Ali & Sons Contracting Company LLC: Automation in Construction Report

This report presents an action research project investigating the impact of automation on construction activities, specifically within Ali & Sons Contracting Company LLC. The research aims to critically discuss how automation affects productivity, cost, quality, and safety in the construction sector. The study includes a literature review on automation in construction, analyzing its benefits such as cost reduction and increased safety, and explores the entrepreneurial opportunity of automation. The methodology employs an interpretivism research philosophy, focusing on qualitative data analysis. The report also includes a project plan and research questions to guide the investigation, culminating in an analysis of the automation's impact on various aspects of construction, with the goal of providing valuable insights into the integration of automation in construction practices.

Entrepreneurial
Action Assessment
Table of Contents
1. ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT REPORT.............................................................................3

1.1 Entrepreneurial Opportunity.............................................................................................3
1.2 Research methodology.....................................................................................................7
1.4 Literature review............................................................................................................11
Impact on automation for reducing cost and increasing safety factors in construction.......18
1.5 Analysis of the entrepreneurial opportunity/ challenge..................................................21
Concept of automation on construction activities................................................................21
Benefits that could be attain by construction through enhancing automation in construction
practices................................................................................................................................23
Impact of automation for reducing cost and increasing safety factors in construction........25
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................28
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................29
(Books and Journal)..............................................................................................................29

1. ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT REPORT
1.1 Entrepreneurial Opportunity
Background of Research
The construction sector is one of the most necessary sector in all over the world. It is
playing an essential role in economic development of country. The construction is high hazard
sector that mainly comprises wider range of the activities consisting plans, constructs, design,
maintain and demolishes buildings. Scope of the automation in construction is wider that
encompassing different construction stage from planning and design by construction of facility,
operation to building recycling and the engineering structures. The businesses are mainly looking
for automating repetitive ways, dangerous risks and the time consuming to increase efficient and
make improvement in worker’s safety (Aghimien, 2019)
.
The construction industries play a vital role in world economy & contribute around 7-8% of total
employment around the world though the industry suffer long enough for innovation & low
technological advancement. Technology in today’s world considered as a backbone for any
country's development. The country experience growth an exponential level in construction
sector. In recent times the construction industry gradually started using automated & robotics
system in construction like, 3D printing, robots including mule for specialize in brick laying &
some tailored robots to perform some specifically design tasks. Though these are at initial stage
of usage but have significant impact on humanize functions as how they use to do construction
work manually. These automations in construction industry bring a new era for life style with
innovative, less labour intensive, cost benefit techniques not only save time but also save
expenses that usually occur with manual labour. Growing demand for smart homes, villas,
resorts etc. in UAE, the country may experience a major growth in automation in construction
sector.
Current research is based on the Ali & Sons Contracting Company LLC (ASC), is a local
business operate their commercial activities in Abu Dhabi in the year of 1979. It is a subsidiary
of Ali & Sons Holding. Mainly, it is a general construction company and also specialising in
civil construction pf residential. Along with this, it is also a commercial and industrial building

that classified through contractors Committee and planning department of Abu Dhabi as a
Special category in relation to building and steel construction.
Research Aim
This is one of the important sub section of entire research as it is a base on which each
and every activities of investigation are based. Mainly, it expresses the purpose and an aspiration
of the research on which investigator can easily undertake overall analysis. With the assistance
of this, researcher can attain reliable and valuable results at the end of the study. As it makes
entire research activities more effective and successful as well. In this context, the main aim of
research is “To critically discuss the impact of the automation on the construction activities
instead of humans in terms of the productivity, cost, quality and safety.”
Research Objectives
It is also an important phase of undertaking research activities as it is based over the research
aim developed by investigator to execute the same. Along with this, investigator focus on
variables present in the research aim so that realistic and appropriate objectives of study can be
easily developed. By this, investigator can gather detailed information that directly contributes in
drawing a valid conclusion at the end of investigation. In relation to this, there are some
appropriate objective that can be understood by following objectives:
• To identify the concept of automation on construction activities.
• To analyse the benefits that could be attain by construction through enhancing
automation in construction practices.
• To evaluate the impact on automation for reducing cost and increasing safety factors
in construction.
Research Questions
It is important for an investigator to develop an appropriate question that support in
addressing the specified problem with the aim of taking right solution. Mainly, it is related with
the research objectives that develop an important area on which researcher can improve the
chances of attaining reliable outcomes within the research activities. Research questions help
investigator to in evaluating the areas for further improvement in the study. All the research
questions can be understood by following points:

