Digital Technology Implementation in UK Construction Projects Case Study

Digital Technology Implementation in UK Construction Projects

Are you in search of the best assignment help in the UK? Look no further than Native Assignment Help. We understand the challenges you may encounter during your academic journey, so we're here to alleviate your burdens. Our website is user-friendly, and our customer support team is available around the clock to assist students. Let Native Assignment Help provide quality services and relieve your academic stress today! Additionally, explore our free case study to understand our work comprehensively.

1. Identification of management problem

1.1 Evidence for the problem

As per the views of Lochmiller (2021), it can be noted that since digital technology has the potential to enhance productivity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, it has become increasingly common to employ it in the construction industry. However, when implementing electronic devices in construction projects, there are also a number of instances that must be taken into account.

In the UK, the use of digital technology in construction has attracted a lot of attention. A number of instances demonstrate its benefits as well as its drawbacks.

• BIM: “Building Information Modeling (BIM)” is a type of digital technology that enables the development of three-dimensional models for construction projects involving buildings or infrastructure. The possibility of mistakes and delays can be decreased by using this model to locate and address potential issues during the design and construction phase. In the UK, BIM is widely used, and since 2016 the UK Government has mandated it to be used in projects including the public sector (Pell et al. 2019). One instance of a project that effectively utilized BIM and saw improvements in coordination, reduced waste, and cost savings is the “London's Crossrail project”.
• Drones: During site surveying, surveillance, and inspection purposes in construction endeavors, drones are being employed more and more. On construction sites, they may quickly and securely collect data, decreasing the possibility of accidents and improving efficiency. Through the utilization of helicopters to inspect the roofs of its construction sites, for instance, the UK-based construction business Skanska was able to decrease the need for scaffolding and increase safety.
• Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies: VR and AR allow participants to visualize the design and construction of a project through immersive experiences. Improved choice-making, as well as cooperation, may result from this. In order to plan and test the construction of a new building, for example, the “University of Cambridge” used VR technology, which led to a more effective design and lower construction costs. In addition to that, from the reports of Banalieva and Dhanaraj (2019), it can be remarked that the “Internet of Things (IoT)” technology employs sensors and other devices to collect and send data. IoT can be utilized in the construction sector to keep an eye on building supplies, machinery, and processes. This might help in spotting possible problems and enhancing the efficiency of the building process. For example, Skanska employed IoT sensors in order to track the state of a bridge as it was being built, improving safety and lowering costs. Despite the advantages, the use of digital technology in construction projects in the UK has also brought the spotlight on a number of problems (Li et al. 2019). For instance, the lack of industry standards might cause compatibility problems, and the expense of deploying digital technology may be too high for smaller businesses. Other crucial factors include the requirement for skill development, data management, and cybersecurity.

The use of digital technology in construction projects in the UK has demonstrated a great deal of promise, and numerous examples emphasize its potential to increase efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Watson and Wilkinson (2020) have asserted that in order to ensure that the technology is utilized efficiently and safely, it is crucial to take into account the difficulties related to its utilization. The use of digital technologies has the potential to boost the building sector's productivity, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness. It is essential to consider the difficulties involved with the technology's installation and use to ensure that it is being used efficiently and safely. The building services sector must take steps towards standardization, invest in talent development, and set up suitable data management and cybersecurity procedures in order to ensure the successful deployment of technological innovations.

1.2 Analysis of the problem

In the UK, the use of digital technology in construction endeavors has demonstrated a lot of potential in terms of increasing effectiveness, safety, and cost. However, there are a number of issues that need to be secured before digital technology may be used effectively. One of the most significant problems with the implementation of digital technologies in buildings is the lack of industry-wide standards (Quinn et al. 2020). Inaccuracies and higher expenses may be the outcome of difficulties with interoperability brought on by different apps, tools, and systems (Bonnet and Westerman, 2020). A move in the right direction is the UK government's need for "Building Information Modelling (BIM)" in public sector projects, however, there is still more to be done to ensure that everyone involved in the construction industry uses digital technology regularly.

The expense of integrating digital technology is a further issue; it can be prohibitively costly for small businesses. There is a need to make digital technology more accessible and affordable for smaller enterprises, despite the fact that the long-term benefits of employing it can outweigh the expenses (Monaghan et al. 2020). The establishment of open-source technologies and the dissemination of best practices could accomplish this.

Figure 1.2: Notable conflicting factors

Another issue related to the use of computer technology for construction is the need for skill development. Because of the building industry's historically delayed adoption of digital technology, there may be a skills gap when it comes to its installation and use. In order to remedy this situation, companies may need to spend money on staff training to make sure they have the ability to use technology efficiently (RODRIGUES et al. 2023). The application of digital technology to buildings must take security and data management into account. A great deal of data is produced when digital technology is used, and maintaining this data can be difficult. Additionally, there is a higher chance of cyberattacks, which have the potential to corrupt critical data and do serious harm. In order to ensure the security and confidentiality of data, appropriate data management systems and strong cybersecurity measures must be in place.

