Assessment of the Linkages and Leakages in a Cloud-Based Computing
Collaboration among Construction Stakeholders
Adedeji Afolabi
1
; Lekan Amusan
2
; Dele Owolabi
3
; Rapheal Ojelabi
4
; Opeyemi
Joshua
5
; and Patience Tunji-Olayeni
6
1
Covenant Univ., Km 10 Idiroko Rd., Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. E-mail:
adedeji.afolabi@covenantuniversity.edu.ng
2
Covenant Univ., Km 10 Idiroko Rd., Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
3
Covenant Univ., Km 10 Idiroko Rd., Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
4
Covenant Univ., Km 10 Idiroko Rd., Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
5
Covenant Univ., Km 10 Idiroko Rd., Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
6
Covenant Univ., Km 10 Idiroko Rd., Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Abstract
The uniqueness of the construction industry can be understood in the large volumes
of information in terms of paper works, processes, and communication disseminated
daily. The voluminous information requires close coordination which cloud based
systems offer. The aim of this research is to assess the linkages and leakages in a
cloud-based computing collaboration among construction stakeholders. A purposive
sampling technique was used in selecting the participants of the study. A
questionnaire based instrument was distributed to eighty (80) construction
stakeholder in Lagos State, Nigeria. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS
v.21. Statistical tools such as frequencies, stacked bars, mean scores, factor analysis,
and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used in the study. The result of the study
revealed that construction stakeholders rarely utilize cloud-based technologies for
their construction processes. Construction professionals that access cloud based
technologies, do so with their smart mobile phones, laptops, and tablet. The study
classified the leakages that exist in the use of cloud-based technologies as security-
based factors, cloud-based infrastructure factors, and cloud-based benefits deficiency
based factors. In conclusion, the study revealed that the linkages in the use of cloud-
based technologies include knowledge sharing, remote access of back-office activities
and engendering collaboration among construction stakeholders. It was recommended
that construction stakeholders should leverage on the benefits cloud-based
technologies has to offer in today’s competitive economy. Construction stakeholders
should be adequately informed on the available cloud-based computing technologies
and the additions it can bring into the construction process. Cloud computing
technology vendors should improve on the security and privacy features of the
platform for adequate protection of building data.
Keywords: Cloud-based systems; Collaborative technologies; Construction
stakeholders; Information sharing; Linkages and leakages.
INTRODUCTION
In today’s world, the construction industry is characterized by the information
and the people involved in its delivery process. Khan et al. (2015) opined that the
Construction Research Congress 2018 673
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