• What is the concept of automation on construction activities?
• What are the benefits that could be attain by construction through enhancing
automation in construction practices?
• What is the impact on automation for reducing cost and increasing safety factors in
construction?
Hypothesis
• H0: Automation has improved quality and productivity
• H1: There’s no impact of automation on construction activities
Scope of research
The scope of this project is very broad because it is based on the impact of the
automation on the construction activities instead of humans in terms of the productivity, cost,
quality and safety. In relation to construction activity that cover various aspects of construction
life from initial planning and design by construction facility and also manage all the operation
and maintenance. In construction sector, recent development of computer science, and robotics
have also provide scope to the company in improving its productivity level. Along with this,
various new technologies and machinery have also developed that make construction activity
easier. One of the main benefit of using advancement of technology within the construction
activity is to minimise the construction cost and project time period. This will directly contribute
in maximizing the productivity level automation and is quality. Furthermore, various
construction industry also operates and conduct within the risky condition. As it requires robotics
with the aim of improving safety and quality work that directly contributes in attaining success in
the construction industry. This is the reason that investigator undertake current investigation as it
provides assistance in improvising the chances of attaining positive results at the end of the
investigation.
Project plan
It is an important section of undertaking research activities as it provides assistance to
researcher in completing whole study in more effective way. Mainly, it includes various plans
and activities along with appropriate time frame so that researcher can easily complete the study
and attain reliable outcomes. For this, investigator develop a Gantt chart that is related with the
graphical representation consist various activities and task along with specified time frame. This

will support in successfully execute each and every task activity without any kind of issues and
obstacles.
Evidence management of the project from idea
This research has various opportunities that assist researcher in determining the actual
impact of automation on construction activities. Now a day’s, majority of business are
developing new and advancement of technologies to make their activities more effective and
smooth manner. As automation may increase the productivity of construction project by reducing
the laborious work and duration. One of the main advantage of implementing automation in
construction industry may assist in improving the quality of work as compare to unskilled
workers. Basically, the construction industry is one of the important or fundamental economic
sector in over the world. In this context, automation and technological innovations have
interrupted the construction landscape as it also bringing with new aspects and prospects that
directly contributes in increasing profitability level of construction company by providing safe
and productive project. In addition to this, the major opportunity of undertaking this project is
that automation help construction activity is to improve the quality of project that directly assist
in maximizing overall performance of business organization.

1.2 Research methodology
Research methodology is explained as the particular process that used to determine, choose
and also examine the information regarding topic. It allows reader to evaluate the validity and
also reliability of study. Methodology explains wider philosophical underpinning to selected
research methods consisting using the quantitative or qualitative methods or mix. It is necessary
that researcher should be clear regarding academic basis for all research methods choices which
have made. Study about the research methods helps in provide the guidance about conducting the
research project in significant manner. It provides essential training or guidance to selecting
methods, tools and materials which are necessary to chosen issue. There has been research onion
used for the purpose of doing the research methodology. Saunders research onion mainly
illustrates different stages included in doing research work that developed through Saunders et.
al., (2007). Layers of onion provides detailed explanation of research process stages. The
different stages included in research onion mention below:
Research Philosophy- It is related to the belief regarding way under which the data regarding
phenomenon should be collected as well as analysed in significant manner. There are
interpretivism and positivism two different philosophies of research.
Interpretivism philosophy- This is based on principle that stated an investigator mainly
performs particular role in order to observing things. In this, research is mainly based on what
the interest of investigator is. Interpretivism is mainly linked with philosophical position of
idealism & is used with diversity approaches. With help of this research It helps in accessing to
multiple methods, with purpose of reflecting of different parts of issues. Through accessing to
interpretivism results in using of information & resources effectively.
Positivism philosophy- It is based on idea that the scientific knowledge is acceptable of
world and also characterised through testing hypothesis that derived from existing knowledge
theory. In regards to this, body of investigation mainly generated through philosophical stance
that can be replicated through other investigators. It is based on the empirical data with large
samples which used to make the generalizations. In the positivism research philosophy, role of
an investigator is limited regarding data collection as well as interpretation in objective manner.
In this type of the research, findings are mainly quantifiable and observable. It is mainly based
on the quantifiable observation which lead to the statistical analysis. Research philosophy is
essential in projects as well as research because it help in understanding of subjects, field, assist