The advantages of digital technology in the construction industry are highlighted by real-world examples from the UK, including the use of “BIM in the Crossrail project”, drones for site surveying and inspection, VR and AR technologies for immersive experiences, and IoT sensors for in order to inspect construction sites, materials, and equipment. These illustrations also show the issues associated with its application, including the requirement for requirements, cost, talent development, data management, and cybersecurity (Martínez-Caro et al. 2020). There seems to be a lot of guarantee for the use of digital technology in building projects in the UK, but there are a number of difficulties that need to be resolved. To ensure the efficient and secure use of digital technology, the construction business needs to move toward standardization, make technology more accessible and inexpensive, engage in talent training, and put in place strong data management and cybersecurity safeguards.

1.3 Aim

This particular study aims to evaluate various issues implementing digital technology in the genre of the construction sector, housing, as well as commercial projects. The study will offer a detailed analysis of the major benefits or notable advantages which are interconnected with digital technology. The study also has the aim to reveal the impact of digital technology in order to improve the construction of the housing sector as well as the commercial projects.

1.4 Objective

• RO1: To explore the advantages of digital technology in order to support the “delivery of the construction of housing and commercial projects.”
• RO2: To investigate the potential negative impact of digital technology in the “construction of housing and commercial projects.”
• RO3: To find out the complexity of the application of digital technology in the “construction of housing and commercial projects.”

2. Research Project Design

2.1 Research Design

The research study underlines “the advantages of digital technology, to support the delivery of the construction of housing and commercial projects” will be done by following the “Explanatory Research Design”. In this regard, from the reports of Beck (2019), it can be noted that the following design aids the researchers in better understanding complex phenomena like personality traits, relationships, or processes within organizations through the use of an explanatory research design. Testing ideas and hypotheses is a helpful application of applying this design. It also aids in evaluate the major aims and objectives of this concerning study.

Figure 2.1: Advantages of Explanatory Research Design

With this design, it can often be easy to generalize the results to a larger population or context by using big samples or representing populations in design. Dufour and Richard (2019) have stated that, with the help of this design, researchers can offer comprehensive clarifications and insights that aid in the expansion of understanding and knowledge by examining the interactions between various factors and finding out the underlying reasons. In addition to that, it can be stated that by following all of these factors, the research will be conducted with this research design. There are other potential research designs as well, but they are not enough to mitigate the research objectives and fulfill the research aim of the study.

2.2 Data collection

The research study underlines “the advantages of digital technology, to support the delivery of the construction of housing and commercial projects” will be done by considering the “Secondary Data Collection Method”. The secondary data collection approach minimizes time since the data is already accessible and does not require it to be collected in an unconventional manner. If the researcher only has a limited amount of time and money, this approach can be extremely helpful. The expenditure on data collection is quite minimal because secondary data is already available (Ruggiano and Perry, 2019). It does away without the need to pay data collectors, as well as the accompanying expenses such as equipment, travel fees, and participant remuneration. Investigators are able to assess data from a greater number of samples than they could gather on their own due to the access to huge quantities of data from multiple sources made possible by secondary data gathering methods. It makes it possible to analyze the research issue in an approach that is both thorough and representative.

Figure 2.2: Advantages of Secondary Data Collection Method

Chatfield (2020) has commented that the secondary source data has already undergone validation and examination, making it more trustworthy than the original data gathered by academics. This is because the data had previously undergone scrutiny, verification, and error checking, boosting its accuracy. Comparing historical data with geographical information, demographic data, or groupings of individuals is possible. This makes it possible for researchers to spot trends and patterns that might not have been obvious in a sample that was smaller or less diversified. Comparing past information with geographic or demographic data, or groupings of individuals is conceivable. This makes it possible for researchers to spot trends and patterns that might not have been apparent in a sample that was smaller or less expanded.

2.3 Data Analysis

“The Qualitative Data Analysis” will be chosen by the investigator in order to complete the research study, which underlines “the advantages of digital technology to support the delivery of the construction of housing and commercial projects”. As a result of giving users access to data sets that are perhaps too big or too complex to be acquired through primary research, the secondary qualitative analysis may enhance the data. In addition, examining data in time, secondary data, and qualitative analysis permits researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the research question. Kern and Mustasilta (2023) have added that qualitative analysis can be used to confirm and develop findings from earlier research or to compare findings from other studies. The research's credibility and dependability may rise as a result. Since the data has already been gathered and is frequently made available to the public, secondary evaluation is frequently less expensive than undertaking fresh primary research.

Figure 2.3: Advantages of Qualitative Data Analysis Technique

In addition, for the sake of researchers with little funds and resources, this can be particularly helpful. Secondary analysis saves time because the researcher does not have to spend time gathering new data because the data is already available. This enables the researcher to concentrate more on the information's analysis and interpretation. Davidson et al. (2019) analyzed that it avoids the need for additional data collection, which can be time-consuming and potentially intrusive. Researchers can also preserve the secrecy and privacy of the participants by utilizing previously collected data.

