Evaluation of factors affecting the effective implementation of Internet of Things and cloud computing in the construction industry through WASPAS and TOPSIS methods

Abstract

The infrastructure of any nation plays a vital role in its development, and these developments totally rely on the construction industry. New technologies such as Internet-of-Things (IoT) and cloud computing contribute in the growth of all industries including construction industry which is a bit slow to embrace new technology. Therefore to boost this, identification and analyzing risks using Multi-Criteria-Decision-Making (MCDM) methods and finally to provide mitigation measures before the implementation would enhance the probability of successful completion of the project within stipulated time and cost frame. This paper aims to identify and evaluate the factors affecting implementation of IoT and cloud computing in construction industry using simple and reliable MCDM methods such as Weighted-Aggregated-Sum-Product-Assessment (WASPAS) and Technique-for-Order-of-Preference-by-Similarity-to-Ideal-Solution (TOPSIS), which have not been utilized yet. Authors identified 50 factors from existing literature and personal experience and then conducted a questionnaire survey through personal meetings, telephonic interview and Google forms receiving 140 responses from construction professionals in Gujarat, India. ‘Research-development and innovation-of-technology’ ranked first in the both methods. Authors recommended collaboration among construction professionals, researchers, and technology specialists, as well as the formation of a specific R&D department inside construction organizations to focus on technological innovation for successful project implementation.