Track: Construction Management

Abstract

The construction sector, a pivotal force in the state's economy, operates within a dynamic and intricate environment. Its profound impact extends beyond erecting structures to encompass strategic decisions on land allocation and new development placement. Despite technological investments, the industry grapples with challenges related to project timelines, business expansion, and the mitigation of factors contributing to project delays. This study investigates the significant causes of project delays in South African construction firms amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Objectives include recognizing adverse aspects affecting the industry's project completion, identifying delay-inducing factors, and proposing ways to fortify the sector by leveraging 4IR tools. The research employs a quantitative approach, utilizing both primary and secondary data sources. Both primary and secondary data have been collected in this study. The primary data collection process employed a questionnaire specifically designed based on the issues identified by the study's theoretical model as impacting the South African construction sector. Respondents completed an online questionnaire, and the collected responses were subsequently subjected to analysis. The secondary data have mostly been collected through academic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC and IEEE Xplore. Validity and reliability were ensured through factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha coefficient. An inter-item correlation matrix evaluates the interconnectedness of constructs. Results underscore the interconnectedness of constructs, revealing significant relationships within the construction sector and 4IR. While the literature aligns with delays in the South African construction industry, survey outcomes indicate the underutilization of 4IR tools. Delays primarily stem from unskilled labour and regulatory inadequacies, emphasizing the sector's potential for improvement through strategic technological integration.