Developing a success model for implementing wearable sensing devices in the construction industry

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Date
2019
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Publisher
University of Alabama Libraries
Abstract

In recent years, the need to curb high workers’ fatality rate in the construction industry has led to extensive efforts by practitioners and researchers to seek new work methods. Researchers have suggested that the limited use of technological applications – such as data capture and processing tools – is a possible reason for the poor safety performance. In a bid to optimize jobsite processes, Wearable Sensing Devices (WSDs) are slowly emerging as a class of viable tools with strong potential to improve personalized safety measurement and monitoring. While some industries have successfully utilized WSDs, such as Smart Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), to track pieces of data related to health, fitness or even location, the construction industry has been relatively slow in implementing WSDs. Although some gains are expected, construction management research is yet to provide clear evidence of the impact of WSDs on vital organizational performance metrics such as safety and productivity. To fill this gap, the present study established a WSD success model using multiple complementary frameworks and theories. To further strengthen the perception on the impact of WSDs as an effective control measure, an overview on the utility, potential impact, and current use of WSDs is provided. The success model was tested using survey questionnaires retrieved from 415 WSD users in the United States. Test results indicate a good fit and an overall positive relationship between WSD use and organizational success. This hybrid model provided critical insights on the impact of WSDs on the project, and organizational metrics, essential information for supporting the increased adoption of WSDs. It is believed that this framework will also guide construction practitioners in the effective integration of WSDs into their work processes.

Description
Electronic Thesis or Dissertation
Keywords
Civil engineering
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