in solution of problem,improve communication & writing skills at wider level. It has been too
examined that research philosophy helps in making aware about beliefs and assumptions which
have been made. The process of research is time consuming which is needed to be done in most
efficient manner.
Justification: There has been interpretivism research philosophy used as this adheres the
factual knowledge that mainly gained through the observation. In this, interpretivist investigator
is seen playing necessary role in making the sense and also interpreting gathered data. The main
benefit of using this research philosophy is that it provides the information and data in detailed
manner.
Research Approach- It is related to approach that an investigator takes that can have explained
as either deductive or inductive. The research approach are process and plan for conducting an
investigation that span steps from wider assumptions to the detailed data collection and also
analysis. Different research approaches are given below:
Deductive approach- When conducting the deductive research, it is necessary to begin
with theory. This approach can be defined through hypothesis means that can have derived from
propositions of theory. It is the one that people are related with the scientific research. It is
generally related with the quantitative investigation. The benefit of this approach is that there is
possibility to define the causal relationships among variables and concepts. There is more
possibility to generalize the research related findings to certain extent. The main benefit of
deductive research approach is to define the causal relationship among variables and concepts.
Inductive approach- This approach is systematic process for examining the qualitative
data under which analysis is to be guided through particular evaluation objectives. It moves from
particular observations to wider generalisations. The main focus of inductive approach is to
move from the particular observation to wider generalisations.
Justification: In this, inductive research approach has been used as it is based on the
qualitative research method. The benefit of using inductive research approach is that it begins
with proper observations that proposed towards end of investigation and getting positive
outcomes.
Research Choice- It seek to inform an investigator what data is gathered through using the
effective and efficient sources. It is the responsibility of an investigator to select the better

research choice for getting positive outcomes. There are qualitative and quantitative two
different choices which mention below:
Qualitative research choice- This generally consists to gathering and also examining the
non- numerical data in order to understand the experiences, concepts and opinions. The
qualitative research choice can be effectively used to collect the in- depth insight into issue or
also generate effective ideas for an investigation.
Quantitative research choice- This is process of gathering and also examining the
numerical data and information. It can mainly be used to search patterns, make the predictions
and generalise outcomes to the wider populations. An investigator analyse data through use of
statistics and will be yield unbiased outcomes which can be generalise larger population.
Quantitative research choice has been used in this investigation because it is mainly use to
quantify issue of generating the numerical data which can transformed into the usable statistics.
In this, it is necessary to assure better sample size that used to gain the accurate outcomes. The
quantitative investigation needs the careful design and ability for the anyone both test as well as
outcomes. It makes data that an investigator mainly collected reliable and minimum open to an
argument.
Justification: In conducting the present investigation, there has been qualitative research
method used as it provides the detailed investigation on specific subject area. The qualitative
research approach to an investigation is not bound through limitations of the quantitative method.
If the response does not fit expectations of an investigator, then this is useful qualitative equally
to add the context.
Research Strategy- It is step by step action plan that provides proper direction to efforts and
thoughts. This enables to conduct an investigation in systematic manner and also develop the
valid outcomes within given time period. There are different research strategies such as
interviews, case study, survey and others.
Justification: In conducting the current investigation, there has been case study research
strategy used. This research method is used for detailed study regarding specific case. The main
reason of doing case study is that it has narrow focus that results in the descriptive data in
detailed manner.
Data collection methods- It is explained as process of gathering, examining and also analysing
accurate and reliable insights for an investigation using the validation techniques. Objective of

the data collection is to assure that information should be reliable for the statistical analysis so
that positive outcomes can be gained. Data is mainly gathered to subjected to the hypothesis
testing that seeks to define phenomenon. For data collection, there is range of the research
outcomes for which data is effectively gathered. Its main purpose is to put an investigator in
vantage position in order to make the predictions regarding future trends as well as possibilities.
Different data collection methods given below:
Primary method- This type of the data is mainly gathered through an investigator from
main sources for an instance surveys, experiments, interviews and observations. This data is
mainly gathered from sources where it originated from and considered as better research data.
The main benefit of using this method is that it provide appropriate credentials. Primary method
is to be considered as most effect approach on basis of which it is fresh and new information is
being gathered in appropriate manner. Through this method, it is easier to enhance reliability of
project & research. Further, it is cost expensive procedure provide effective data.
Secondary method- In this, information is collected through the other person than actual
user. The information and data is available already and also analyse through some other person.
The different secondary sources consist books, articles, internet sources, scholars and journals.
Secondary approaches are also beneficial which help in gaining information & data through
secondary sources. These are viewed as less cost expensive as compared to primary methods. It
is because already collected credentials, data are being focused by investigators & are used in
their research projects.
Justification: In conducting the present investigation, there has been secondary method of
data collection used. The main reason to use secondary method is that it is easier to find the
information in less period of time. Secondary data is mainly available from some other sources
and making this easier to be carried out an investigation.
Time horizon- The time horizon are of two different types such as longitudinal and cross
sectional. This layer of the research onion mainly explains time frame for an investigation. The
different time horizons are mention below:
Cross- sectional time horizon- It is short term study consisting collection of the
information and data at particular time period. This is snapshot of specific group of the people at
provided time period.

