Digitalization in Construction Projects and the Impact on Quality Management Aspects

Digitalization in construction projects
and the impact on the quality
management aspects

Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background............................................................................................................................1
1.2 Research aim and objectives..................................................................................................2
1.3 Rationale of the study................................................................................................................3
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW..........................................................................................................3
2.1 Understanding the importance of quality management in construction projects..................3
2.2 Evaluating different digital tools for quality management in construction projects.............5
2.3 Analyzing different issues in implementing digitalization....................................................6
3.0 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY.....................................................................8
3.1 Type of the study...................................................................................................................8
3.2 Research philosophy..............................................................................................................9
3.3 Research design...................................................................................................................10
3.4 Research approach...............................................................................................................10
3.5 Data collection.....................................................................................................................11
3.6 Sampling..............................................................................................................................11
3.7 Data analysis........................................................................................................................12
3.8 Research limitations.............................................................................................................12
3.9 Ethical consideration...........................................................................................................12
4.0 TIME SCHEDULE..................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Technologies are used in the both such as manufacturing and construction that has
changed the entire industrial sectors (Amaratunga, Haigh, Malalgoda & Keraminiyage, 2016).
The planning of construction is a complex activity for the management of construction projects
because it includes the selection of advanced technologies, assessment of required resources,
estimation of completion time etc. (Yang, 2018). In this context, construction is the process of
handling and assembling of material as well as tools in a complete operational facility of the
project. Information technology has a contribution to the transformation of industrial society into
an information society because technology is affecting businesses at a large extent. In this regard,
digitalization in each sector is changing the face of the competition in the world. (Sommer, 2015;
Hongyan, Dayi, Yun, Jianlin & Shuai, 2011). In this context, digitalization has entered into
construction industry to reduce the risk and protection of the workers at the site.
Digitalization in construction has been changed the industry dynamics because it
develops the opportunities and challenges for the project management in context of power
positions, shifting of roles and responsibilities etc. The involvement of digitalization in
construction is strengthening the relevant industry because it is contributing to quality
measurement by improving the efficiency of the equipment and processes. Moreover, few of the
studies reveals that there is a positive relationship between digitalization and quality aspects of
construction. Additionally, the work is performed on the basis of quality standards that are
associated with Total Quality Management (TQM) tool (Ablikim et al., 2010; Karyotakis &
Moustakis, 2014). Furthermore, the involvement of digitalization in construction helps to
minimize the time, cost; however, the cost for small sized construction companies is maximized
by using digital tools because it enhances the overall cost of the construction project by
involving the heavy equipment in small construction projects (Hong, Xue & Thottethodi, 2011).
Digitalization required in the construction of the bridge and large buildings because they
require innovations in the designs (Ibem & Laryea, 2014). The risk for the human beings reduces
due to use of the digital tools in large construction because it involves the 3D modeling and
digital engineering for the infrastructure of the buildings. Further, digitalization is helpful for the
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construction projects because it relates to implementation of quality measurements in
construction. Moreover, the quality improves by involving the efficient material handling that is
helpful to avail the material on time at the location of the site (Harris & McCaffer, 2013).
However, it is not easy for companies to implement digitalization in construction because it
increases the number of issues and challenges related to the operation of the tools, lack of digital
education, low budget etc. Moreover, it also deals with a major problem related to the legacy
system in the implementation of digitalization (Maciel, 2011). To implement the digital tools, the
company has to follow the legal rules and have to take the authentic right to use the digital tool
for the construction of buildings.
Workers resist to accept the change in the construction of involvement of digitalization
because it generates a fear in the workers that a replacement of workers can take place after
implementing digital tools. However, the fear can be reduced by effective interaction with
workers. and providing required training to existing workforce to operate the digital tools in the
construction. It might be possible that employees easily accept the digitalization as well as
morale of the workers can be boosted. Therefore, it shows that digitalization in construction has
a major impact on quality delivery and improvement in the consumption of excess of time.
However, it requires authentic permission as per the legal rules to implement the digitalization in
the construction company.
