The quest for construction industry (CI) development in developing countries has met with several challenges. These challenges are numerous and varied. The study aimed to provide a framework by which the construction industry development agenda in developing countries could be prosecuted through a more structured and systemic approach. The qualitative research approach was adopted for the study. This approach was employed within the constructivist epistemological paradigm. Regarding information gathering, the study used the integrative literature review approach to elucidate the construction industry’s nature and its proper systemic context. Complexity, interconnectedness, fragmentation, culture, and informality were found to be common challenges inherent in most CIs. Concerning the development of the industry, the approach was to (1) consider the industry as a system of systems (enabling the use of the principles of systems thinking and systems engineering), (2) apply the concepts of sustainable development as considered within the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and specified in the triple-bottom-line (TBL), i.e., the economic, environmental, and social dimensions, (3) identify the components of CI development (eight components were identified), which are: technology development, corporate development, human resource development, institutional development, material development, documentation, practice and procedure, and operating environment), and (4) Integrated studies. A conceptual framework was modelled from all the identified constructs. Based on this model, it was possible to propose a framework for assessing the maturity level of a country's sustainable construction industry development and, thereby, monitor its systemic development.
The quest by most countries to achieve sustainable construction has met with several challenges as evidenced in low goal accomplishment. This is largely due to the fact that the issues have not been addressed within the context of the CI. Using the system thinking philosophy as applied to the construction industry, it should be possible to ensure sustainable development within the entire industry which should then spearhead sustainable construction as part of its sustainable development goals (SDGs). This paper proposes a framework by which a construction industry of a country could be developed sustainably and systemically. The methodology used involved an analytic study of relevant literature, reports and other documents on the implementation and challenges in sustainable development as applied to the construction industry. It identifies the major challenges and barriers militating against the CI development which must be addressed. It also posits that the goals of sustainable CI development should be linked to the SDGs. A framework is designed by which all the development of all the systems or organisations in the CI (all firms: construction, consulting, supplying, etc.) could be achieved taking cognisance of the identifiable components of CI development. This continuous process of ensuring sustainable development of the various organisations which shall be measured, monitored and managed (The 3Ms) will provide the needed environment for sustainable construction industry among other benefits. The framework is expected to operate on a construction industry information modelling (CIIM) principle and in an environment akin to the Building information modelling (BIM).
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.