among stakeholders. These factors contribute to project delays, cost overruns, contractual disputes, and scope modifications, ultimately affecting infrastructure project performance. The review further highlights the complex interactions among stakeholders and emphasizes the need for proactive risk management, improved financial planning, regulatory streamlining, and enhanced communication mechanisms to mitigate variation impacts. By synthesizing recent literature, this study provides a consolidated understanding of the drivers of variations in infrastructure developments and offers insights to support policy makers and practitioners in improving project resilience and delivery outcomes.
item: Conference-Full-text
A Theoretical framework for the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies in the construction industry.
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Li, R; Oo, BL; Lim, BTH; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
Despite the extensive research on the applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in the construction industry, little attention has been given to the theoretical perspective on varying levels of AI adoption by the industry stakeholders. This research aims to address this gap by proposing a theoretical framework for understanding the adoption of AI technologies in the construction industry. The framework was developed through a review of literature, and it draws on four underpinning theories, namely: the Technology–Organisation–Environment (TOE) framework, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) and the Stakeholder Theory (SKT). The TOE framework and IDT shape the influencing factors at the macro-level, while the TAM captures the factors at the micro-level along with SKT for defining the relevant stakeholders of the AI adoption in the construction industry. By connecting individual, organisational, and industrial factors at macro- and micro-levels that impact AI adoptions in the industry, the framework provides a better understanding of the complex interplay of the respective factors in informing future research.
item: Conference-Full-text
Academic workload and mental wellbeing: perspectives of first-year quantity surveying students at higher education institutions in Sri Lanka
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Jayakody, JDRA; Thiruchelvam, K; Uduwage, DNLS; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
Mental well-being plays an important role in the academic success of first-year students during their transition from secondary education to higher education institutes. They often encounter challenges with new social responsibilities, increased academic workload, and an unfamiliar learning environment. These challenges can negatively influence their mental well-being. This study aims to identify the influence of academic workload on the mental well-being of first-year quantity surveying (QS) students in Sri Lanka. A quantitative approach was adopted in the study, beginning with a literature review to identify the challenges that first-year students encounter once they enrol in university. An online questionnaire was administered to collect responses from 80 first-year quantity surveying students studying in Sri Lanka. Data analysis was conducted using Fisher’s Exact test and the Mann-Whitney U test to examine perception of workload and its impact on mental wellbeing on first-years QS students. The results of the study revealed that there was no significant difference between gender and the perceived negative impact on the mental well-being of first-year quantity surveying students. Further, the Relative Important Index (RII) was used to rank the academic-related challenges first-year quantity surveying students experience. The findings indicate that balancing extracurricular activities with academic workload is more challenging than studying unfamiliar module content in a new language. The study identifies the key academic challenges influencing the mental well-being of first-year quantity surveying students in Sri Lanka. Addressing these challenges is important for a successful transition from secondary education to university life for first-year quantity surveying students to promote academic success and good mental well-being.
item: Conference-Full-text
Adoption of plain language to Sri Lankan construction contracts: a narrative review.
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Thiruchelvam, K; Uduwage, DNLS; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
Construction contracts serve as legally binding agreement that govern the relationships and obligations of parties involved in construction projects. However, their complex and legalistic language often creates difficulties for contract users. Plain language construction contracts have emerged as an approach to overcome interpretation errors and misunderstandings caused by the traditional legalistic language used in conventional construction contracts. This study adopts a narrative literature review approach, examining literature published over the past fifteen years (2010–2025), focusing on the adoption of plain language in construction contracts, its benefits, challenges, and relevance to the Sri Lankan construction industry. The results indicate that plain language can improve clarity, readability, accessibility, and stakeholder communication, while reducing misinterpretation and potential disputes. Challenges include concerns about legal precision, resistance to change, and the need for specialised drafting skills. Furthermore, the study identifies a research gap, as scholarly attention on plain language construction contracts in Sri Lanka remains limited. The study proposes future research directions including assessing the readiness of the Sri Lankan construction industry to adopt plain language construction contracts, developing contract templates suitable for the Sri Lankan context, and conducting pilot testing to evaluate their practical applicability. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by synthesizing global insights on plain language construction contracts and reflecting on their relevance to the Sri Lankan construction industry.