1.2 Research aim and objectives
The aim and objectives of the study are as follows-
Aim
To critically analyze the impact of digitalization on quality management aspects in
construction projects
The objectives of the study will be as follows-
 To understand the importance of quality management in construction projects
 To evaluate different digital tools for quality management in construction projects
 To analyze different issues in implementing digitalization
 To recommend strategies to deal with the issues of digitalization in construction projects
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1.3 Rationale of the study
The quality of construction is affected by the involvement of advanced technologies from
inception to completion of the project. Quality measurements in the construction are based on the
innovative tools and aspects to maintain the standard of the quality (Becerik-Gerber, Jazizadeh &
Calis, 2011). Here, the study will be conducted to assess the impact of digitalization on quality
management aspects in construction projects. By conducting the current study, it will be easy for
the project managers to learn about the process of digitalization. Further, the knowledge
regarding use of different types of digital tool will also be developed in project manager.
Moreover, it would be helpful for the construction companies to assess the importance of quality
aspects by incorporating the digital tools in construction. On the other hand, the current study
will also provide the outcomes regarding of use and implications of digital tools. Additionally, it
will also generate the competitiveness for the construction companies in the market.
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Understanding the importance of quality management in construction projects
Quality assurance process is required to measure the quality plan and to control the
quality standards. Here, the importance of quality management in construction are explained as
follows-
 Quality management and construction projects- According to several studies, the
construction projects always based the time, cost, delivery of quality and focuses on
maintaining a balance between cost and quality elements which are required for the
success of the projects (Mallawaarachchi & Senaratne, 2015, p.11; Rumane, 2016; Meng,
2012; Chen & Luo, 2014). On the other hand, Doloi (2012) stated that effective quality
management programs are helpful to reduce the overall cost of the projects and leads to
problem free running of the construction projects. Apart from this, Kelly, Male &
Graham (2014) argued that involvement of quality management in the construction
maximizes the overall cost of the projects because it requires to implement the electrical
tools to manage the quality. Thus, it shows that there is a relationship between quality
management and construction projects and are interlinked through time management,
cost control and delivery of quality projects in the society.
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Kerzner (2004) stated that quality management is important for the construction
projects which is directly associated with the life cycle of the projects. If the project
manager uses the quality assurance techniques in the construction then it affects the
overall quality outcome of the construction projects. On a contrary, Hannure & Kulkarni
(2014) asserted that fake construction projects take place if the quality aspects are not
involved as per the required standards. Additionally, the occurrence of errors in the
construction arises frequently which leads to cost for the contractors as well as owners of
the projects. Nonetheless, Harrington, Voehl & Wiggin (2012) mentioned that quality
concepts require to implement new designs, structures which demanded the involvement
of skilled workers in the project teams. However, Olawale & Sun (2010) examined that
quality management in the construction industry can be achieved by fulfilling the
requirements of the designers, government agencies, contractors, owners etc. Therefore,
it indicates that quality management can be achieved by quality assurance tools and
employing the skilled workers in the project teams. However, the level of quality
standards can be reduced by delaying in fulfilling the expectations of the parties of
construction projects.
 Quality management and competitive advantage- Several studies reveal that there is a
link between quality management and competitive advantages because by keeping the
quality records in the construction helps to achieve competitive advantage (Chileshe &
Watson, 2001; Chileshe & Watson, 2003; McWilliams & Siegel, 2011). Further, Hannure
& Kulkarni (2014) Stated that quality management takes place through effective material
management in the construction projects because effective management of materials
enhances the chances to reduce the cost of material handling. Moreover, also accelerate
overall opportunities to maintain the inventories of material and deliver the required
material on time for the completion of projects. On a contrary, Pfaff (2012) argued that
automation plays a key role in the maintenance of quality in construction projects;
however, contractors are not able to prefer the heavy tools in the small construction
projects to maintain the excellent quality because it requires the higher cost to transport
and use the tools at the site. Further, Harris & McCaffer (2013) asserted that Total
Quality Management (TQM) is supportive to offer the competitive advantage in all fields
because businesses of contractors have been explored through the involvement of quality
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