Challenges to the implementation of emerging technologies for quality management in construction projects

Purpose Emerging technologies are designed to provide remarkable benefits to safety on site, quality and productivity improvement. This study aimed to examine the challenges of emerging technologies implementation for quality management in construction projects. Design/methodology/approach The study designed a questionnaire to examine the challenges of implementing emerging technologies for quality management in construction projects. Questionnaires were distributed, and 127 valid responses were elicited. Thereafter, data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings The results from the study revealed that cost (high costs of software and hardware), resistance to change and risk of technology obsolescence were the top three challenges of emerging technologies in construction quality management implementation in Nigeria. Furthermore, the results revealed from data analysis that there are no statistically significant differences in the factors that hinder emerging technologies for quality management within Nigeria’s construction sector between consulting, contracting and client construction organisations. Originality/value The study's findings contributed to more effective quality management studies by highlighting critical challenges of implementing emerging technologies in construction quality management. An understanding of these challenges could aid construction practitioners, organisations, government and policymakers in developing strategies for minimising these challenges and promoting the application of emerging technologies for quality management in the sector. Drawing from the research findings, a roadmap for overcoming barriers to technology adoption in construction quality management was developed to guide construction firms in implementing emerging technologies in construction quality management. Finally, suggestions for future research were also highlighted.