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Digitalization as a Strategic Means of Achieving Sustainable Efficiencies in Construction Management: A Critical Review

Author

Listed:
  • Bahareh Nikmehr

    (School of Architecture and Built Environment, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia)

  • M. Reza Hosseini

    (School of Architecture and Built Environment, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia)

  • Igor Martek

    (School of Architecture and Built Environment, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia)

  • Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas

    (Institute of Sustainable Construction, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, LT-10223 Vilnius, Lithuania)

  • Jurgita Antucheviciene

    (Department of Construction Management and Real Estate, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, LT-10223 Vilnius, Lithuania)

Abstract

Construction is a complex activity, characterized by high levels of capital investment, relatively long delivery durations, multitudinous risks and uncertainties, as well as requiring the integration of multiple skills delivering a huge volume of tasks and processes. All of these must be coordinated carefully if time, cost, and quality constraints are to be met. At the same time, construction is renowned for performing poorly regarding sustainability metrics. Construction activity generates high volumes of waste, requires vast amounts of resources and materials, while consuming a significant proportion of total energy generated. Digitalization of the construction workplace and construction activities has the potential of improving construction performance both in terms of business results as well as sustainability outcomes. This is because, to put it simply, reduced energy usage, for example, impacts economic and “green” performance, simultaneously. Firms tinkering with digitalization, however, do not always achieve the hoped-for outcomes. The challenge faced is that a digital transition of construction firms must be carried out at a strategic level—requiring a comprehensive change management protocol. What then does a digital strategy entail? This study puts forward an argument for the combined economic and sustainability dividends to be had from digitizing construction firm activities. It outlines the requirements for achieving digitalization. The elements of a comprehensive digitalization strategy are cataloged, while the various approaches to developing a digitalization strategy are discussed. This study offers practitioners a useful framework by which to consider their own firm-level efforts at digitalization transition.

Suggested Citation

  • Bahareh Nikmehr & M. Reza Hosseini & Igor Martek & Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas & Jurgita Antucheviciene, 2021. "Digitalization as a Strategic Means of Achieving Sustainable Efficiencies in Construction Management: A Critical Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-12, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:9:p:5040-:d:546927
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Matt, C. & Hess, Thomas & Benlian, Alexander, 2015. "Digital Transformation Strategies," Publications of Darmstadt Technical University, Institute for Business Studies (BWL) 75002, Darmstadt Technical University, Department of Business Administration, Economics and Law, Institute for Business Studies (BWL).
    2. Matt, C. & Hess, Thomas & Benlian, Alexander, 2015. "Digital Transformation Strategies," Publications of Darmstadt Technical University, Institute for Business Studies (BWL) 75202, Darmstadt Technical University, Department of Business Administration, Economics and Law, Institute for Business Studies (BWL).
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    Cited by:

    1. Guanqiao Zhang & Tao Wang & Yuhan Wang & Shuai Zhang & Wenhao Lin & Zixin Dou & Haitao Du, 2023. "Study on the Influencing Factors of Digital Transformation of Construction Enterprises from the Perspective of Dual Effects—A Hybrid Approach Based on PLS-SEM and fsQCA," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-22, April.
    2. Bahareh Nikmehr & M. Reza Hosseini & Jun Wang & Nicholas Chileshe & Raufdeen Rameezdeen, 2021. "BIM-Based Tools for Managing Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW): A Scoping Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-19, July.
    3. Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas & Jurgita Antucheviciene & M. Reza Hosseini & Igor Martek, 2021. "Sustainable Construction Engineering and Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-8, November.
    4. Albérico Travassos Rosário & Joana Carmo Dias, 2022. "Sustainability and the Digital Transition: A Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-18, March.
    5. Rabia Charef, 2022. "Is Circular Economy for the Built Environment a Myth or a Real Opportunity?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-5, December.
    6. Sambo Lyson Zulu & Ali M. Saad, 2023. "A Sensemaking Perspective of Digitalisation in Construction Organisations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-18, January.
    7. Škare, Marinko & Gavurova, Beata & Porada-Rochon, Malgorzata, 2024. "Digitalization and carbon footprint: Building a path to a sustainable economic growth," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    8. Kerry Anne London & Tanya Meade & Craig McLachlan, 2022. "Healthier Construction: Conceptualising Transformation of Mental Health Outcomes through an Integrated Supply Chain Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-13, August.
    9. Mohammad Javad Bidel & Hossein Safari & Hannan Amoozad Mahdiraji & Edmundas Kazimieras Zavadskas & Jurgita Antucheviciene, 2022. "A Framework for Project Delivery Systems via Hybrid Fuzzy Risk Analysis: Application and Extension in ICT," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 10(17), pages 1-22, September.

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