Abstract:
The Construction Industry (CI) is a vital sector that continually seeks to enhance productivity
and profitability, facing distinct challenges compared to other industries. Amidst global trends
emphasising the integration of digital technologies for improved productivity, the CI's adoption
of such innovation technologies lags in a global perspective. The study recognises that digital
transformation is vital to significant productivity gains in the construction industry. However,
in the Sri Lankan context, a comprehensive study has not yet been done to develop a tool to
assess the Sri Lankan construction industry's readiness towards digitalisation. This research
paper addresses this gap by developing a readiness model and a self-assessment tool to measure
the organisational readiness of Sri Lankan construction industry to adopt digital technologies
in a holistic approach. This study employs a multi-dimensional approach by amalgamating the
Technology-Organisation-Environment framework and the Readiness for Workforce Strategic
Change Management framework, effectively addressing the complexities of digital technology
adoption within organisations. A rigorous literature survey identified 15 readiness indicators
spanning Environment, Technology, Organisation, Leadership, and Workforce dimensions to
evaluate the construction industry's readiness. The research employs a mixed-methods
approach involving a literature survey, pilot questionnaire, comprehensive questionnaire, and
robust data analysis techniques, including descriptive, factor, and Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation
analyses. The outcomes reveal a nuanced understanding of critical indicators, categorised into
two groups named ELPA (Environment, Leadership, Workforce Attitude, and Organisational
Performance) and TOK (Technology, Organisation, and Technical Knowledge). The study's
primary contributions include the development of an organisational readiness model and a selfassessment
tool, facilitating self-evaluation by construction organisations. The developed
readiness model integrates these dimensions through weighted indicators, providing a holistic
assessment of readiness.
The self-assessment tool operationalises the model, enabling practitioners to gauge readiness
by assessing each indicator's relevance towards digitalisation. The model is underpinned by
Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation, ensuring objectivity and addressing subjective judgments. The
assessment tool is precious for its practical applicability, offering a user-friendly approach for
organisations to identify their strengths and weaknesses towards digital technology adoption at
the organisational level. Ultimately, this research sheds light on the readiness landscape of the
Sri Lankan construction industry, paving the way for strategic interventions and informed
decision-making towards digitalisation. By aligning strategic plans based on the results
obtained from the developed readiness model, organisations can drive their digital
transformation journey, harnessing the potential of digital technologies to boost construction
industry performance, bridge productivity gaps, and contribute to the economic growth of Sri
Lanka.