2.4 Ethical considerations

Any research study must take ethical considerations into account in order to guarantee that the research is conducted with integrity and respect and that the rights and welfare of the participants are safeguarded. Participants can be safeguarded from harm or exploitation with the assistance of ethical concerns. Risks must be kept to a minimum, participants' confidentiality and anonymity have to be preserved, and participants' informed consent must be obtained. The general population's and participants' trust is maintained with the assistance of ethical concerns. Researchers may win the trust of participants, stakeholders, and the larger community by conducting their investigations in an ethical and open manner. Therefore, the entire research study will be done by maintaining the “Data Protection Act 2018” which is confined within the “General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)”. The researcher as well as the notable participants of this concerning research are bound to obey every single rule of this act. Henceforth, the data and the personal information of the participants, as well as the data which are interconnected with the UK, are perfectly safe.

The conduct of research must be thorough and responsible in order for ethical considerations to improve its quality. Researchers must adhere to accepted standards and guidelines and take into account any possible ethical repercussions of their work. Researcher adherence to the rules and restrictions imposed by regulatory organizations, such as the “Institutions Institutional Review Board (IRB)”, is aided by ethical concerns. In order to guarantee that their research is morally and legally acceptable, researchers must abide by these rules. Hence, by ensuring that research is carried out in a responsible and respectful manner, ethical concerns can aid in the advancement of scientific knowledge. Researchers can contribute to the progress of scientific understanding and the enhancement of the well-being of people by carrying out rigorous, ethical, and open research.

3. Project planning

3.1 Project Plan

This research paper's schedule is based on a total duration of 16 to 17 weeks, or around 5 months. A number of factors, including the scope and level of detail of the research project, as well as external factors like participation and resource availability, and the period of time for each activity may change. A research project plan should be adaptable and flexible given that it might need to be updated as the project develops. The efficacy of the research project can also be improved through effective project leadership, collaboration with team members, and communication with stakeholders.

Figure 3.1: Project Plan

The above-pasted figure depicts the whole-time span of this research. As stated earlier, it will take about 5 months. As the plan suggests in figure 3.1.1, it has been evident that the research study begins by defining the research objectives, questions and aim, which leads to further steps.

Native Assignment Help is your go-to source for all construction assignment help. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to providing high-quality, customised solutions that meet your academic requirements. Get the best help and succeed!

References

Banalieva, E.R. and Dhanaraj, C., 2019. Internalization theory for the digital economy.Journal of International Business Studies,50, pp.1372-1387.

Beck, C.T., 2019.Secondary qualitative data analysis in the health and social sciences. Routledge.

Bonnet, D. and Westerman, G., 2020. The new elements of digital transformation.MIT Sloan Management Review,62(2).

Chatfield, S.L., 2020. Recommendations for secondary analysis of qualitative data.The Qualitative Report,25(3), pp.833-842.

Davidson, E., Edwards, R., Jamieson, L. and Weller, S., 2019. Big data, qualitative style: a breadth-and-depth method for working with large amounts of secondary qualitative data.Quality & quantity,53, pp.363-376.

Dufour, I.F. and Richard, M.C., 2019. Theorizing from secondary qualitative data: A comparison of two data analysis methods.Cogent Education,6(1), p.1690265.

Kern, F.G. and Mustasilta, K., 2023. Beyond Replication: Secondary Qualitative Data Analysis in Political Science.Comparative Political Studies, p.00104140221139388.

Li, J., Chen, L., Yi, J., Mao, J. and Liao, J., 2019. Ecosystem-specific advantages in international digital commerce.Journal of International Business Studies,50, pp.1448-1463.

Lochmiller, C.R., 2021. Conducting Thematic Analysis with Qualitative Data.Qualitative Report,26(6).

Martínez-Caro, E., Cegarra-Navarro, J.G. and Alfonso-Ruiz, F.J., 2020. Digital technologies and firm performance: The role of digital organisational culture.Technological Forecasting and Social Change,154, p.119962.

Monaghan, S., Tippmann, E. and Coviello, N., 2020. Born digitals: Thoughts on their internationalization and a research agenda.Journal of International Business Studies,51, pp.11-22.

Pell, R., Oien, K., Robinson, M., Pitman, H., Rajpoot, N., Rittscher, J., Snead, D., Verrill, C., UK National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cellular?Molecular Pathology (CM?Path) quality assurance working group, Driskell, O.J. and Hall, A., 2019. The use of digital pathology and image analysis in clinical trials.The Journal of Pathology: Clinical Research,5(2), pp.81-90.

Quinn, L.M., Davies, M.J. and Hadjiconstantinou, M., 2020. Virtual consultations and the role of technology during the COVID-19 pandemic for people with type 2 diabetes: the UK perspective.Journal of Medical Internet Research,22(8), p.e21609.

RODRIGUES, M., FRANCO, M. and SILVA, R., 2023. DIGITALISATION AND INNOVATION IN SMES: INFLUENCES ON THE ADVANTAGES OF DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP.International Journal of Innovation Management, p.2250066.

Ruggiano, N. and Perry, T.E., 2019. Conducting secondary analysis of qualitative data: Should we, can we, and how?.Qualitative Social Work,18(1), pp.81-97.

Watson, A. and Wilkinson, T.M., 2022. Digital healthcare in COPD management: a narrative review on the advantages, pitfalls, and need for further research.Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease,16, p.17534666221075493.