Longitudinal time horizon- This is collection of the information repeatedly over long
time period in context to compare the data. This is observational study under which the data is
collected from similar sample over extended time period.
Justification: In conducting the present research, there has been cross- sectional time
horizon used. The main reason to use this time horizon is that through this method, multiple
variables can be studied effectively at single time. This is cheaper as comparison to longitutional
time horizon.
1.4 Literature review
It synthesized the scholarly literature on topic through examining effective sources
selection. This mainly explains the themes but demonstrate understanding of author regarding
literature by effective critical analysis and determine gaps in an investigation. The literature
review determines, examines and also synthesis relevant literature within specific area of an
investigation. It is related to gathering published information on to critically discuss the impact
of the automation on the construction activities instead of humans in terms of the productivity,
cost, quality and safety. The main purpose of literature review is to gain the in- depth
understanding of existing investigation and also debates regarding to specific subject area.
conducting the literature review aids in develop knowledge in area. it provides the readers
understanding of scholarly investigation on topic area. In literature review, researcher will give
synthesis of problems, concepts and trends surroundings of an investigation. In this, secondary
sources have been used to attain objectives for an instance books, internet sources, scholars,
journals and others. The present investigation is related to collection of data and information
about the impact of the automation on the construction activities instead of humans in terms of
the productivity, cost, quality and safety. With overview of literature review, it help in brief
understanding of topic which is automation in construction activities. Also, it helps in
understanding of task & other concept of research in most effective manner. It is essential for
investigator as well as researcher to have appropriate knowledge about literature as it clear the
mind set of reader in simpler manner. The LR gives a detailed knowledge about the task, scope,
objective of research in appropriate way. This clear the facts of about all information which has
been gathered for research. Main benefits of literature review is that it help in analysing of
current state of research on topic, examining of knowledge about chosen topic, detailed analysis
of questions that are needed for proposed research ,using of methodologies in relation of same

topic within past years. Conducting LR helps in understanding of clear research, justify research
& topic, help in accessing of theoretical framework, develop knowledge additionally.
Concept of automation on construction activities
According to viewpoint of Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke and Clinton Aigbavboa (2020)
Automation in the construction has found way to be concrete mixing. The control system and
robotics are mainly used to mix the concrete, polish floors, lay cement and also remove the
surface water. Automation can keep process in- house, minimize lead times and improvement in
process control as comparison to going overseas. The automation solution is mainly based on
unique requirement and pay quickly because of less operating costs, enhanced output and
minimize the lead times. It permits firms to be prepare the ready mixed and precast concrete
goods which take shorter time to be install. The shortage of labour us one of the main reason of
automation. The construction automation assists in the quality control and minimize the time of
construction. In regards to this, scope of the construction automation is wider and also consisting
whole construction stages such as production of the construction materials, onsite construction,
prefabrication of the construction components and also stricture recycling. Automation in
construction mainly addresses different and serious problems regarding construction such as
skilled labour shortage, low quality of the final product, poor weather condition, labour safety
and the short construction which are the main project features. If the automation in construction
industry is practised, then work will be on the continuous basis and construction period will
reduce and give more economic benefits. In regards to this, construction automation mainly
improves the labours safety and increase work quality. In the construction industry, automation
enhance construction project productivity, minimize labour work, enhance construction safety
and also enhance work quality as comparison to the unskilled workers. In the construction
sector, automation will develop enhancing skill mismatch in the construction. The workers
require fair amount of the physical skills even if the robots do physical work about laying the
bricks, workers will require to drive as well as maneuver the heavy equipment. They will require
to pair work with technological skills. In order to adjusting to automation in the construction will
need the efforts from public industries, private and the sector related to support the worker in
order to developing skills to make transition. On the other hand, uniform quality with the high
accuracy that given through the skilled employees. It mainly replaces the human operators in the
tasks which consist monotonous or physical work. The automation replaces the human being in