Exploring Students’ Acceptance of Construction Information Technology: The Development of a Comprehensive Technology Acceptance Model for the Design of an Education Program at a Japanese University

Abstract

Construction information technology (CIT), particularly building information modeling, is globally embraced in industry but relatively new to Japanese universities because of its unique interdisciplinary nature. This presents challenges for students and instructors. Promoting the widespread adoption of CIT in Japan necessitates the development of undergraduates’ proficiency in hard and soft engineering. The problem is that Japanese universities lack research and curricula concerning CIT education—a deficiency that raises the need to evaluate students’ perceptions and acceptance of such education. This study is an initial endeavor to fulfill this need, with a view to providing curriculum recommendations and insights into the issue of interest via the analysis of students’ awareness by developing a comprehensive technology acceptance model (TAM). The findings revealed that students’ exposure to and knowledge of CIT during their university education significantly influence their perception of its utility, thereby affecting their acceptance of CIT courses. Their perception of the usefulness of CIT in future employment is a more influential factor in their willingness or readiness to accept and participate in CIT courses than its perceived importance for industry development. To facilitate the advancement of the construction sector, stakeholders should develop an industry–university collaboration-based education program that bridges the gap between academic and industry needs, creates job opportunities for students, and nurtures talent.