Topic:
How technology is impacting the construction industry
Methodological Approach
The questionnaire and case study are based on the imperative of traversing the impact of technological advancements and their direct correlation with the future of the construction industry globally. These methods successfully describe the systematic characteristics of the merits and demerits of technology–directly implied in this sector of the industry (Hampson, 2020). Simultaneously, it establishes a cause-and-effect relationship between the former and the latter. The initial hypothesis suggests that technological advancements have positively impacted the construction industry, thereby multiplying the productivity and yields. To prove the hypothesis, both quantitative and qualitative data types are used, in form of questionnaires and case studies (SalahAlaloul, March 2020).
Types of data used
Data was collected through questionnaires and surveys distributed. Questions revolved around both discrete and continuous forms of data. Answers on the survey ranged from 0 to 5, where 5 was the best score and 0 was the worst score that could be given (Leite, November 2016). Arithmetic and Statistical operations of Linear Regression and T-test were later used to analyse the data.
Ethical considerations
Identifiable private information such as names and job statuses of those who participated in the survey were kept anonymous to maintain confidentiality. All the participants partook in this research voluntarily (Ngowi, November 2005). Hence informed consent was religiously followed.
Method of Data Collection
Statistical analysis makes it possible to analyse and comprehend the data supplied in quantitative research. This allows scientists and researchers to better grasp and interpret the data presented in quantitative research. A variety of qualitative research techniques are used, including in-depth talks, in-depth surveys, and case studies or document reviews, to name a few. As a general rule, quantitative data tells us about the choices made by respondents, but qualitative data explains why those decisions were made. Findings drawn from quantitative observation are more accurate than conclusions drawn from qualitative observation techniques, which cannot be quantified. When doing quantitative research, it is essential to choose an adequate sample size in order to assure accuracy and consistency. A sufficient number of respondents should be included in a sample to allow for broad observations to be made that are representative of the whole population. Since larger samples are more reliable and can lead to more important conclusions, market researchers who use larger samples in their research can use the information gathered in the study to get more reliable information.
Quantitative surveys, which are a kind of data collection instrument, may be used to gather information from people and groups. Category questions (e.g., “yes/no”) and interval/ratio questions are the most frequently encountered forms of inquiries (e.g., rating-scale, Likert-scale). They may be able to deduce information about their gender, income, profession, and other demographics from the information they collect, in addition to their other characteristics. In this instance, as well, a Likert scale was used. The questions were created by using a combination of discrete and continuous data sources. The responses to the survey were graded on a scale of 0 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score and 0 representing the lowest possible score, with the highest possible score being 5.
During survey administration, a psychometric scale known as the Likert scale is utilised to generate scale-based questions. It’s a popular kind of question that you’ll encounter in surveys. When responding to a Likert-style survey question, respondents may choose from among a number of replies that correlate to their degree of agreement or disagreement with the topic, rather than just replying “yes” or “no.” When doing market research and measuring a respondent’s view or attitude toward a certain issue, the use of Likert scale survey questions is vital. For survey responses, it is typical to use a Likert scale with a response range of five, seven, or nine points to determine how strongly they agree or disagree with various claims stated in the questionnaire. In order to examine a single construct, there are multiple approaches that may be used, the most popular of which is to make several assertions in rapid succession. It is a valuable tool for academics working in many different domains due to the fact that this technique is relevant to so many different topics.
Methods of Analysis
It is necessary to design an adequate research framework in order to completely appreciate the outcomes of the survey on technology use. In order to control the use of technology in construction survey operations, this study framework has been developed. This study framework is based on data from a recent survey and previous research, and it will be used as the foundation for more research in the coming years.
By demonstrating how to do so (technological acceptance and utilisation), TAM teaches consumers how to accept and utilise a technical solution. According to the idea of user-centered design, a variety of variables impact users’ decisions on how and when to utilise new technology when it is first given to them. The results of the t-test, rather than the output of the TAM, will be the primary focus of this study’s investigation into the amount to which new technologies are being adopted.
Contractors were asked to fill in the questionnaires and a t-test was performed to see if there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups of contractors in their acceptance of new technology, their understanding of technology, and their experience with implementing new technology. It is the p-value that is used to establish whether or not there is a statistically significant difference in technology real-utilisation, perceived ease of use, and perceived utility when testing for statistically significant differences. By doing a t-test on particular technical features, this poll may be used to determine whether or not construction sector contractors embrace such elements. Creating groups of individuals may, of course, aid you in your efforts to achieve this aim. The t-test is used to determine whether or not the means of two groups are statistically different from one another. This technique is useful for comparing the mean values of two groups, and it is particularly advantageous for this purpose. In addition to understanding and utilisation of technology, the perceived ease with which technological developments may be applied and the perceived worth of technological breakthroughs are also items on the t-test.
Mathematical sampling based on the theories of statistical probability was used. Units and variables were selected from the population in an arranged mathematical order. Stata was used as the primary computational method to measure the quantifiable dataset. Longitudinal studies and paper surveys were distributed amongst the sampled population on the controlled construction sites. The survey had questionnaires with each unit containing six to seven relevant questions. Each question either asked to rank the improvement on a scale of 0 to 5 or answer where on the construction site was that particular piece of technology most effective.
The SPSS and Stata software packages were utilised in the analysis of the data acquired via questionnaires, and the results were extrapolated. SPSS enabled me to foresee the trend and to produce projections in a timely and straightforward manner. For the purpose of statistically extrapolating the answers from the questionnaire, simple linear regression as well as T-tests were used (Hampson, 2020). Stata makes it simple to investigate data patterns and to create graphical representations of the data with ease.
Statistical testing will be performed on the raw data acquired from the questionnaires, and a summary of the findings will be prepared based on the output results. Open-ended questions will be provided in order to get a varied range of responses. The surveys will be made available on the internet, and participation from building project managers will be solicited using social media sites and electronic word of mouth campaigns. The participants will not be needed to provide their permission. For the purpose of allowing anonymous participation, links to the questionnaire will be made accessible on various social media platforms.
