In the rapidly evolving landscape of construction technology, a groundbreaking study led by Khaled A. Alrasheed from the Department of Civil Engineering at Kuwait University has shed new light on how cloud computing can significantly enhance project outcomes in the construction sector. Published in the journal “Discover Civil Engineering” (translated as “Exploring Civil Engineering”), the research delves into the intricate relationships between cloud computing adoption, organizational performance, and construction project success, particularly within the context of the Pakistani construction sector.
Alrasheed and his team employed a robust quantitative research design, distributing structured questionnaires to construction professionals and analyzing 214 valid responses. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), they evaluated the direct and indirect effects of various cloud computing dimensions on organizational performance and construction project success. The study operationalized cloud computing through four key dimensions: Flexibility & Accessibility (FA), Reliability & Availability (RA), Security & Scalability (SS), and Collaboration & Productivity (CP).
The findings revealed that all four dimensions of cloud computing had significant positive effects on construction project success. Flexibility & Accessibility emerged as the strongest enabler, with a substantial impact (β = 0.54), followed by Collaboration & Productivity (β = 0.355), Reliability & Availability (β = 0.215), and Security & Scalability (β = 0.159). “This indicates that the ability to access and manage project data flexibly and collaboratively is crucial for achieving project success in a digital construction environment,” Alrasheed explained.
Moreover, the study highlighted the mediating role of organizational performance. Flexibility & Accessibility (β = 0.299), Reliability & Availability (β = 0.165), and Security & Scalability (β = 0.172) significantly improved organizational performance, which in turn, enhanced construction project success. “Organizational performance acts as a bridge, amplifying the positive effects of cloud computing on project outcomes,” Alrasheed noted. However, Collaboration & Productivity did not significantly influence organizational performance, suggesting a more complex relationship that warrants further investigation.
The model demonstrated high explanatory power for construction project success (R² = 0.901) and moderate explanatory power for organizational performance (R² = 0.411). These findings provide compelling evidence for construction firms and policymakers, particularly in developing economies, to prioritize cloud-enabled digital strategies. By strengthening organizational capabilities and addressing infrastructure and governance barriers, construction companies can maximize the benefits of cloud computing, ultimately leading to improved project outcomes.
The implications of this research extend beyond the construction sector, offering valuable insights for the energy sector as well. As construction projects increasingly integrate renewable energy solutions and smart technologies, the need for robust, flexible, and secure data management systems becomes paramount. Cloud computing can facilitate seamless collaboration among stakeholders, enhance project visibility, and improve decision-making processes, all of which are critical for the successful implementation of energy projects.
This study not only underscores the importance of cloud computing in modern construction but also paves the way for future research into the nuanced relationships between digital technologies, organizational performance, and project success. As the construction and energy sectors continue to evolve, the findings from Alrasheed’s research will undoubtedly shape the development of innovative strategies and technologies aimed at enhancing project outcomes and driving industry growth.