Objective – This research introduces the Kaleidoscope Model, which offers a roadmap for policymakers to perform effective changes with the moderating effect of the challenges faced. Methodology – The study employs document analysis and semi-structured interviews for qualitative data through content analysis. Findings – Results highlight that Policy Adoption and Policy Implementation notably influence the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Construction 4.0 policy. It is found that the moderating effect (challenges) does not influence the adoption of the Construction 4.0 policy in the Malaysian construction industry. Novelty – The novelty of this research lies in its provision of a framework, namely the Kaleidoscope Model, designed to facilitate the assessment of the effectiveness of implementing the Construction 4.0 policy in Malaysia. This framework aids policymakers and construction stakeholders in better understanding how to embrace new technologies, ultimately contributing to the realization of policy goals and enhancing effectiveness and efficiency in the construction industry. Type of Paper: Empirical JEL Classification: L74, L78. Keywords: Construction 4.0 Policy; Policy Change; Kaleidoscope Model; Policy Implementation Challenges; Malaysian Construction Industry Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Chan, S; Chai, C; Lim, C.B; Ekambaram, P.; Ghani, M.K.B; LEE, C. (2023). Navigating the Path to Construction 4.0: Policies, Challenges, and Strategies in Malaysian Construction Industry, J. Bus. Econ. Review, 8(3), 89–103. https://doi.org/10.35609/jber.2023.8.3(3)
The rise of digitalization is prompting governments to reconsider their strategies due to challenges faced by industries during this transition. Governments have prioritized Industry 4.0, implementing large-scale policies to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and workforce skills. However, understanding the complex process of policy change poses difficulties in driving necessary transformations. This research introduces the Kaleidoscope Model, which offers a roadmap for policymakers to perform effective changes with the moderating effect – challenges faced. The study employs document analysis and semi-structured interviews for qualitative data through content analysis. Results highlight that Policy Adoption and Policy Implementation notably influence the evaluation of the Construction 4.0 policy's effectiveness. Interestingly, the final model doesn't show a clear link between the Kaleidoscope Model and policy evaluation due to moderating effects. This research expands political science by aiding the implementation of the Construction 4.0 policy, providing guidelines for policymakers and construction stakeholders. By embracing advanced technologies, the construction industry's dynamics are transformed to align with the goals of the policy. Keywords: Construction 4.0 Policy; Construction Industry; Implication; Malaysia; Policy Change
Abstract Global industries are investing in technology to accelerate digital transformation. Construction is also most likely to be digitalised based on current technology trends. However, technology adoption is not the only ingredient to successfully transform the construction industry towards the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). This transformation requires additional changes for the employees. It is expected to significantly impact the talent landscape, ranging from job categories to skill sets. While this transformation holds excellent benefits, it also poses many challenges. This paper discusses the challenges that individuals, construction companies and governments face from a talent perspective. The data is obtained from literature review results and content analysis through focus group discussion. A focus group discussion was conducted among experts with high knowledge in both the construction industry and 4IR. Information obtained from the discussion was used to identify and categorise the determining challenges. The study revealed nine (9) major talent challenges that the construction industry is currently facing, such as inadequate high skilled talent, lack of education and training to widen talent readiness, talent job security, lack of awareness or clarity of 4IR, dependency on outside talent, employer’s readiness, negative attitude of future talent towards changes, the potential of emigration of highly trained or qualified talent, and strong resistance towards new changes and technologies. 4IR can be implemented effectively in the Malaysian construction industry if key challenges that hold the talent are overcome. In conclusion, an active role from quadruple helix collaboration positively assist the transformation.
Dispute is not uncommon in the complex and fragmented construction industry. Construction disputes, even though extensively investigated, still plagued the Malaysian construction industry. This paper aims to develop a dispute performance index to predict the dispute occurrence in Malaysia. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 374 respondents to generate the weightage of the indices. Dispute sources were classified into stages of pre-construction, construction, and post construction. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was conducted on the data collected from the survey. PCA analysis results were then utilized to perform Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis. SEM evaluated the causal relationship between dispute sources and dispute resolution methods to develop a dispute resolution performance index. The index is essential to benchmark the dispute resolution performance and hence provides a guideline to the construction players in handling and or avoiding disputes.
