State of Readiness of Nigerian Construction Industry towards Digital Transformation: The Construction Professionals’ Perception
F. O. Ezeokoli *
Department of Building, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
C. I. Onyia
Department of Building, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
C. B. N. Bert-Okonkwor
Department of Building, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: This study examines the extent of readiness of Nigeria construction firms toward digital transformation within the study area.
Study Design: It was a survey research, questionnaires containing information relating to digital Technologies, trend and transformation were administered randomly to selected construction practitioners in Anambra State, Nigeria.
Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in Anambra State, Nigeria for a period of 6 months.
Methodology: A total of 84 questionnaires were administered to selected respondents; 80 copies were completed, returned and found useful, thus, giving a response rate of 95%. Data collected were analysed and presented using mean, percentages, relative importance index (RII), bar charts and pie charts.
Results: The study found out that 63% of construction professional is satisfied with their firm readiness to digital transformation. However, the application of digital technologies skills and its transformation in the study area is still at foundation level. The use of mobile and social technologies (83%), entrepreneurship (73%) and Customer experience & strategic thinking (59%) are common in the study area while InMemory Databases skills (36%), Cloud Computing (39%) and Big Data Analytics (44%) are rare. Furthermore 35%, 53% 1% and 11% of the firms are planning to kick up digital transformation, undergoing some forms of digital transformation, attained or don’t see the need for digital transformation respectively.
Conclusion: The study was concluded by recommending that construction practitioners should be properly sensitised on the need to understand and conceptualise on how digital transformation and technology will impact construction processes & activities and ability to manage or work within digitally-savvy environments.
Keywords: Digital skills & technology, digital transformation, construction industry, construction professionals, Anambra State.