Abstract
D.Phil. (Engineering Management)
Innovation has been a significant focus for progressive sectors' continued development and growth. The construction sector is now experiencing a similar surge in development. Adopting innovative technologies in the construction industry has benefited organisations, including having an advantage over competitors and a share market increase. The construction industry needs to adapt to the ever-changing environment, and high client demands remain relevant in the current complex environments. The innovative culture will lead to projects delivered more successfully, leading to the economy’s development and maximising profits. Despite the demonstrated benefits of innovation and digitalisation, the construction industry has paid minimal attention to its digital transformation. Digital transformation has shown evidence and potential to reduce costs, increase efficiency, client satisfaction, and improve quality. The adoption of digital technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM), with the current fourth industrial revolution (4IR), is still proving difficult. Digitalisation creates opportunities for innovative businesses and drives creative business processes that are key to organisation and organisational capabilities. Business efficiency and effectiveness are essential to survival for small and medium enterprises. However, BIM usage by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is low in contrast to large organisations. Consequently, SMEs’ low level of BIM adoption deprives them of the capacity to compete for infrastructure jobs in Government and private sectors. Given the inadequate level of BIM adoption in the construction sector and the apparent reasons for adopting the project delivery approach, including the scanty literature available on the subject. A systematic literature review is administered on the position of BIM adoption within SMEs. The literature on the current trends of BIM adoption and research in the construction sector is also conducted. Another literature review was conducted on general technology adoption by the construction industry and other sectors. Based on the established literature and conceptual technology adoption model, an empirical data collection process was then conducted to test the model. The empirical data was collected using two questionnaire surveys in South Africa. The first questionnaire survey was focused on technology adoption and was administered among the Banking, Automotive and Information Technology sector and other technology-based industries. In the second survey, information on the status of BIM maturity was sought. The v second questionnaire survey was administered among construction SMEs. The obtained data were examined and modelled using a structural equation modelling software, AMOS version 26. The first set of outcomes concerning technology adoption found that government support, company strategy, technology need, organisational culture, company capacity, and type of technology directly and positively influenced technology adoption. Further, the study found that several barriers impede the adoption of BIM among SMEs. The barriers include the time of investment and cost, lack of BIM awareness, low education level in BIM and other digital technologies, culture, and education. The investigation makes a notable addition to acknowledging technology adoption in the sector. The indicator factors can be utilised to characterise and determine technology and the BIM adoption process. Therefore, the study recommends that the construction industry improve technology adoption. Mainly, improving technology adoption levels is critical to enhancing the industry's performance.