With extremely strong solar radiation during the year, Malaysia has the greatest potential for solar-energy implementation. However, despite the widespread interest in the country, solar energy is still not widely utilized in residential buildings. Thus, this research aimed to identify the implementation and challenges of implementing solar energy in residential buildings and strategies to promote solar energy in Malaysia. Thirteen responses from representatives of solar companies in Malaysia were obtained through interviews. Through the research results, the implementation and challenges faced in implementing solar technologies were identified, together with strategies to promote solar technology. High installation costs, lack of awareness, and lack of incentive schemes are the barriers that prevent people from installing solar technology, as revealed by the interviews. Therefore, the government should make greater efforts to promote solar energy to the public. Interviewees suggested successful financial incentive schemes, personal tax exemptions, and public awareness programs to attract consumer interest as ways to increase solar adoption. The findings of this research may be used to help the government develop policies to promote solar energy for electricity consumption in residential buildings.
Purpose Partnering has been introduced to the construction field to improve project delivery efficiency. However, little research outlines the factors influencing the intention to form partnerships. This paper aims to investigate the relationships between attitude, subjective norm perceived behavioural control (PBC) and intention to form partnering, as well as to elicit behavioural, normative and control beliefs regarding partnering formation. The study also examines the relationships between these beliefs and their respective constructs within the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework. Design/methodology/approach In order to achieve these objectives, a two-stage approach was employed. First, a belief elicitation study (BES) involving 20 construction industry professionals was conducted to elicit salient beliefs. Subsequently, a TPB survey was administered to 99 contractors from grades G4 to G7. Partial Least Square analysis assessed the factors influencing the intention to form partnering. Findings The results supported six hypotheses, while six others were unsupported. Perceived usefulness significantly influenced attitude towards intention to form partnering, followed by attitude itself, which also significantly influenced intention. The project management team and sole proprietors had significant effects on the subjective norms, while facilitating conditions and consensus on appropriation significantly affected PBC. Practical implications This research contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the role of intention in partnering formation. Moreover, by applying the BES, this research extends the TPB model of intention to form partnering in construction projects, offering valuable insights for future research and practice. Originality/value This study investigates the relationships between attitude, subjective norm PBC and intention to form partnering, as well as to elicit behavioural, normative and control beliefs regarding partnering formation. The study also examines the relationships between these beliefs and their respective constructs within the TPB framework.
The construction industry has been treated by
fragmentation, lack of integration and complexities in processes and activities which could ultimately bring a negative impact to the construction project success. Therefore, collaboration is very important with the purpose to improve the productivity and effectiveness of construction management and to ensure the efficient utilization of resources. Cloud computing is the latest
technology which has acted as a platform to support access to applications, information and services by using only an internet connection. However, it is doubt that the construction stakeholders are aware and use the cloud computing. Thus, the purpose of this research is to determine the awareness of cloud computing and identify the reasons of engagement with cloud computing in Malaysia construction industry. This research was focused on the main contractors within Johore Bahru only. In
this research, the research method used quantitative approach and descriptive analysis includes frequency analysis and mean score to interpret the data. From the finding of the research, the Malaysian construction professions have the awareness on cloud computing. However, their level of knowledge is at low level. The
concept of cloud computing is still new and it is still in the infant stage of its development in Malaysia construction industry.
A construction project team is comprised of personnel from different backgrounds working together to achieve common goals. Integration is necessary so that the team can leverage its collective skills, knowledge and experience to achieve success. However, the benefits of integration have yet to be fully understood and optimised, due to an inconsistent shared vision, poor communication and coordination, and the lack of cooperation and collaboration from team members. This study explores team integration in the construction industry. A new team integration concept of 4Cs (Communication, Coordination, Cooperation and Collaboration) has been developed through a critical review of existing theories. This study contributes to the understanding of complex integration issues in construction project teamwork. The newly conceptualised model can serve as a framework for stakeholders in organising project teamwork and act as a catalyst to improve project performance.
Numerous studies have been conducted in the construction sector to assess how project delivery techniques affect project success. However, the project team's setup and structure have received minimal attention, hence requiring more thorough studies that systematically review the body of knowledge on project team performance in the construction industry. This study aims to improve project team performance in the construction sector by systematically reviewing a considerable number of prior research that focused on project team approaches. A narrative literature review approach was used to accomplish this goal using two major journal databases, Scopus and Web of Science. The search efforts resulted in the identification of 28 publications for systematic review. The results found 23 essential approaches for raising project team productivity. Based on the workplace, these approaches were divided into two categories: psychosocial factors and physical factors. Importantly, the results of this review demonstrated a significant relationship between the majority of variables and the elements of the psychosocial work environment. Finally, this study offers several suggestions for future research based on the knowledge gathered from the review.